The success of Benita’s debut project, this new body of work draws inspiration from symbolic qualities of the sapphire gemstone—uniqueness of a romantic connection, being individually irreplaceable, and all the connotations the color blue encapsulates through an otherworldly sonic journey.
This EP explores the delicate tension that exists in the aftermath of a relationship through eight tracks from start to finish. ‘SAPPHIRE’ paints a vivid picture of the gray area between two people when love fades, but emotions linger.
The focus single, “bbg” was created when Benita was in LA, produced by Mike Woods. “bbg” meaning “baby girl” sonically encapsulates the whole project and the direction where Benita is headed. “bbg” is about two past lovers crossing paths once again and being 1 of 1. Similar to her last single, “Selfish”, this track is all about that tension shared between two people with a past as they reminisce.
Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind your sophomore EP SAPPHIRE? What was it about the sapphire gemstone that resonated with you for this project?
This project was actually inspired by my first ep SCARLET. For those that know, the project was motivated by the colour red and all the feelings and emotions I associate with it. With SAPPHIRE, I wanted to make somewhat a sister project but take an approach that showcased the more chill, laid back, and sensual side to me. Throughout my time making this project, I noticed a lot of the concepts had to do with being 1 of 1, and one you can’t find more than once. Reflecting on what a gemstone symbolizes to me is that every stone has its different unique edges and light that passes through, but there is nothing else that is cut like you. It’s a reminder that there is beauty in everything around you and yours is also unique to the rest of the world. Living in that mindset, speaking authentically, and being true to yourself has always shown to be the answer to getting what you want and achieving success in life. One cool thing I also learned along the way after naming this EP was that my grandmother’s birth stone was a Sapphire, and I’ve always looked at her as one of my guardian angels that showers blessings upon me through the hardest and cherished times.
The EP explores the emotional complexity of relationships, especially the tension that exists after love fades. What made you want to dive into that “gray area” between two people, and how did you approach capturing that feeling in your music?
I think being in the gray area is such a common thing in relationships whether that’s in the talking stage or the stage after you’re broken up in a relationship. It’s such a complicated feeling yet is relatable to almost anyone trying to figure dating out. I just wanted to speak from the real feelings of a lived situation and tell a story through my eyes with all the little details I felt in those moments. The production plays a big part as well in feeling the emotion, ambience, and cinematics of the topics throughout this project.
You mentioned that SAPPHIRE is a journey through the aftermath of a relationship. How did you decide on the structure and flow of the eight track Was there a specific narrative or arc you wanted to create
From start to finish, you kind of see the initial stages of a relationship from joy an innocence to later the feelings of grief and even pettiness in some tracks as the project evolves. I initially made all of these songs at different times with no exact direction what I wanted to talk about, I just went with what I was drawn to and feeling in that moment. I think that’s the beauty of making multiple songs throughout what you’re experiencing, because everything ended up making sense together in the end. I started the project off lightly with Blue Moon to kind of set the tone with a sexy, chill, fun, an ethereal vibe all in one which was an introduction to the different soundscapes show throughout the rest of the project.
Your single “bbg” seems to perfectly encapsulate the themes of SAPPHIRE. What do you hope listeners take away from the song, especially with its portrayal of two past lovers crossing paths again?
My song “bbg” is definitely for the late night r&b lovers to vibe out to. I think most of the project was me tapping into this more sexier r&b side for all the baddies that are feeling themselves. This song is basically confidently saying that you just are that girl. It playfully tells the person that they’re never going to forget you because of your impact, which is a common theme for the rest of the project.
What role did the color blue, both literally and symbolically, play in shaping the sound and aesthetic of SAPPHIRE?
Blue depicts a certain dual calmness and strength for me that I wanted to be represented throughout the project. Blue is also cold, which is why there are some harsh angles in some of the songs but it inspired me to dive into the deeper layers of feelings I wouldn’t always say out loud. Sapphire also is associated with a royal blue colour which to me bleeds richness, confidence, and royalty which caters towar self-love and empowerment in this project. I made a lot of the project in the cold months of the year so it was literally inspired by the winter blues we all may feel but also having songs that anticipate the transition leading into the warmer months in the city.
In terms of lyrical content, both “bbg” and your previous single “Selfish” seem to explore similar themes of romantic tension. How do you approach writing songs that evoke such complex emotions, and do you see a through line in your music as you continue to evolve as an artist?
I love these two songs because they touch on a very similar topic but in different expressions. Selfish has a more dark/emotional/mysterious feel to it while “bbg” to me gives you a more fun and playful perspective to the tension between two people. The way I approach songs like this is just through true stories and real lived experiences, I try to sometimes put myself back in those situations in my head and remember what feelings and actions stood out to me in those moments. For example, subtle looks from that person across the room or overhearing them talk about another person just to get your attention haha. Can’t wait to continue to touch on more experiences in my music because it’s great to know how much people can relate to these little scenarios.
With this project, you seem to be carving out a distinct sound and narrative. How do you see your music evolving in the future, and what direction do you want to explore next?
I love that I have been able to work with a talented set of musicians on this project, shoutout to all the producers for being half the reason for everyone’s enjoyment listening to this EP. I think I’m always going to be evolving as an artist and right now I felt the need to really tap into the type of R&B I like to listen to which is influenced melodic rap, smooth ethereal melodies, and sounds that make you want to unwind but at the same time make you feel like a bad b*** haha. There’s so much I want to tap into with inspiration from my upbringings. I’ll always have my love for r&b as a base but I’d be interested in adding some elements of dance, pop, and the ballad world so I am excited to see what gets explored next.
After releasing SAPPHIRE, how do you envision your relationship with your fans evolving? Do you hope your music creates a certain kind of connection or conversation with them, especially with such raw emotional themes?
Definitely. I think listeners and fans are the main reason for your music being successful if you can’t connect then there is no point. I always try to be as real as I can through my music. I’ve always struggled to open up to people with deep feelings in real life but it feels so special to have an outlet to freely do so for others to align with as well. The messages I get from fans of the music motivates me to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m always so grateful to get to tap into different moods that impact people on any level of emotion.
