Emerging from New Zealand with a distinct blend of quirky pop and moody R&B, BENEE, born Stella Rose Bennett, quickly captivated a global audience with her relatable lyricism and infectious melodies. The singer-songwriter, known for her breakout single "Soaked," carved out a unique space in the late 2010s music scene with her genre-fluid sound and authentic persona. Her journey from uploading covers to social media to winning international awards exemplifies a modern, digitally-native success story.

Born on January 30, 2000, in the Auckland suburb of Grey Lynn, Stella Rose Bennett grew up in a creative environment, learning to play the saxophone and guitar during her school years. Her initial foray into music was casual, posting covers of songs by artists like The Neighbourhood and Kings of Leon to Instagram. This informal start led her to record her first original tracks, "Tough Guy" and "Soaked," with producer Josh Fountain. It was "Soaked," a melancholic yet catchy track about unrequited love, that became a viral sensation on streaming platforms in 2019, serving as her undeniable claim to fame and setting the stage for her rapid ascent.

The momentum from "Soaked" propelled the release of her debut EP, "Fire on Marzz," later that same year, which featured the popular track "Glitter." She swiftly followed it with a second EP, "Stella & Steve," which included the global smash "Supalonely." That track, featuring Gus Dapperton, became a worldwide phenomenon during the 2020 lockdowns, fueled by its viral success on TikTok and earning multi-platinum certifications across the globe. This period cemented her international status and led to collaborations with major artists, including a feature on Flume's single "Never Be Like You (2020)," and working with Kenny Beats and Lily Allen.

BENEE's debut studio album, "Hey u x," arrived in 2020 to critical acclaim, showcasing her eclectic style and featuring an impressive roster of collaborators such as Grimes, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lily Allen. Her success was recognized with numerous accolades, including several New Zealand Music Awards and the prestigious APRA Silver Scroll award in 2020 for "Glitter." She continued to build her discography with subsequent EPs like "Lychee" in 2022, which included the single "Beach Boy." BENEE maintains an active touring schedule, performing at major festivals worldwide, and continues to write and release music that explores the complexities of young adulthood with a signature blend of wit and vulnerability.