As a music producer and songwriter, Benjamin Boukris has risen to the top of the French music industry, earning numerous certifications and collaborating with established French and international artists in both the pop and hip-hop scenes.
Boukris has established a reputation as a versatile producer, but his influences trace back to the iconic MTV era of the 2000s. “As a child, I remember waking up early in the morning just to watch MTV music videos. I was mesmerized by the power of the visuals, choreography, and the way they blended with the music,” he recalls.
The early 2000s were marked by mega-producers who not only crafted hits but also shaped the sound of an era: Timbaland’s sonics and groove, Scott Storch’s signature string riffs, The Neptunes’ funky rhythms, and Stargate’s polished pop sensibilities all contributed to the rich tapestry of 2000s R&B.
For Boukris, these producers served not only as models but also as benchmarks of excellence. In 2022, Boukris came full circle when he was granted admission to the selective program at the Los Angeles Academy for Artists & Music Production (LAAMP), a music school led by Grammy-winning producers Stargate.
Boukris’ Tunisian heritage, combined with the influence of producers like Scott Storch or Timbaland, who often incorporated Middle Eastern sounds into their music, significantly shaped his production style. This influence is evident in tracks like “Je T’Abime” by NEJ or “La La La” by Faouzia, where Boukris blends contemporary beats with Middle Eastern melodies, creating a unique and compelling sound. “I’m happy I was able to incorporate some of my Middle Eastern influences into these tracks,” he says.
“MTV was also all about visuals. Music videos by directors such as Hype Williams were a big part of the appeal of a song,” Boukris explains. He believes that visuals are as important as the music itself when developing an artist. “You need new artists you can build a new concept with. And that requires not only music production skills but also a visual vision.” Drawing inspiration from Hype Williams, Boukris always considers the visual aspect of his productions, ensuring that the music and visuals complement each other seamlessly.
In today’s digital age, the role of visuals in music has evolved with platforms like TikTok. Much like MTV in the 2000s, TikTok has become a crucial platform for discovering and promoting music. Boukris sees a parallel between the impact of music videos in his formative years and the current influence of TikTok. “Today, it’s about creating engaging content that resonates with audiences, just like the music videos did back then.”
Now collaborating with artists between Paris and Los Angeles, Benjamin Boukris continues to innovate and push the boundaries of music production, with a deep respect for the past and a keen eye on the future, we are excited to see what the next chapter holds for him.
Follow Benjamin Boukris’s discography through his Instagram page and Spotify playlist.
