Music

Bennett Elliott Has ‘Just A Thought’ For You On His New EP

14 October

If you haven’t heard of Bennett Elliott yet, now’s the time to take note. The York-based indie pop artist is dropping his third EP, and it’s already making waves though, in true Bennett fashion, the sound is a candid look at the whirlwind of thoughts, feelings, and opinions that come unfiltered, whether you like them or not.

“This new EP takes a closer look at unfiltered thoughts,” Bennett tells KLAT. “My first two EPs were more personal and mental health-focused, dissecting my own emotions. This one is more straight-forward, statement-driven. The lyrics are blunt and candid but still carry my personal touch of apprehension: ‘Maybe I don’t want to wait all my life, just a thought.’”

Bennett’s journey into music started in the most relatable way: in his bedroom, tinkering with covers. His first professional studio recording was a cover of Dodie’s 6/10, which became a foundation for experimenting with harmonies, ad-libs, and making songs his own. “I’d love for listeners to feel a sense of connection to my music,” he says. “I turn to music for all sorts of reasons, but the key thing I look for is a sense of being understood.”

Defining “indie pop” in his own words, Bennett says it’s “an unfiltered, unapologetic portrayal of an independent artist.” From bedroom setups to small-scale production, every song draws from personal experience, flaws included, giving the music a raw, relatable emotion.

His creative process is fluid—sometimes starting with a beat, sometimes with a melody or mood—but one thing’s consistent: honesty. The track that pushed him the most creatively? “Mr. Hyde.” What began as a demo went through multiple iterations—indie folk, stripped acoustic, synth pop—before settling on a dance/pop production that Bennett calls “one of my best productions to date.”

York has played a pivotal role in shaping Bennett’s sound Studying at York St John’s University taught him how to release music independently—from production to marketing—turning a once-distant dream of a music career into something achievable. “Being a homebody myself, York’s close-knit music scene gives me a sense of community where everyone looks out for one another. That kind of support makes the biggest difference,” he notes.

Musically, Bennett draws inspiration from Julia Michaels and Carol Ades, artists who make vulnerability relatable and turn lyrics into conversations with friends. Their unexpected melodies and intricate storytelling influence Bennett’s approach to songwriting.

As an independent artist, Bennett is candid about misconceptions. “Not everyone wants to reach Beyonce or Taylor Swift level fame. Not everyone is aiming to be signed by a major label,” he says. His focus is connection, growth, and the joy of creating music that resonates.

Collaborations excite him, especially writing with or for other artists. “I’ve written all my songs from my perspective, but I’d love to draw inspiration from someone else’s journey and life experiences,” he explains. And while numbers and stats aren’t the primary motivator, seeing his followers and streams grow validates his path. “If I showed 17-year-old Bennett the songs I write now, he wouldn’t believe it,” he laughs.

One lyric from the new EP that holds deep meaning:
“I’m gonna steal your favourite shirt, cause I want you to know I’m keeping you close, I’m just trying to make this work.”

It’s a reflection of personal growth, evolving from overthinking and dependency to finding peace and balance in relationships.

Despite the DIY ethos, Bennett credits his partner Brendan for helping him stay consistent. And while social media might create distance, he hopes listeners recognize the hours of independent work behind his songs. “A lot of the stuff I put out is a result of endless hours creating independently,” he says. And if you let yourself listen closely, Bennett promises, you’ll feel understood.