A DAY IN THE LIFE: ALEC BENJAMIN — TOUR EXCLUSIVE

IMAGERY COURTESY OF ALEC BENJAMIN

Six years since F Word last caught up with Alec Benjamin, the multi-platinum singer-songwriter is back — and bigger than ever. Now in 2025, he’s reaching new heights with the release of his third studio album 12 Notes, featuring the viral single “I Sent My Therapist To Therapy” — a track that’s racked up over 55 million streams and even landed him a performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. With his UK/EU tour in full swing — including a sold-out headline show at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall — we couldn’t resist the chance to go behind the scenes. From pre-show rituals to self-care routines, Alec gives us an exclusive glimpse into life on the road — and trust us, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into.

F Word: Hey, Alec, welcome back to F Word! It’s been a few years - and a whole global pandemic - since we last spoke in 2019. A lot has happened since then! What have been the highlights of the last six years?

Alec Benjamin: Wow, six years?! Time flies when you’re writing songs, losing your voice, and finding it again. Honestly, the journey’s been a rollercoaster - in the best way. I released music that felt like pieces of my diary, worked with artists I’ve looked up to forever, and found myself performing in rooms I used to dream about while singing in the shower. And yes, I also finally figured out how to pack a suitcase properly - big personal win.

FW: When we last caught up, you’d just finished your first headline tour. Fast forward to now, and you’re in the midst of your epic UK/EU 2025 tour! How does it feel to be back on the road at this scale?

AB: It feels like coming home - in the best way. There’s nothing quite like walking out to a crowd that knows the lyrics better than I do. I missed the adrenaline, the weird greenroom snacks, and the random deep chats on the tour bus at 2 a.m. So yeah—it feels epic.

FW: Your headline show at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall last month - how was that?! Did it feel like a pinch-me moment in any way?

AB: Oh, pinch-me doesn’t even begin to cover it - I needed a full slap across the face. Standing on that stage, where so many legends have stood, I felt like I was borrowing someone else’s dream for a second. I definitely had to fight back a tear or two (or twelve) when the crowd lit up the hall with phone lights during the ballads. It was magic. British fairytale vibes, but with more cables and sound checks.

FW: Where’s your favourite place to perform? (You don’t have to be biased, but we won’t hold it against you if you are!)

AB: Oof, tough one! Every crowd has its own flavor, but there’s something about Amsterdam that’s always next level. I have to say though that every city really has been amazing. 

FW: A tour of this size must be exhilarating but also exhausting. How do you take care of yourself physically and mentally while on the road?

AB: I’ve learned the hard way that sleep isn’t optional (yes, I’m officially old). I’ve got a great vocal doc who keeps me in check, a tour manager who reminds me to eat green things, and a little meditation app that has become my pre-nap ritual. I also travel with my kettle and favorite tea -because hydration and comfort are key, and also, I’m low-key 80 years old inside.

FW: Can you take us through a typical day in the life of being on tour?

AB: Sure! Wake up, chug water, get some clothes on, do my vocal warm-ups, go to the gym, soundcheck, meet and greet, eat something healthy but delicious, perform, meet some incredible fans, then wind down with a cup of tea and a funny chat with a bandmate on the bus. Rinse and repeat!

FW: Performing live is such a huge part of your artistry - what does it mean to you?

AB: It’s where the songs come to life. The studio is where I feel everything, but the stage is where I share it. When a crowd sings back something I wrote alone in my room at 2 a.m.- there’s nothing more surreal. Performing live reminds me why I started doing this in the first place.

FW: Your songs are deeply personal. Are there any that are particularly difficult to perform live, either emotionally or vocally?

AB: Yes - and sometimes they surprise me. There’s a song I wrote during a tough time that I thought I had emotionally outgrown, but the second I sing that first line on stage, it all comes rushing back (I Built a Friend). Vocally, I have one or two that I definitely regret writing in such a high key (Water Fountain) - but hey, nothing like a live challenge to keep you humble.

FW: Is there a song that you get the most excited to perform live?

AB: Yes.. “I Sent My Therapist to Therapy”

FW: Do you ever get used to a crowd of people singing your lyrics back to you? Or does it still hit you every time?

AB: Never gets old. Not even a little. I still get goosebumps. It’s like watching your diary become a choir. Makes all the lonely writing sessions and studio headaches totally worth it.

FW: If this tour had a sound, a colour, and a taste, what would they be?

AB: Sound: A slightly chaotic but beautiful harmony. Colour: Deep electric blue with gold sparkles—moody but magical. Taste: Something spicy-sweet… 

FW: Do you have any pre-show rituals or superstitions?

AB: Yes! I do a little vocal warm-up dance that looks like interpretive yoga and I never eat anything within an hour of going on. 

FW: What’s on your rider?

AB: Water, Chocolate covered almonds, Diet Pepsi or Coke, cheese, deli meats, fruit and veggie tray! 

FW: What’s the wildest or most memorable thing that’s happened on this tour so far?

AB: Nothing too crazy on this one! Thankfully there haven’t been any big surprises :). 

FW: When the final show wraps and the tour is officially over, what’s the first thing you do?

AB: Take a long shower. Hug everyone. Then sleep for like… a week. After that? Probably go write a new album. 

FW: What can the fans look forward to in 2025?

AB: New music! 

FW: And, as always, to wrap things up - what is your favourite F-word?

AB: Feel. Because it’s the root of everything I write, everything I sing, and everything I hope people take away from the music.