Benjamin Kheng collaborates with Keenan Te, dropping their new release, ‘Shared Trauma’

Multi-talented singer Benjamin Kheng from Singapore has just unveiled the much-anticipated initial track, “Shared Trauma,” from his second volume of ‘GLOOMY BOOGIE.’ This song features the Australian artist Keenan Te.

Stream “Shared Trauma” here: https://benjaminkheng.lnk.to/sharedtrauma

“Shared Trauma” serves as the lead single for ‘GLOOMY BOOGIE Vol. 2,’ the concluding segment of Benjamin Kheng’s two-part album. The first part, Vol. 1, was introduced earlier this year in August.

This track was collaboratively composed by both Benjamin Kheng and Keenan Te and skillfully produced by Rence, an emerging producer based in Los Angeles. The mixing and mastering were expertly handled by Joe Grasso, a two-time Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum engineer hailing from New York City.

Accompanying the launch of “Shared Trauma” is an engaging music video directed by Barnabas Chua, a frequent collaborator from Murk & Marrows. This video showcases Benjamin and Keenan within a retro living room setting. Despite the song’s weighty theme, the video maintains a playful and whimsical atmosphere, in line with the paradoxical “gloomy boogie” motif of the forthcoming album.

The inspiration for “Shared Trauma” originates from the profound emotional connection among individuals who have shared similar experiences of trauma.

Although not a licensed therapist, Benjamin, who embarked on a relationship marked by shared trauma, advises against it, suggesting that it’s better suited as a song. “Shared Trauma” explores the poetic aspects of the shared sinking feeling and the juxtaposition of discovering new love amid old wounds, both of which are skillfully highlighted in the lyrics and the musical arrangement, despite the darker subject matter.

Keenan Te, a versatile singer-songwriter from Australia and a close friend of Benjamin, enthusiastically expresses his feelings about the project, stating, “I absolutely love collaborating with Ben. He’s not only a great friend but also a remarkable artist, making our collaboration effortless. The song is incredibly enjoyable, and I’m immensely proud of it.”

When discussing their collaboration, Benjamin emphasizes how the initial song drafts were straightforward ballads, but he desired to inject a vibrant energy with a chaotic bassline, breathing new life into the track. Keenan was the perfect co-pilot, contributing to the song from its inception to his performance on it. Benjamin praises Keenan for his infectious melodies and describes him as a generous performer and a remarkable individual.

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