At just three years old singer-songwriter Hunter Benson was struck by lightning. He lived. His father did not. Bearing witness to his father’s death, undoubtedly the course of his life was changed drastically in an instant. Music saved him. Channeling grief and trauma through music, Benson has emerged from darkness to light. In his latest single, “Heavens Letter” the musician bares his soul and relives a tragedy that shaped him. Benson spoke about the healing power of music and what he hopes to share with others through his art.
You went through something so traumatic at such a young age. Something you now write about in your music. Can you tell us how this experience shaped you and changed you? How do you find the strength to put it to music? And how has music helped you heal?
Being struck by lightning with my father and brother at age 3 and witnessing his passing has been a long, hard road. The event left such a deep scar and it has taken many modalities to help myself through the years. I will tell you though, music has been the key component to my well being and healing. From artists such as Alice in Chains, Mark Lanegan, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Stevie Ray Vaughn among others,I found solace and a sense of peace within the music . This really was the catalyst to me diving deep and starting the journey of writing songs. I have always been a writer and much of the themes have been centered around life, death and this seeking to understand the big picture of life. The process of writing Heavens Letter was especially hard as I was almost reliving an experience which had haunted me most of my life. I have found much peace through songwriting and it’s provided a new life’s journey which is full of beauty. I found early on that the only way to heal is confronting and working through the trauma to start to heal. I am so grateful I was given this opportunity through music to do so.
Why do you think this song, “Heavens Letter,” came about so many years later? Do you think the words and the song would have been different had you written it earlier?
“Heavens Letter” was in the works for a long time. I had drafts of the song in the works for many years but it just wasn’t right. I knew what I wanted to say but didn’t necessarily know how to say it. That being said I knew I needed to remain patient until the lyrics eventually came to finish the song. Nothing was ever going to be forced with this song. It means so much to me, as it is a story about me and my family. The music and lyrics needed to match the gravity of the story; and I feel in my heart that was accomplished. This song probably would have been a lot different if I had written it earlier. It’s all been a journey and I feel the spirit of this song wouldn’t come to fruition until I was in the right space emotionally and spiritually.
What do you hope to impart with this song, and your music in general?
I feel that there is a lot of manufactured music in the world with not a whole lot of substance. The timeless music that we all still come back to is due largely to the vulnerability of the artist in my opinion. I have always connected with the artist that is vulnerable and raw enough to put their honesty, heart, truth and spirit into the world. This will always resonate, as it is our common bond as human beings. “Heavens Letter” is just that I feel. This song deals with pain, loss, love and healing. We all deal with these issues in our lives and I feel this song will always be there for those folks who are going through challenging times in their lives. Even in your darkest moments I hope this song gives hope and understanding and that you’re not alone. The clouds do part, love and light will come back. My family and I are living proof!
How did you discover your love and talent for music?
My parents were always listening to music when I was growing up. From Reggae to the Grateful Dead, I was exposed to so much great music through my family. Years down the road when I eventually picked up a guitar, all that music and influence consumed came out in my playing to my own style per say. I have always had an affinity for the Seattle scene of the early 90’s and the music that came out of there such as Soundgarden, Screaming Trees, Mother love Bone, Temple of the Dog etc. These bands were very influential to me and feel there is a touch of that in my music.
How does it feel to release songs so personal and raw?
Writing songs so personal and raw is the only way I know how to do it. In fact, the only way I would want to release music. Writing and constructing songs from the heart never falls on deaf ears. As long as the music written is coming from that place, I feel it’s of great value and beneficial to the world as a whole.
Can you tell us what the response has been like?
The response has been incredible. I feel people really resonate with the music due to the gravity and themes of the songs because they are rooted in experiences we all share. I am so grateful for all the support to all who have listened and come out to the live shows.
As a musician, if you could picture what success would look like five years from now, what would that look like?
To me success is really just putting one foot in front of the other and continuing to pursue writing deep heartfelt music. If one person listens to my songs and takes something from it I have done my job. That in itself brings me great fulfillment. So hopefully, five years from now there is much more music out in the world from me that is having a positive impact. Opening for some of my musical heroes wouldn’t be too shabby either.
https://www.youtube.com/@hunter-benson
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