Bentley Browning was raised on rock and pop and adores melody.

His debut solo album Pop Anthemica is a collection of atmospheric guitar and indie tronica vibes.

London based session guitarist Max Macdonald features on the album. Drumming duties live are supplied by Acid Jazz reggae supremo J Anthony Samuels.

Bentley started as a stand up drummer in seminal rap rock outfit US-UK who supported Faith No More and were regulars at The Marquee. Falling for a Spanish woman in London, he eventually left for Catalunya.

After 2 years acting on TV and developing more confidence in Barcelona he came back to form his own band as a singer.

His bands 27 and Zerostar played extensively on the indie circuit. He now fronts Explode The TV who have made 3 albums.

During the pandemic break and inspired by the passing of both his parents Bentley got to grips with the guitar.The result is an album of self penned and collaborative tracks with Max Macdonald. Produced by Henry White at Dental Records the album.

Bentley has played comedy roles on tv such as David Cameron in The Last Leg but the first love of his is writing and performing music.

Cuts from the Pop Anthemica album including Too Many Tears have already had extensive airplay around the world.

Many blogs including the Indie Guru have raved about the records high end atmospheric production and the consistent catchiness in Bentley’s writing.

Bentley releases his cover of Richard Ashcroft’s Sonnet on Feb 22nd 2022.

He now has 18000 followers on Tik Tok.

Pop Anthemica will be released in Spring 2022.

Go to www.bentleybrowning.com/music for videos and extended bio.

1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?

I’m massively inspired by 80s and 90s music from Janes Addiction to Prince. Melody and catchiness is paramount to me when writing. I love an infectious chorus.

2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?

The live show is low lit and aims to be a very atmospheric etheral event. Spiritually uplifting and transcendant vibes is the objective. At the same time I aim for there to be no filler tracks and have a set of songs which are easy to sing along to.

3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?

Showbusiness and the music business is rightly named The Rejection Game. Any musician has had to fight to get their music heard. Any challenges I have emotionally I put in my songs. Being on the wrong path and not going for one’s own glory has been a diversion at times in my life.

4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?

There are 2 ways I write. Firstly I tinker about on a semi acoustic guitar at home and try melodies out. If they work I bring them into the studio with Max Macdonald the guitar player. Max will interpret my idea with greater riffs and better colours than I ever could.

The second way I write is hearing Max’s guitar lines he comes up with and I improvise and try and find good melodies.

5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or hard work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed? Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?

Social media has changed the business forever. It can all be self made now. Teenagers in bedrooms are selling millions of records. Live music is where it’s at I think.

6.) Are you able to make a living with your music? If so, how were you able to attain a career doing what you love? If not, what do you do in order to fund your music career? What advice would give to someone who’s interested in pursuing a career in music?

I make money to finance my music career by doing acting jobs, performing comedy and running comedy workshops. I am also working at a college as a Comedy and Well-being tutor.

7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?

I’ve had to learn about website design and social media promotion. For me Tik Tok has been the most successful way to build a fan base. It’s a case of learning as you go to get to grips with the Social Media age.

8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?

I deliberately called the album Pop Anthemica as the songs are radio pop format. I have no qualms about quality pop/rock. Even though the trad verse chorus/verse structure is out of fashion I don’t care. It’s best to be true to oneself. I grew up on the radio singing along to hits.

9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Having my music spread far and wide, generating more income, soundtrack placements and filling out big venues performing live.