DFW Multi-Instrumentalist Bencjones Enters New Era with Idol Records Signing and Forthcoming EP
The title track and debut single, “Love Got In The Way,” was officially released on August 28, offering listeners a dynamic first taste of what the artist playfully terms a “psychedelic spy rocker.”
FORT WORTH / DALLAS — For Fort Worth multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter Bencjones, the journey to creative autonomy has been years in the making. Now, after seven years of refining his craft and navigating the Texas music landscape, Bencjones has officially signed with iconic Dallas-based independent label Idol Records for the release of his forthcoming EP, Love Got In The Way.
The partnership bridges both sides of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, marking a pivotal milestone for an artist known for blending soulful melodies with sharp pop sensibilities and gritty, rock-infused riffs. The title track and debut single, “Love Got In The Way,” was officially released on August 28, offering listeners a dynamic first taste of what the artist playfully terms a “psychedelic spy rocker.”
A Seven-Year Journey to Independent Backing
The path to signing with Idol Records came together earlier this year following a performance at Dallas’s House of Blues. A backstage conversation with Benji McPhail of 91.7 KXT sparked the idea to connect with local independent labels, leading Bencjones directly to Idol Records founder Erv Karwelis.
Karwelis, a major-label veteran (Sony/Columbia, Geffen) who founded Idol Records in 1993, has built a legacy championing renowned acts such as Old 97’s, Centro-matic, The O’s, and Sponge. Upon hearing the unreleased tracks from Bencjones, Karwelis moved quickly to bring him onto the roster.
“We are proud to welcome Bencjones to the Idol Records family,” said Karwelis. “The Fort Worth-based musician has carved out a reputation as a versatile multi-instrumentalist and sharp pop craftsman with a knack for memorable hooks.”
For Bencjones, the deal represents the fulfillment of a long-term goal.
“For me, it’s basically a dream come true,” Bencjones shared. “I’ve always wanted to work with an independent record label. I started this back in 2019, so it’s taken seven years. But after seven years of hard work, here we are.”
Unlocking the "Vault" and Taking the Production Reins
Love Got In The Way gathers songs that had spent seasons tucked away in what Bencjones calls his personal “vault”—tracks that diverged from his earlier R&B and soul projects and awaited the right context to emerge.
Rather than staying boxed into a single sound, the new project leans boldly into rock and atmospheric, cinematic arrangements while preserving the rich, soulful vocal identity Bencjones has cultivated over the years.
Beyond songwriting and performance, the EP highlights Bencjones taking greater control at the helm of engineering and production. While his previous work relied heavily on collaborative setups at Alpha Omega Studios in Fort Worth, Bencjones produced much of the new EP independently across multiple studios—including CPS Studios in North Richland Hills, Wierenga Studios, Alpha Omega Studios, and his own Bencjones Mobile Studios. Mixing and mastering were completed by Kent Stump at Dallas's Crystal Clear Sound.
“This record is almost a return to the first two records,” Bencjones reflected. “It’s like an homage… It’s like going back to my roots in some ways.”
Where to Listen
The lead single and music video for “Love Got In The Way” are currently streaming across major digital platforms. Further release details and tour dates in support of the upcoming EP will be announced via Idol Records and Bencjones' official channels.
