Benton Crane

Ever found yourself lost in a dream that feels as tangible as reality, only for it all to fade away in an instant? Benton Crane is a master at weaving such ephemeral thoughts into the fabric of his imaginative psychedelic indie rock creations. Drawing inspiration from the dance between the palpable and the fantastical, his music serves as a conduit for stories that emerge from the depths of his mind.

A fervent advocate for mental health, Benton Crane recognizes the significance of both turning inward to heal as well as expanding the mind outward to grow. He believes in the power of granting oneself an escape from our worldly chaos. One critic wrote in regards to Benton’s single Outlier (Among the Stars) (2022), “Laced with wistful vulnerability, Crane delicately captures all your anxiety, tension and inner turmoil then releases it in a scattering sense of sonic relief.” Through his music, Benton endeavors to offer that sanctuary, even if just for a fleeting moment. His hope is to bring solace to those navigating their own struggles. 

For nearly half a decade, Benton was a linchpin in diverse experimental jam-rock groups. His role as a keyboardist, vocalist, and primary songwriter shaped the sounds of bands Ice Station Zebra and Manic Vision. His creative footprint in his time with both bands includes two studio albums: Midnight (Ice Station Zebra, 2018) and No Change (Manic Vision, 2021), one live album: Live at Ryktor (Ice Station Zebra, 2020), a pair of EPs: 675 (Ice Station Zebra, 2019) and Ice Station Zebra - 2022), plus several official video releases. Beyond performing, Benton took on a producer role for one of the EPs, showcasing his multifaceted talents.

During this time, his journey took him across the southeastern United States, gracing numerous stages and venues. Notable highlights include supporting globally renowned acts like Steel Pulse and the nationally acclaimed Trigger Hippy. From intimate gatherings to commanding crowds of up to 500 people, Benton's stage presence has become a familiar force in the musical realm.

The global upheaval during the COVID-19 pandemic spurred Benton to embark on an introspective journey, exploring more in depth his talent as a music producer as well as what he has to offer as an independent solo artist. The result was his inaugural solo album, Welcome to Paradise (2021). This conceptual masterpiece captures Benton's raw emotions and frustrations about the pressing climate crisis, creating a meticulously crafted narrative that resonated with his listeners.

Since the unveiling of Welcome to Paradise, Benton has built a small cult following by gradually unveiling five singles, including the melancholic favorite, Nuclear Night (2022), the evocative Daylight on the Run (2022) and the masterfully poetic Until the Colors Fade (2023). Critics have described Benton’s music as “a sound that fuses synth tones into a blend of rock and psychedelic aesthetics, he crafts delicate backdrops for his thoughtful and reflective lyrical songwriting”.

Coming up in 2024, the Boulder, Colorado based artist has promised to release one song every month, offering a deeper and more refined musical experience to his fans. Benton described these upcoming releases by stating in an interview, “It’s sort of like, I didn’t worry too much about tidying up before guests arrive so what you hear feels very genuine and unapologetically authentic”. His first single of 2024 titled Invisible Child was released on January 23rd to high praise and critical acclaim such as inclusion on Westword Magazine's list of "The Best New Music by Colorado Musicians Released in January". 

The upcoming year promises a sonic evolution, echoing the spirit of revered bands like Arcade Fire, The Flaming Lips, Beach House, and MGMT. With each note, Benton Crane is carving his unique path in the musical landscape—a journey just unfolding, so don’t miss out.