Voice Of A Nation: Benjamin Kheng

Our August 2024 digital cover star on co-writing and co-producing Singapore's National Day song, "Not Alone".

Published: August 8, 2024

Voice Of A Nation: Benjamin Kheng — Top; trousers, DOLCE&GABBANA.

Benjamin Kheng is lying on the floor next to the couch. It's midway through our shoot, and we're in the middle of taking our lunch break. Earlier that day, during my one-on-one chat with him, the artist-actor-content creator-songwriter-producer revealed that one of his 'hidden talents' is being able to sleep anywhere, anytime. And nap, he did.

"I might even take a 10-minute nap on a rug somewhere [in the studio], and I will do it shamelessly," the 33-year-old admitted with a cheeky laugh.

The post-lunch siesta is much needed, given his demanding schedule. To give you an idea, he recently performed at Cartier’s 100^th-anniversary party in Singapore, where he also rubbed shoulders with Blackpink’s Jisoo, GOT7’s Jackson Wang and Thai star Jeff Satur. And for the last couple of months, his weekends have been packed with National Day Parade (NDP) rehearsals.

Yes, Ben, who is also one-fourth of the Singapore pop band The Sam Willows, will be performing this year's National Day theme song, "Not Alone", which he co-wrote and co-produced with long-time collaborator, Evan Low.

Despite his hectic routine, Ben still finds time to engage with his fans and bring them into his creative world. For instance, he uses social media to his advantage by sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses and interactive content that make the music-making process feel accessible and engaging. This knack for connecting with people, both through his music and his genuine personality, makes it clear why he was asked to perform this year's NDP theme song.

The song, he says, is his "love letter to Singapore", and honours past NDP songs by integrating familiar lyrics from previous anthems, evoking a sense of nostalgia and unity. "We wanted to create something timeless yet contemporary," Ben explains. "The idea was to bring together different generations through music, to remind everyone that despite our differences, we're all part of the same community."

Creating the theme song and performing at the NDP is a significant milestone for any Singaporean artist, and for Ben, it represents a unique challenge. "I've always viewed it as the apex of a creative brief, one of the hardest undertakings as an artist because there are high expectations," he explains.

The story behind "Not Alone", he adds, is one of passion and dedication. Ben shares how he wanted the song to be both relatable and inspiring. "I needed to be honest in the lyrics," he reflects. "I don't always feel patriotic all the time. My relationship with Singapore and its ins and outs isn't always perfect, but to be critical is to love.” This blend of honesty makes the song a unique addition to the NDP repertoire, fitting seamlessly with popular anthems like Kit Chan's “Home”, Tanya Chua’s “Where I Belong” and Stephanie Sun's “We Will Get There”. It also offers an introspective and relatable narrative while maintaining an uplifting vibe with its grand choir and orchestral elements.

Writing, co-producing, and singing the NDP song is no small feat. This begs the question: How does one even begin? When asked, Ben waxes lyrical about how the Logic Pro on Mac has been a great help. "Evan and I are loyal Logic Pro X users. It's a fantastic tool that lets us do anything we want sonically. We fire ideas back and forth using it, and it helps us shape our music with precision." This affinity for technology emphasises Ben's modern approach to his craft, which blends traditional musicality with cutting-edge tools.

The song has already received positive feedback from listeners, something that brings a smile to his face. "I wanted to write a song that everyone would like … even my mother-in-law," he says, grinning. When asked if he got her stamp of approval, Ben chuckles. "She said it was ... 'nice'. I'll take it!"

Ben's dedication to his craft is evident in his meticulous approach to every project. His work ethic is a blend of relentless pursuit of excellence and a genuine passion for his art. This balance is what sets him apart in the entertainment industry. "I think it's okay to have a moving target when it comes to success," he says. "It's about challenging yourself and finding happiness. For me, success is a balance of both."

Indeed, his charm and humour, which he refers to as "golden retriever energy," endear him to fans and friends. He is also undeniably good-looking, with a ready smile and a chameleon in front of the camera. For instance, when the digital editor threw him a curveball during our video shoot—to sing a song matching the pitch of a note played on a child's piano—he found amusement in it and obliged. And whatever Dolce&Gabbana, Gucci or Dior Men looks our fashion director threw at him, Ben effortlessly worked the set, giving different angles to get the perfect shot.

Looking at him now, one might think he’s always been a style star. But as he shares, he’s actually made a lot of fashion missteps in the past. "I don't always regard myself as very fashionable, but I think I've surrounded myself with very, very wise, fashionable people who have very kindly given me a dressing down, literally," he laughs. “They've talked to me about things, like no more skinny jeans, for example.”

Recounting a particularly memorable fashion phase, Ben confessed to having a "season where [he] was super into steampunk" and bought goggles to wear on his gigs. "It was not great," he laughs. "But, it's fine. As I said, making mistakes and trying is always good. I'd rather people make mistakes than not even attempt it."

Ben’s ability to adapt and innovate is evident not only in his fashion but also in his career trajectory. In 2018, he launched a sketch comedy series on YouTube called The BenZi Project with content creator and comedian Hirzi Zulkiflie. The project showcased Ben’s knack for humour and satire, which is a significant departure from his previous musical endeavours. “It was the most illogical leap for me at the time,” he recalls. “People expected me to do a solo music thing, but I wanted to explore something new and push the boundaries.”

This thoughtful approach extends to his personal life as well. Married and balancing his career with family commitments, he finds ways to stay connected and maintain a sense of normalcy. "I try to hit three things daily: One health and wellness activity, one social interaction, and one work task," he shares. "It's not always easy, but it helps me stay balanced."

This balance is crucial, especially given the fast-paced nature of his career. On weekends, Ben enjoys simple pleasures like playing board games or catching up with friends over coffee. These moments of connection and relaxation are vital in keeping him grounded amidst the whirlwind of his professional life.

Despite his many talents and accomplishments, Ben remains humble. He attributes much of his success to the support of his team and the people around him. "I've been able to put together a team that I trust and who have my back," he says. "Seeking counsel and asking questions from people who have gone before you is always important."

As our conversation winds down, Ben reveals his plans for the future. After the NDP, he plans to take a short break to recharge and then dive back into his various creative projects. "There's stuff in the pipeline that I have yet to give full attention to because I just wanted to pace myself," he shares. "But music will always be my first love, and I will return at some point because it is my home."

Reflecting on his journey, Ben advises aspiring artists to "focus on doing [their] best work and finding joy in the process." The rest will follow, he says. "Wow, I sound like I'm giving a TED talk," he quips cheekily.

Photographed by STEFAN KHOO
Styled by JEFFREY YAN

Producer NAVIN PILLAY
Hairstylist CHRISTVIAN WU using GOLDWELL
Make-up Artist SHA SHAMSI using DIOR BEAUTY
Photographer’s Assistant CHONG NG