Benjamin Elgar was already running his show when he was only sixteen, making sure the lighting was the way he wanted it and taking full advantage of those resources. Now, after moving from his native Romania to Los Angeles, having spent much of his teenage years dancing, gigging, and fine-tuning his artistry in nightclubs, he's releasing his new single, HOE, in collaboration with rapper Bhad Bhabie. And this is just the beginning. His debut album drops this summer, as he tells us in the interview you can read below.
“It’s emotional, messy, sexy, and cinematic. Just like me,” he tells us about the album he’ll be releasing in the next few months, allowing us to learn more about his creative universe and his way of seeing the world. Since he released his single Better Tho, which debuted at #3 on the iTunes Pop Charts and reached #9 worldwide, the artist felt his voice started to be heard all over the world. Since then, his community of fans has continued to grow. “I realised I wasn’t just singing into a void anymore. People were feeling it. That’s the cool thing about social media and music nowadays.”
Benjamin, welcome to METAL! How are you, and where are you responding to us from?
Thank you! I’m doing great. I’m in LA right now, in the studio locking in some last-minute touches on the album.
The first thing that caught my attention is that your last Instagram post is from November 2024. What have you been doing in the last few months, and what’s the reason for your break from social media?
I needed a reset. After back-to-back releases, I wanted to take this time to fully focus on finishing my album and get the best visual for HOE.
With a community of over 100,000 followers on Instagram, people from all over the world follow every step you take. When did you first feel your voice was being heard globally?
When I released Better Tho. The messages from people from different parts of the world. I realised I wasn’t just singing into a void anymore. People were feeling it. That’s the cool thing about social media and music nowadays.
Now you’re releasing your first single of the year, HOE featuring Bhad Bhabie. How do you feel?
Liberated. It’s the most confident I’ve ever felt putting out a record. It’s loud, unfiltered, and hilarious in a way only pop music can be.
The track comes along with a music video defined by energy, strength and sensuality. Could you tell us more about the concept and the creation process of this new single?
From the start, HOE was meant to be loud, unapologetic, and a little chaotic in the best way. I wanted it to feel like a reclaiming of power, especially for anyone who’s ever been judged for being confident, sexy, or in control of their own body. The music video is a reflection of that energy: there’s fire, there’s sweat, there’s attitude.
Visually, I leaned into extremes, hyper-masculine and hyper-feminine, holy and sinful, playful and intense. I worked closely with my choreographer and creative team to build something that felt like a physical manifestation of the beat itself: sharp, raw, and constantly moving. This was also my first time bringing in another artist like Bhad Bhabie, and she absolutely delivered. Her energy was amazing, and it elevated the whole thing.
What would you like your fans to feel when they listen to HOE for the first time?
Like they can conquer anything. Like the opinions of others don’t define them. Like they’re sexy and unstoppable.
You previously released your single Better Tho, which debuted at #3 on the iTunes Pop Charts and reached #9 worldwide. What did this single mean to you?
It was a healing moment. Better Tho was about reclaiming strength after heartbreak. The fact that people connected with it made me feel less alone.
And what has changed since you moved from Romania to Los Angeles? Have you experienced significant personal growth since then?
Absolutely. I went from being a kid with a dream to a man building a career. I’ve learnt how to say no, how to own my identity, and how to turn pain into power.
Who were your favourite artists back then? Did you have any idols?
Britney, Michael, Timbaland, Missy Elliott, Aaliyah, Madonna. Anyone who pushed boundaries and turned songs into events.
Do you remember the first concert you went to?
Yes, Nicki Minaj. My older sister was a fan. It was also the first time I inhaled weed from people smoking in the venue… was kind of cool, haha.
Did you always pursue the dream of being an artist, or did you ever think it was an impossible mission?
I always believed it was possible, even when people told me otherwise. Especially then, actually.
What has helped you the most during times when you felt the future was uncertain or when you were having a low mood?
Music and movement. Dancing, walking, even cleaning, gets me out of my head.
What is life like in Los Angeles? What do you like most and least?
It’s intense. I love the energy, the ambition, and the sun. But sometimes the industry side can feel isolating. That’s why I keep my real friends close.
And what can you tell us about your next projects? Will you be releasing new music soon?
Yes, this is just the beginning. My debut album drops this summer. It’s emotional, messy, sexy, and cinematic. Just like me.