Homegrown singer-songwriter Benjamin Kheng makes a triumphant return to the music scene, teaming up with acclaimed Filipino-Australian artist James Reid for a powerful collaboration on ‘Rock Bottom Blues,’ the lead single from his highly anticipated two-part album, Gloomy Boogie.
Produced by Charlie Kurata and Saint Kid, ‘Rock Bottom Blues’ delves deep into the tumultuous emotions experienced during difficult times and toxic relationships. The song explores the pain of feeling trapped in a cycle of self-redemption and yearning for salvation. With songwriting credits going to Benjamin Kheng, Olivia Knox, Saint Kid, and James Reid, the track showcases their collective talent and emotional depth.
Benjamin opens up about the inspiration behind the song, stating, “Hurt people hurt people, that’s just human nature. I’ve been through love that didn’t deserve my pain, and that’s where ‘Rock Bottom Blues’ takes place — at the end of a love that departed for the right reasons. It’s difficult to be anything other than your worst self with someone when you’re already at rock bottom.” The poignant and introspective lyrics of the chorus, “Now I’m stuck singing rock bottom blues / I wish I was better for you / But I can’t / It’s too easy to fall right down again,” poignantly reflect the depth of personal struggle and the desire for redemption.
The collaboration between Benjamin Kheng and James Reid, their first-ever, creates a quintessential “sad bop.” Their emotive vocal deliveries complement each other perfectly, blending with the infectious dance arrangement to create a truly unique musical experience that seamlessly merges melancholy with danceability.
James shares his thoughts on the collaboration, saying, “Benjamin is an incredibly talented musician, and it’s been an honor working with him on this track. The song deals with serious themes, but Ben’s playful personality shines through. We aimed to infuse a playful energy into the song while staying true to its heartfelt essence.”
Benjamin reciprocates the admiration, stating, “Working with James on this track has been an amazing experience. Witnessing up close a superstar of his caliber being such an amazing talent and human is truly inspiring. Additionally, it’s beautiful to make music across borders and draw parallels between our journeys. Here’s hoping we continue to build more musical bridges across our barriers and see more Southeast Asians collaborating together.”
The accompanying music video for ‘Rock Bottom Blues,’ directed by Barnabas Chua of Murk & Marrow Films, takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through a kinetic dream world. Surreal landscapes alternate as the backdrop, while multiple sets embrace natural elements like snow, smoke, and storms, providing Benjamin Kheng and James Reid with an expansive canvas to project their emotions. The video’s oscillating visual language guides audiences on a captivating exploration of the duo’s contrasting yet enthralling world. Barnabas will also work on visualizers for other tracks on the upcoming album, with each video echoing the sonic textures of the respective songs, unveiling moments of vulnerability and introspection that invite viewers to peel back the layers beneath Kheng’s multifaceted persona.
‘Rock Bottom Blues’ serves as the lead single of Benjamin’s two-part debut album, Gloomy Boogie, set to release later this year. The concept album pays homage to those who navigate life’s challenges while concealing their inner turmoil. It invites listeners to embrace their darkest emotions at unexpected moments, capturing the energy of forced smiles at social gatherings when everything seems to be falling apart. Gloomy Boogie acknowledges the bravery required to dance through pain and the fact that everyone grapples with unkind thoughts, even when it feels isolating.
Fans can anticipate Gloomy Boogie to offer a fusion of melancholic melodies and infectious rhythms, promising a captivating exploration of the human experience, celebrating the resilience of the “sad social-survivor.”
