IN CONVERSATION WITH BENJAMIN ELGAR
interview by MARIE-PAULINE CESARI
Numéro Netherlands Digital presents an intimate conversation with rising pop provocateur Benjamin. Born in Romania, shaped by LA, and raised on a sonic diet of 80s pop and R&B, Benjamin is carving out a genre-blurring space where bold storytelling meets unfiltered emotion. Known for his fearless visuals, DIY roots, and fierce dedication to queer expression, he turns vulnerability into spectacle—and every song into a world. With the release of his explosive new single “Hoe” featuring Bhad Bhabie, Benjamin proves he’s not just playing pop’s game—he’s rewriting the rules.
What first sparked your love for music at age five?
My mom played 80s pop and my dad played R&B, so there was always music in the house.
How did artists like Britney and MJ shape your vision?
They didn’t just perform songs—they built worlds. The storytelling, the fashion, the visuals, the choreography… I became obsessed with the idea of turning emotions into a show. That’s what I try to do with my work now.
images credit ALEX LOUCAS
How did Romania—and later LA—influence your sound?
Romania gave me this deep emotional core and hunger to escape. LA gave me the resources and exposure to global pop.
What did DIY visuals and club shows teach you early on?
They taught me hustle and taste. When you don’t have money, you rely on instinct. That made me sharper creatively. Club shows taught me how to hold a room with just energy.
What made your team on this project feel like family?
We weren’t chasing trends, we were chasing truth. Everyone on the “Hoe” video—from dancers to producers—gave their all. We had fun, we fought, we stayed up till 4 a.m. planning or editing. It felt like building something that mattered together.
“Hoe” is bold, fun, and packed with attitude. What inspired the track?
The word itself is funny and controversial, but I wanted to give it meaning. It’s about being judged and turning that into a weapon. It’s camp, it’s layered, and it’s also just a bop.
You’ve said storytelling and visuals are key to your work. How are you bringing “Hoe” to life visually?
It’s bold and a little chaotic—in the best way. We used fire, choreography, and theatrical set pieces to show different sides of power and performance. I wanted it to feel like a dark pop fantasy: sexy, unhinged, and unforgettable.
How did the Bhad Bhabie collab come to life?
I was in the car with my friends playing her music, and we were all just talking about how fire her delivery is. I messaged my team at 3 a.m. and told them to send her the song. She listened, connected with it right away, and sent back a verse that completely elevated the track. It was one of those rare collabs that felt effortless—she came in and did what only she could do.
What do you hope queer kids see when they see you?
That you can be everything they said was “too much” and still run the show. You weren’t born to fit in—you were born to shift the whole atmosphere.
What’s next after releasing this new track?
The album is coming. I’ve been working on it for over a year. Every song is a chapter. There’s drama, heartbreak, revenge, glam—it’s the full movie.
Style-wise, if your look had a slogan—what would it be?
“Dressed like the main event, not the guest.”