BENEE is back with a new single, her first of 2022. 'Beach Boy' - produced by Greg Kurstin (Adele, Sia, Beck) - is an easy-breezy early teaser from the playful alt-popster's upcoming seven-track EP 'LYCHEE', born from lockdown and set for release on 4th March.

"'Beach Boy' is pure fantasy, set in LA," she explains. "It's about being happy alone but still wanting some love; wanting the thrill without the pain. It was the first time I'd worked with Greg Kurstin, and it was so sick. We got on super well, and I love this track. I think it is perfect for cruising down the freeway with the top down."

Hi BENEE! How's it going, what are you up to today?
I'm taking my dog Tui out to Muriwai beach on the West coast for a swim!!

How have you found 2022 so far?
Started out really well with a luvly holiday on Great Barrier Island, but having to cancel my NZ tour because of Omicron has been pretty gutting. I'm so looking forward to getting back to Europe in May, though - YAY.

Tell us about creating your new song 'Beach Boy' - when did you write this one? How did it come together?
I did a couple of sessions in LA in September with Greg Kirsten, and we hit it off really well. It's got the vibe of driving top down on a summer day going to the beach!

What are your favourite beach activities?
Surfing, swimming, throwing the ball for Tui. Bonfires with my mates at night. I LOVE the sea.

Have you written much new material since the release of your debut album?
YES! I've got a bunch of new songs that I can't wait to get out there.

You had a lot of buzzy collaborations on your debut, have you been working with anyone interesting since then?
YES, there are some super cool collabs coming up!! I've been working with a bunch of really sick artists in the last year! I also shot a vid with Dreamer Boy when I was in LA!!

Is 'Beach Boy' representative of the vibe you're going for these days? It's a lot breezier than last year's 'Doesn't Matter'.
I like to mix it all up, so there'll be a range of styles and sounds in my new work. 'Beach Boy' is just one of the vibes!

Are you going to be debuting any new material on your upcoming tour?
Definitely! I'll be playing the favs, of course, but a lot of the set is made up of new songs, which the band and I are super excited to be playing!

What else are you up to at the moment?
There's a lot going on! Josh [Fountain, collaborator] and I are finalising all the tracks on the EP, which is super exciting. The new 'Beach Boy' video will be out on 14th February; then we start planning the next one! I've got a promo shoot and lots of interviews lined up.
It's been such a beautiful summer here, and I'm making the most of it with my friends. I'm also starting on a new fitness regime with the band so that we'll be in top form for the tour.