Musician: Hunter Benson: Lead Vocals; Steve Ornest: Guitar; Matt Rubano: Bass; Dan Kalisher: Pedal Steel; and Charlie Paxson: Drums

Song: Heavens Letter; Music Video Released; Single Release: February, 21, 2025; Produced and engineered by Steve Ornest; Mastered by Wyn Davis; Recorded at Total Access Recording Studios

A true storyteller is unafraid to delve into their subconscious to fully understand how tragedy not only influences their emotions, but also guides how they lead the rest of their lives. Singer-songwriter Hunter Benson is one such artist who isn’t afraid to explore how the obstacles he has face have provided him with the wisdom to continue approaching his life with compassion and acceptance. He leans into his life experiences on his latest single, ‘Heavens Letters,’ on which he proclaims that people shouldn’t be afraid to face their traumas and grief.

The Redondo Beach-based musician, who released his new track on February 21, was inspired in part by Alice in Chains and Lynyrd Skynyrd to infuse the tune with a unique, brooding mix of country, Southern and grunge rock. He honors his past and dreams of his future on ‘Heavens Letters’ with a sentimental passion that proves to be his signature sound and embraces his raw emotions.

Benson’s soulful, raspy vocal delivery embraces the tones of such fellow singers as Chris Stapleton and Joe Cocker on ‘Heavens Letter.’ The piece is a deeply moving and powerful ballad that reflects on personal loss, grief and the longing for connection after a tragedy.

In Benson’s case, he reflects on the profound experience and tragedy of being struck by lightning at three-years-old alongside his father and brother on his new single. The song captures the raw emotion and lingering impact of the artist witnessing his father’s death.

Benson’s soulful, evocative vocals paint a portrait of loss that feels both personal and relatable. ‘Heavens Letter’ captures not only the musician’s, but also overall society’s, grief that accompanies the loss of a parent. The track’s poignant lyrics and stirring melody make it a powerful tribute to his father.

The singer’s evocative vocals, which are infused with aching melancholy, also features the measured rhythm of an intimate, expert pedal steel that evokes intense sorrow. The tune’s strikingly mournful lyrics are also driven in par by intriguing chord changes and progressions from Dan Kalisher on the slide guitar. Along with a unique blend of dark and light, twangy pedal steel chord changes, the single creates a distinctive take on its Americana/country sound.

Benson’s emotional, rasping vocals and heartfelt lyrics and angsty instrumentals from his fellow musicians are on full display throughout ‘Heavens Letters’ video. Driven by a gripping blend of a sentimental live performance of the track and nostalgic photos of the artist with his family, the video is a visually stunning tribute to Benson’s father.

Between the singer’s soulful, evocative vocals that are intensely personal and universally relatable themes, ‘Heavens Letter’ is a cathartic expression of the love and grief that accompanies the loss of a parent. The tune serves as a testament to the musician’s strength as both a storyteller and musician. The song’s poignant lyrics and stirring melody make the tribute to Benson’s father and a healing letter to the heavens. ‘Heavens Letters’ is also a timeless anthem for anyone who has experienced the agony of losing someone they love too soon.

Benson’s soulful, raspy and raw vocal delivery make ‘Heavens Letter,’ which will be included on his debut EP, set to be released in late 2025, a true standout. The single and its accompanying video are deeply moving and powerful feats that reflects on personal loss, grief and the longing for connection after a tragedy.  The song also captures the raw emotion and lingering impact that the death of the musician’s father had on him.

For more information on Benson, visit his official website, as well as his Facebook, Instagram and YouTube pages.