Producer To Watch: NYC's Backpack Ben

Backpack Ben's upcoming EP 'Dropped Out' headlined by star Trippie Redd and upcoming acts

New York City music producer Backpack Ben is assembling an eclectic roster of artists from throughout the United States to join him on his upcoming project called 'Dropped Out.' Backpack Ben allows nine rising stars to explore their artistry free of the pressure of industry politics. His ability to create customized music production provides a platform for emerging artists like Lil Chris, Big Trip, Chris Patrick, Leeky Bandz, Jay Gwuapo, Jake James, and Zach Siegz to deliver their best work.

The project Dropped Out is an autobiographical title inspired by Backpack Ben's decision to leave college to pursue a professional music career. Born in Colombia and adopted by American parents as an infant, Backpack Ben was raised on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Throughout his upbringing, Backpack Ben played a variety of instruments, including the viola and the guitar. Following high school, he studied music at Oberlin College in Ohio. As Ben became passionate about music production, he realized that his university did not offer a program that would allow him to study it further. Backpack Ben "dropped out" of Oberlin, and when he returned to Manhattan, he serendipitously met someone who worked for Atlantic Records. Through this relationship, Backpack Ben became an unofficial intern at the recording company and developed his career within the music industry.

"I describe myself as an out-of-the-box thinker," says Ben, "I don't like to make music that sounds like other music. I am always trying to create a new melody or run. I strive to be as abstract as possible but also make sure the concept is clear. The good thing about me is that I can work with any kind of artist or genre. I am not the main focus of the record as the producer, so I make sure the artist feels good about the work." Each of the nine artists selected for 'Dropped Out' was chosen based on Ben's vision, and since doing the project, each artist's star has been on the rise. He hopes that this project will lead to more opportunities to develop young talent and provide a platform for emerging artists to do their best work.

In anticipation of the release of 'Dropped Out,' Backpack Ben has released three singles from the project. "Bag" featuring Chris Patrick, "No Good" featuring Jake James, and "Adonis" featuring Big Trip are currently available on YouTube and streaming services. Follow Backpack Ben on social media @Backpack_Ben on Instagram and Twitter for more information on upcoming projects and new releases.