Q&A: Ben & Brody
These two are the real deal. The immensely talented brother/sister pop duo from Auckland Ben & Brody (just 15 & 18 years old!) won The Smokefree Rockquest National Solo-Duo section last year, as well as “ZM Best Song”, with their latest single “Open Up”. Produced by renowned kiwi Simon Gooding (P!NK, Dua Lipa, Drax Project), the catchy track showcases their sensational vocals that melt together like butter - listening to it is guaranteed to put you in the best mood!
We’d love to know a little bit about your musical journey so far from when you first started singing!
Ben and I (Brody) have been singing for as long as we can remember! We grew up in a home that was constantly listening to music, and our love for singing came really naturally. But we started performing together at the ages of 7 & 9! Busking, fundraising and playing lots of gigs!
Congrats on winning The Smokefree Rockquest National Solo-Duo section last year, as well as “ZM Best Song” with “Open Up”! What was that experience like?
Thank you! The experience was really surreal, and to this day we’re so grateful that Rockquest were able to go ahead with an online competition. We felt so humbled to receive ZM’s Best Song Award - and we had such a good time listening to/appreciating the other artists talent. We miss Rockquest!
We’re obsessed with your stunning single “Open Up” and both of your incredible voices! Can you tell us a little bit about the meaning behind this track and what inspired you to write it?
Thanks again! This song was essentially inspired by a made up story or narrative we created. It’s based on two people who really like each other, but are somewhat too shy or nervous to talk, open up and be themselves. It’s something I can relate to, because often being shy can hold me back - but I love the idea of being unapologetically myself, and that’s the message behind the song. Simply to open up to the people around us - and we hope people enjoy it :)
What was your main highlight working on “Open Up”?
The main highlight would definitely have to be working alongside Simon Gooding, who we were lucky enough to have produced the song - he added so much to the track and truly couldn’t have done a better job. Working at Parachute Studios was an absolute treat, and the whole production team - including Imaginary Creative who directed the visuals were an absolute dream to have on board :)
We’re so pumped to hear more of your music! What can you tell us about your upcoming tracks, and do you have an EP/album on the way soon? 👀
We’re so pumped too! We have a lot of music in the works, and we’re itching to release it all! At the moment we are working towards an EP, but more of that to come soon! ...
Who are your biggest inspirations in music?
Our biggest inspirations musically would have to be: Billie & Finneas, Ed Sheeran, Julia Michaels and Rex Orange County. But we also love anything classic! We listen to so much music, some other favourites would be The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and Crowded House.
Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you love or connect with?
Favourite NZ artists! Wow we have a lot, to mention a few: Foley, MCK, SIX60 and Paige.
What do you love most about living in New Zealand? Do you have any favourite places to travel to or local spots to visit?
We love the people! Especially the musos, everyone here is so passionate and kind - we feel really at home and lucky to live in this beautiful country :)
Ben actually loves the cold - and I’m definitely more of a summer person, so we don’t share a favourite place. But I’d say mine would be anywhere in the Coromandel, and Ben’s would be some place in the South Island.
Lastly, if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?
As cliché as it sounds: you look lovely when you smile - spread kindness :)
Thanks so much Ben & Brody! Make sure to keep up with them on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify or Apple Music.
