Born Ian Benjamin Welch and known to the world as Benji., this multi-talented artist hails from the Homewood section of Pittsburgh, where he was nurtured in a musically rich environment. A self-taught producer, artist, and electrifying live performer, Benji. has opened for industry giants like Kid Cudi and Snoop Dogg. His unique blend of soul, hip-hop, psych-rock, and funk has made him one of the most innovative artists to emerge from the Pittsburgh scene.

In 2019, NPR recognized his undeniable talent, featuring him on their “20 Artists To Watch” list. This acclaim was followed by the release of his full-length debut album, “Smile, You’re Alive!” in September 2021, a project that showcased his ability to transform even the most complex emotions into uplifting music.

Since 2021, Benji.’s career has been on an upward trajectory, gaining momentum with each project. He showcased his production skills on JID’s “The Forever Story,” particularly on tracks “Kody Blu 31” and “Better Days,” released in August 2022. His musical versatility has also been in the spotlight as he toured with EarthGang, further solidifying his standing in the industry. As a key member of the supergroup Spillage Village, he contributed to songwriting and production for their September 2020 album, and his feature on EarthGang’s “Bobby Boucher” even earned praise from Adam Sandler. His ever-evolving talent and genre-defying sound make him more than just an artist to watch; he’s an artist to experience.