Jake Benjamin Releases The Van Gogh-Inspired Track “Broken Stars”

Jake Benjamin Releases The Van Gogh-Inspired Track “Broken Stars”

On March 25th, New York-based artist Jake Benjamin released his latest track “Broken Stars.” In his own words, “Broken Stars” is “a composition and lyric inspired by the life and words of Vincent Van Gogh.” Much like The Starry Night, “Broken Stars” is beautiful and a little sad. The lyrics are gorgeous, yes, but the strength in this song is absolutely the instrumental. Jake Benjamin creates a soundscape that rivals Van Gogh’s landscape paintings, and there are twists and turns everywhere to create a gorgeous and slightly unsettling listening experience.

The track is centered around an acoustic guitar, but there is so much more. Benjamin’s voice is an excellent instrument, and the backing vocals here provide an even stronger sense of intimacy. There are strings here that are sweeping and cinematic and I know that phrase is done to death, but it’s the best descriptor here. The vocal melody and chord progression are sweet, sensitive, and haunting. This song defines definition at times, and it certainly defies genre.

Benjamin studied at both The University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, and this training has helped him not only create a solid foundation but also break through that foundation to experiment with “vocal layering, beatboxing, and body percussion.” There is a jazz influence here that seems to make the track all the more powerful.

I could keep going on and on and on about this, but I think it’s best if you just listen. Listen to the beauty that Jake Benjamin has created with inspiration from one of the most beloved visual artists around the world, and let the instrumental wash you. Though it might seem to be similar to other singer-songwriter tracks, I can tell you that there is something here that sets it apart. I can’t quite name it because it seems so intangible, but I know it’s there. I’m sure you’ll notice, too. 

Check out “Broken Stars” below, and let us know what you think!