About
Rock. Blues. Funk. Shred. Sax. Bencoolen is a maximalist rock band that bring blues, funk, and soul together to create their own, bold sound. The band features soaring vocals, swift sax lines, and huge guitar tones. In name, the band was started in 2014 by Paul Gregg and Teddy Scott as a college project with friends. As months passed into years, the focus of the band shifted from a hobby to a lifestyle, catalyzed by lineup changes, rediscovery, and unrelenting inspiration. The lineup rounded out by mid-2016 with Ben Suarez joining on bass, Jack Bentsen on saxophone, and Will “Willy Pipes” Lockery on drums and backup vocals. The early days of a rock n roll band are often painted poetically. Artists face lengthy struggles to be heard, turbulent lives on the road, and uncertainty. They also experience grand adventures, beautiful stages, and meet wonderful people few others find. Bencoolen plays on, writing their first chapters, riding in a caravan up and down the coast from sunny Savannah and up to New York’s metropolis. They rapidly dance between highs and lows. A van stuck in the mud, an encore in a collegetown, a festival stage among a lineup of legends, and a lonely night at the dive. Song ideas sprout up from it all, sax solos fill the night, and ripping guitars stun a passerby with an adrenaline rush. Bencoolen’s sound has dazzled crowds, and their determination continues to bring them to new venues. In fact, Bencoolen grabbed a hometown sell out show in Washington DC in September 2018. They have supported tours for Mihali of Twiddle, Marcus King, Spafford, Mungion, Atlas Road Crew, Mondo Cozmo, and Big Something. They have landed major festival slots at Firefly Music Festival in 2017 and at Musikfest in 2018. The group has their debut album, "Daydream," coming out in March 2019. The record rises from pop to funk to rock, capturing the genre bending spectacle of a Bencoolen performance. The record is headlined by "Tonight," "Roll On," and "Daydream" in which listeners will grab onto a steady pulse, swaggering leads, and confident vocal performances. The release was only possible due to Red Dragon Studios generosity and producer Addison Smith's sure-handed touch behind the controls. It was captured in a cabin tucked away in the lush West Virginia hills. Self-managed and self-booked, Bencoolen is proud to release their first full length project and tackle their biggest upcoming tour.
Genre:
Rock
Category:
Rock
Rate:
(for users only)
Location:
Washington, DC
Music
Upcoming
Chi Phi
Bencoolen
Thu, Mar 29
Kappa Delta Rho
Bencoolen
Sat, Apr 6
Reviews (17)
These guys know how to take a party up a notch - whether it's originals, Drops of Jupiter for the romantics, or the occasional The Strokes meets Drake, they know how to have a good time. One of the best performances our fraternity has seen in a long time, looking forward to having these guys back again soon!
Sat, Feb 27 - University of Virginia
We had an awesome time hosting Bencoolen this Saturday. Their stage presence and music brought amazing energy to the party. Everyone was up by the stage and dancing the moment they started playing. Great mix of original music and covers. Hopefully we can have them back soon.
Sat, Apr 2 - Bucknell University
Bencoolen killed it. Mixing it up with classic covers as well as some of their originals kept the crowd involved and loving it. They had tons of energy and I would definitely have them back again.
Sat, Apr 9 - Clemson University
Great energy throughout the entire performance. The crowd was loving it from start to finish. Would recommend to anyone and look forward to working with them again in the future.
Sat, Apr 23 - James Madison University
Would definitely recommend Bencoolen to anyone who is thinking about having a band party. Absolutely killed it at our formal, but will definitely try to have them back again on campus. Both the brothers and their dates loved them, and were dancing all night long. A highlight of the night was definitely just getting to hang out with them when they weren't playing. Would definitely recommend to anyone thinking about hiring a band, no matter what the theme is.
Sat, May 7 - Washington and Lee University
awesome show
Sat, May 7 - James Madison University
Awesome band! They played a night show for us on our porch had everyone asking for an encore. Super easy to work with everyone loved them. Highly recommended- these guys are talented.
Sat, Sep 10 - Davidson College
Had these guys for a tailgate in our front yard and they killed it. Plenty of songs to get everyone excited and kept everyone entertained the whole show. Second time hosting these guys and definitely not the last time.
Sat, Sep 10 - Clemson University
Bencooleen crushed it. Played for 2 hours and wanted to play more after the venue shut down. Played hits, jams, and original music and got the crowd fired up. Dealt with some wild crowdmembers who got on stage with grace. They are talented and put on a great show. Thanks
Sat, Nov 5 - University of Virginia
A good group of guys who are laid-back and easy to deal with. They play all of the right songs and are a steal for what you pay. We plan to have them again in the future.
Fri, Feb 24 - Hampden-Sydney College
Bencoolen put on a terrific show for our day drink! There music was perfect for our guest. Great guys as well. Can't wait to have them back.
Sat, Apr 1 - James Madison University
Bencoolen put on an incredible show at our party. Great musicians who played a perfect combination of their originals weaved together with a diverse mix of really well done covers, and the whole crowd was completely into it from beginning to end. Would highly recommend for any sized event.
Fri, Sep 15 - Hampden-Sydney College
Sat, Apr 23 - James Madison University
Fri, Mar 31 - James Madison University
Bencoolen was awesome for us once again. They performed for our day drink and absolutely killed it. Teddy is a total professional, and a pleasure to work with.
Sat, Mar 24 - James Madison University
Fri, Oct 20 - University of Virginia
Great guys with great sound, always happy to have them!
Sat, Oct 20 - James Madison University
