French/Australian music artist, producer, poet, and video creator Benedict Sinister has returned to the music scene with a captivating new single, “Only Sixteen.” Released on the 29th of September through the Music For Sapiosexuals label, this song marks a fresh direction in Sinister’s career, following the success of club hits like “EDM Mockney” (also known as “Just Like Russell Brand”) and “Going Away.” In “Only Sixteen,” Sinister explores new depths, introducing a unique twist to his already diverse discography and showcasing his signature “Adaptations” genre.
“Only Sixteen” is a nostalgic love song that delves into the emotions of teenage heartbreak. Benedict Sinister describes it as a fusion of “Emo rap meets Adele.” The track is an English adaptation of the Italian trap song “Autostima” by the underground teen Napolitan-Roman duo Psicologi. This Italian original gained widespread attention and was even featured on the soundtrack of the popular Netflix series “Summertime.” Benedict Sinister masterfully translated the lyrics and added a new final verse, including his characteristic references to other artists, with Cat Stevens making an appearance in this adaptation. “Only Sixteen” is Sinister’s first English adaptation of an Italian song, following his success with English versions of songs by French master lyricists Serge Gainsbourg and Vincent Delerm.
This release coincides with a growing interest in Italian music within the Anglo world, with the recent launch of the English version of “Italodisco” and the ascent of Italian rock sensation Maneskin. Benedict Sinister aspires to be a “twenty-first-century Laura Branigan,” paying homage to the American singer who made a name for herself in the 1980s with English renditions of Italian classics like “Gloria” and “Ti Amo” by Umberto Tozzi.
“Only Sixteen” came to life in Los Angeles, where Benedict Sinister collaborated with Nikola Bedingfield, whose album “Golden Phoenix” had been released earlier in the year. Benedict praised Nikola for his invaluable contributions in refining the final arrangement. Furthermore, an exciting remix of the track titled “You Dance in the Club,” crafted by Los Angeles-based DJ and Looped Music label head Christian B, is set for release in the near future.
The music video accompanying “Only Sixteen” was filmed in Toronto, Canada, and features the extraordinary model and influencer ‘No Gender’ Jude Karda. Benedict Sinister first discovered Jude Karda on social media and was instantly captivated by their unique blend of beauty, vulnerability, and defiance. This prompted Sinister to feature Jude in the video, aligning with the song’s theme of a teenager who “wants to be a woman.”
The video takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through various aspects of teenage life, encapsulating both the less glamorous elements of adolescence, such as taking public transport, dealing with depression, and navigating complex family dynamics, and the exhilarating experiences of cosplay, forbidden romance, and rooftop adventures.
Benedict Sinister stands out as an artist who is focused on reinterpreting the works of others. At a time when many artists emphasize originality, visibility, and authenticity, these concepts hold little significance for Sinister. He goes to the extent of refusing to reveal his face, erasing his identity as part of his contrarian message. This choice has led to the removal of his social media accounts and the deletion of his videos due to issues like “big tech censorship, hackers, and haters.”
With two decades of experience as an itinerant musician, Benedict Sinister has performed worldwide, from DJing at beach bars in Senegal to performing covers of The Smiths in Mexico and Leonard Cohen in Japan. His move to the United States in 2018 and his subsequent residence in hipster Brooklyn played a pivotal role in his creative journey. There, his immersion in the music of other artists led him to develop his own unique musical genre, which he aptly terms “Adaptations.”
Benedict Sinister’s “Only Sixteen” single is a testament to his innovative approach to music and represents another significant milestone in his remarkable career. As a creative force driven by the reinterpretation of others’ works, he continues to challenge the conventions of the music industry and captivate audiences with his exceptional adaptations. “Only Sixteen” is not just a song; it’s an immersive experience, a fusion of emotions and melodies, and a testament to Benedict Sinister’s unwavering dedication to the art of music.
Connect with BENEDICT SINISTER on
English