Benny Benassi

Milan born Italian DJ/producer stalwart Benny Benassi – real name Marco Benassi – is widely regarded as one of the most charming, down to earth, internationally respected and treasured artists in the music industry. With over a decade to his illustrious career already, the chart-topping megastar has wholly managed to capture the hearts of multiple generations of EDM fans across the world with his flawless trademark tech/electro/house infused sounds and charismatic performance flair. Whether he’s behind the booth or in the studio, there’s never a dull moment when Benny’s around and fortunately for us, he’s showing no signs of slowing down whatsoever. Let’s indulge in a little bit of history di Benassi… Obviously no account of Mr Benassi’s star-spangled career could pass without special mention of the international hit single that was ‘Satisfaction’. Unleashed on the world back in 2002, this globally celebrated record catapulted Benny from a once humble dance act into a world-famous artist almost overnight. Masterfully conjured up with first cousin and production partner in crime Alessandro ‘Alle’ Benassi (the pair openly work together on all of Benny’s musical output to this day) the record saw huge success especially in Europe, as it shot to #1 in the Official Dance Chart in France for over four weeks, #2 in the Official UK Top 40 singles chart and #2 in the Official Dance Chart in Germany to name but a few. His ensuing debut solo album ‘Hypnotica’ naturally followed suit, reaching Top 20 status in the Official Album Sales Chart in France and remaining there for over a month, peaking at #5. The critically acclaimed LP was subsequently awarded the ‘European Border Breakers Award’ for racking up the most record sales for an Italian album outside of Italy. 2003 saw the irrepressible Benassi go on to win a whole host of accolades and noteworthy recognition. Bagging DJ Mag’s ‘Tune of the Year’, ‘Revelation of the Year’ in the Italian Dance Music Awards, ‘Dance Revelation of the Year’ in the Danish Music Awards – not forgetting his nomination for NRJ Radio’s International Revelation of the Year’ (France) – it started to become increasingly clear that Benny Benassi had arrived in a seriously big way. Having hit #18 (highest new entry) in the DJ Mag Top 100 poll the previous year, 2005 then saw Benny release his second studio album ‘Phobia’ – another titanic ‘Benassi Bros’ collaboration that instantly hit the Top 20 of the French Album Sales Chart. With 2 albums and some exceptional groundwork already in place, Benny then used the latter part of the ‘noughties’ to further cement his spot as one of the most in-demand DJs in the industry. Headline performances at countless festivals around the globe (Ultra Music Festival, Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival, Movement, UV Nation and Labour of Love to name just a few); a string of high-profile remixes and collaborations with the likes of Madonna, Kelis and David Bowie; a third artist album ‘Rock n Rave’ (2008); and a brand new radio show on Sirius XM’s Electric Area were just a handful of stellar achievements – all of which bore worthy testament to the might of this truly class act. Most noteworthy of all, however, was on 10th February 2008, when Benny was awarded one of the most coveted accolades in music – a Grammy, for his exceptional rework of Public Enemy’s monster track Bring the Noise. This official recognition, coupled with his steady stream of success and achievement from the past decade would soon grab the attention of the most eminent names in music, and take the Italian to previously unbeknownst heights. Sure enough, in 2011 Benny Benassi hit the big time. Having teamed up with Kelis, Apl.de.ap and Jean-Baptsiste for the colossal ‘Spaceship’ single – the first to be taken from his 5th studio album ‘Electroman’ – Benny then went on to join forces with R&B megastar Chris Brown to produce one of the biggest crossover records of the year. Reaching the Top 10 in the Official Singles charts in the UK and numerous other territories around the world ‘Beautiful People’ shot the popular Italian maestro to undeniable international recognition. Just a few months later came the partnership with star vocalist Gary Go that gave us ‘Cinema’. A chart-destroying EP of epic proportions, the original radio edit went Gold in the USA and Platinum in both Australia and Canada, with Skrillex’s thunderous remix occupying the iTunes US Dance Top 10 for over 6 months and swooping a Grammy for ‘Best Remixed Recording’ in the process. The successes continued to flood in as Benny soon received a call up from the queen of pop herself, Madonna. Released worldwide at the end of March 2012, Madonna’s controversially titled twelfth studio album ‘MDNA’ featured 3 tracks produced by Benny and Alle Benassi, including the single “Girl Gone Wild” – a true honour for the Italian cousins. If we’ve come to learn one thing about Benny Benassi it’s to expect the unexpected. Whether it’s electrifying tens of thousands of EDM lovers with his world-beating skill behind the decks, or conjuring up award winning, platinum-selling productions in the comfort of his home studio with his cousin and producer, Alle Benassi, by combining his innate raw talent with the hard work, diligence and determination to everything he touches, Benny has wholly justified his position as one of the most beloved entertainers the industry has to offer. Rest assured, there’ll be much more where this came from.