Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheyenne Benton.
Hi Cheyenne, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’ve been performing locally as a singer/songwriter for almost a decade. Pre-pandemic, I was gigging and working as a barista with no technical engineering or production knowledge. When COVID hit, I knew I was going to have to make a few changes – so I looked into going back to school to pursue audio engineering. It was becoming impossible to be able to afford to support myself and pay other people to produce my music on my barista job alone. I wanted more creative control to develop a distinct sound. I found Studio West & The Recording Arts Center through a mutual friend – and began socially distanced classes during the height of the pandemic. When I graduated the program in 2021, I was hired on as an intern, and now work full time as a Production Coordinator, Staff Engineer, Music Producer, and Youth Mentor – all while working on my own artist project 100% independent from any label. In 2022 I was able to release 2 singles and accompanying music videos – written, produced, and engineered by me, with the help of the incredible colleagues I met through my time at the studio.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Going back to school for audio engineering was one of the most difficult decisions I have made – but one of my most rewarding. I am much more creative than I am technical – so it was a real challenge to wrap my head around the more ‘left-brained’ aspects of engineering and production. I think I see myself as somewhat of a forever student – I am constantly trying to challenge myself to learn new aspects of the craft, even when they don’t come easily or intuitively to me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Singer/Songwriter, Music Producer, Audio Engineer, Production Coordinator, and Youth Mentor. First and foremost, I’m an Artist.
I think I’m known for my songwriting – I consider myself a better writer than I am a singer. I specialize in confessional songwriting; the music I create is reflective of my own authentic experiences. I love telling a good story. Within the past year or so, I have challenged myself to write with colleagues to help them tell their stories, as well. I really enjoy the collaborative process.
I’m most proud of my most recent work – Drinkin’ About U (October 2022) and Angels (December 2022). I wrote, produced, and engineered these two singles – as well as directed and edited their accompanying music videos.
Outside of the scope of my own productions, I actually won for Best Sound & Music at the Los Angeles Comedy Film & Screenplay Festival this year for my work as a live sound recording + mixing engineer on a short film titled ‘Funny.’ It felt really validating – as I am somewhat hypercritical of my engineering chops, being only a year out of school.
I think what sets me apart from others in this industry is I really do lead with my heart. That doesn’t always play out in my favor. There are a lot of people trying to ‘get ahead’ – it’s a competitive field. I don’t really concern myself with what my peers are achieving, I am more-so in competition with past versions of myself. I create and pursue music because it’s how I process the world and make sense of my experiences. There are many people who create for prestige, power, money, and influence. When you lead with your heart, it leaves you susceptible to be taken advantage of, and when that happens, it’s immobilizing. Somewhere along the way, I’ve had to find the strength to stick up for myself; to draw boundaries, even if it might ruffle feathers. I know at the end of the day; I just want to connect with others – and I want my work to help other people feel less alone. It’s a delicate balance of being vulnerable enough to connect but guarded enough to keep anyone with ill intent at bay.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I am working out of Studio West in North County San Diego. I’d love to help you write, engineer, record, produce, or mix your next project. You can reach me directly at c.benton@studiowest.com
The best thing you can do to support me is to stream my music and come out to my live shows! I am playing my first show with Breaking Sound at Soda Bar on December 21 at 7 pm. For streaming + ticket links, check out my Link Tree https://linktr.ee/cheyenne.benton
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cheyennebenton.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheyenne.benton/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheyennebentonmusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cosmiccheyenne
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CheyenneTheGinger
- Other: https://linktr.ee/cheyenne.benton
Image Credits
Chris Casey
Mike Lopez
