Benny Tones

Benny Tones

Benny Tones is a New Zealand producer and DJ associated with neo-soul, electronic music, dubstep, soul and soulstep. He is also closely linked with the New Zealand future soul band Electric Wire Hustle, where he is considered an additional member.

Background

He grows up in Golden Bay in New Zealand, and that community informs the ambient soul character of his production. He begins as a DJ before moving into making his own beats in 2002. In the same year, he moves to Wellington to immerse himself in the local scene and to learn more about audio production and the music industry.

Benny Tones takes two short audio courses, but he is largely self-taught. He is an obsessive collector of vintage music equipment and works as a studio-focused audio artisan, spending many hours developing his sound.

Work in Wellington

In 2008 he sets up OMW, which develops a reputation as one of Wellington’s leading audio engineering facilities.

Solo release

His solo album Chrysalis is released in 2011 after a long production period.