Benny Sings is one of the Netherlands’ most distinctive and internationally acclaimed singer-songwriters, producers, and musicians. Born Tim van Berkestijn in Dordrecht, he has spent more than two decades developing a musical style that effortlessly brings together elements of pop, soul, jazz, hip-hop, and R&B. Characterized by understated vocals, sophisticated melodies, subtle grooves, and an instinctive sense of arrangement, his music has a warmth and simplicity that make it immediately recognizable. At the same time, his work as a songwriter and producer has established him as a highly respected creative force far beyond his own recordings.

Benny Sings’ musical journey began in Dordrecht, where he formed his first band, Loveboat, while still in high school. He later studied sonology at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, developing a strong foundation in both music and sound. His early years were closely connected to the Dutch hip-hop and soul scenes, and in 1999 he adopted the name Benny Sings while playing bass with the hip-hop group Abstract Dialect. These influences would become an important part of his musical identity, allowing him to approach songwriting from both a musician’s and producer’s perspective.

In 2003, Benny Sings released his debut album, Champagne People. The record introduced the characteristic sound that would become the foundation of his career: melodic pop songwriting combined with soulful harmonies, hip-hop-inspired production, and a relaxed, intimate approach to performance. Rather than fitting neatly into a single genre, Benny developed a musical language of his own. Over the years, he continued to explore and refine that sound across albums including Benny... At Home, Art, Studio, City Pop, Music, and Young Hearts.

A defining quality of Benny Sings’ work is his ability to make sophisticated songwriting feel effortless. His songs often revolve around everyday emotions, relationships, love, uncertainty, and the small observations of life. Rather than relying on grand gestures, he creates intimacy through carefully considered melodies, understated performances, and finely crafted production. This combination of musical sophistication and accessibility has allowed his work to resonate with audiences well beyond the Netherlands.

Alongside his own career as an artist, Benny Sings has established himself as an accomplished songwriter and producer for other artists. His collaborations have included artists such as Mac DeMarco, Tom Misch, Mayer Hawthorne, GoldLink, Free Nationals, Emily King, and Rex Orange County. His contribution to Rex Orange County’s “Loving Is Easy” became one of his most recognizable international collaborations, while his work as a co-producer on the album Who Cares? further demonstrated his influence as a songwriter and producer within the international pop landscape.

His creative work has also extended beyond traditional album releases. Benny Sings has written and produced music for other artists and projects, including the Japanese anime series Carole & Tuesday, while continuing to release his own music through Stones Throw Records. His long-standing relationship with the label has introduced his work to an increasingly international audience and connected his music to a wider community of contemporary soul, pop, hip-hop, and independent artists.

Throughout his career, Benny Sings has remained remarkably consistent in his approach: music should feel natural, melodic, and emotionally honest, while leaving room for curiosity and experimentation. From his early work in the Dutch hip-hop scene to his internationally recognized collaborations and solo catalogue, he has developed an artistic identity that is entirely his own.

Today, Benny Sings occupies a unique position within contemporary music. He is equally at home as a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and collaborator, moving naturally between his own projects and the work of other artists. His catalogue reflects a continuous search for the perfect combination of melody, groove, harmony, and simplicity. More than two decades after his debut, Benny Sings continues to create music that feels personal yet universal, understated yet deeply crafted, and unmistakably his own.

EXTRA OVER VOKALL RELEASES