BENHUR

Artist Information

Biography

Benhur is a fusion-inspired alternative rock band based in Toronto, ON. Their songs contain strong hooks laced with unique rhythms that borrow from rock, reggae, samba, and pop. Through the summer of 2011, the band rode a wave of momentum that pushed them to new heights. They were finalists in PlanetRox, an indie music competition for Quebec City's "Envol & Macadam" Festival (average attendance: 10,000-50,000). They released their first music video for the song "Along the Way", which has received radio play in a number of European and Eastern countries, gaining them new fans across the globe. And, Benhur was showcased in the May/June 2011 issue of Canadian Music Magazine. It is no doubt why summer 2012 is highly anticipated.

Benhur's first record (Tryst, 2008) was recorded and mixed in a home studio with a completely different set of musicians. Though the EP had earned the band some success including mainstream radio play, festival appearances, and label interest, by 2010 the originator of the band, Ben Nissan, was looking for something more. New demos in hand, he sought that "something", and found everything. Amazing talent, deep friendships, and a revitalized sense of energy. Their new album "Between Flower and Hive" will be released later this year.

The band has taken on a new spirit that has manifested itself into their music. It has also affected their approach to various aspects of their craft including the recording process. Instead of making another basement record, they recorded at Metalworks, a world-class studio, as well Chalet and Loudmouse. More importantly, they to teamed up with veteran mixing engineer and producer Ian Budzasi (Sam Roberts, The Tea Party, Sum 41, Nelly Furtado…) who was instrumental in translating their energetic live sound to record in an honest way. No hocus-pocus, just real musicians playing real music.

Instrumentation

Ben Nissan - Lead Vocals and Acoustic Guitar
Danilo Baracho - Bass Guitar
Steve Frize - Lead Guitar
Mateus Macedo - Drums

Discography

"Tryst" debut EP released in 2009.
Radio airplay for the song "Start Again" and "The Last Days" on local commercial radio stations (e.g. London’s Best Rock 96FM), international stations (e.g. Radio 794 in the Netherlands), and college and community radio stations.

"Between Flower and Hive" - To be released in September 2012.

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Twitter

Audio

• Benhur - Walk On Through (Sample)
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• Benhur - Heaven Waits (Sample)
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• Benhur - Lay Me Down
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• Benhur -B.I.G. (Sample)
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• Benhur - Along The Way (Sample)
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Video

BENHUR - Along the Way

Benhur sessions doc.mp4

Photo Gallery

Press

• Canadian Musician Showcase [+ Show ]
  

  Benhur’s songs might seem like radio-ready alternative rock, but beneath the surface there’s some ri...Benhur’s songs might seem like radio-ready alternative rock, but beneath the surface there’s some rich and highly-textural things going on. It’s a sound that one wouldn’t expect from a band with but a single EP under their collective belt (2009’s Tryst).
  
  Benhur began in Toronto when frontman and main songwriter Ben Nissan finished law school and decided that working 80-hour weeks at a Bay St. law firm might not be what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. Nissan confesses that he tried practicing law, but at work, making music was always on his mind.
  
  So Nissan put away the suits, rounded up some likeminded musicians (Danilo Baracho on bass, Steve Frize on lead guitar, and Mateus Macedo on drums) and started writing. The EP had play on some commercial radio stations as well as overseas radio and the band complemented the coverage by playing at a number of Toronto’s best-known clubs. The band recently re-entered the studio and is writing a handful of songs to release as singles. This summer, they’re hoping to play some of the many great music festivals happening across the country. Fans of U2 and Coldplay should be sure not to miss the chance to see them if they make it through their town.

• Benhur on Q107 [+ Show ]
  

  Benhur brought 4 pedals with them to cover Pink Floyd's Welcome to the Machine. They were really aim...Benhur brought 4 pedals with them to cover Pink Floyd's Welcome to the Machine. They were really aiming for that psychadelic feel and I think they nailed it. This band consists of a couple brooding Brazilian men "Wonderbread" Steve and lead singer Ben. The play all over Toronto so make sure you check out their website for tour updates. They recently recorded an EP at The Chalet (Rush's favorite studio) among other places. Definitely worth checking out!

• Market-Ready Songs
  

  The songs are market ready and each has hit potential...

• Lush Sound
  

  As lush and rich of a sound as I’ve ever heard.

• Genuine & ‘up-and-coming'
  

  “A genuine ‘up-and-coming’ band

• Hard-Working
  

  They work harder than any other artist I've known.

• Unique Sound
  

  "They have created a sound that is unique yet familiar."

• Coolest Band Name
  

  ’Benhur’ is one of the coolest band names I’ve every heard.

Setlist

Sets can be varied according to the venue's needs, ranging from 30 min to 2 hours as required.

Example set list:
-Start Again
-Celebrate Anew
-Blue is Gone
-Our Escape
-Aimlessly
-Among the Trees
-A Moment Too Late
-Psycho Drift
-Freedom
-Surrender

All songs originally written by Benhur.

Basic Requirements

Calendar