Photo Credit of Benjamin Kheng, Barnabas Chua. Pictured next to Benjamin is a bottle of Tommy Hilfiger Impact Intense Eau de Parfum, the flanker to the Impact series that bursts with fresh red apple and bergamot before warming up to a heart of cedarwood, sandalwood and a cardamom accord.
The last we spoke about Tommy Hilfiger Impact, the converesation centered around harnessing one’s dreams and propelling them into the future. Namely, it was Sezairi’s views on self-love, strength and modern-day masculinity. A sort of messaging to himself and to his fellow man to do good by themselves to be better for their fellow men, if you will.
For the latest flanker to the Impact series — the Impact Intense Eau de Parfum — the narrative has shifted towards Benjamin Kheng and his latest single “Baby Mama”. Think of it as a Disclosure meets Kwabs kind of song (which is to say, an aural earworm) but more importantly, think of it as Kheng’s insatiability to pursue something limitless.
In this case, a new groove that’s as emotional as it is pleasing to the ears — a way for Kheng himself to push the dream even higher. Here, he takes us through the makings of the music video and his thoughts on the Tommy Hilfiger Impact Intense Eau de Parfum.
Hello Ben, how’s it going?
I’m great! Thanks for e-asking.
Let’s talk…about…the….title…of…Baby Mama.
The title Baby Mama was obviously a choice, but it’s more to help tell the song story, and less about an announcement of me having a baby mama (I don’t have one). And also I feel like in 2021 Baby Mama as a song title is probably a little mild? Strange times.
The aesthetics from the Eau de Toilette version is still present in this handsome bottle albeit intensified by a darker blue juice and gradient glass exterior. And yes, the cap still conceals a travel spray for the man on the move.
Regarding the inspiration behind that song — the weird meets wonderful sensation of pursuing something that isn’t good for you — how much of it is your life influencing the art?
We’ve all had that crossroads moment of deciding to fall for someone you know has no business being in your life, yet we do it anyway. It’s like rewatching season nine of Friends; it’s not really good and we know how it ends but we still do it every few years. Anyone? Just me?
Baby Mama is actually very groovy, sort of like Disclosure meets Kwabs. Do you think this marks some kind of evolution in your sound?
High praise, thank you. I think I’ve always loved making music that was vaguely danceable, mostly emotional. With regards to evolution I’ve already been round the moon and back writing songs about cai fan and bubble tea. It’s nice to come back to something that’s not as WhatsApp-sharing aggressive.
What’s your favourite lyric from Baby Mama then and why?
“She just wants to see me fall, and I’m just wanting more.” This fella is gleefully sticking his head into the croc’s mouth and emotionally manipulating himself. Also citing that amazing Bojack Horseman line “When you look at someone through rose-colored glasses, all the red flags just look like flags”.
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Do you perhaps then, have an interesting story behind the filming of the video then? Sort of like, a conversation starter.
There’s a slight dystopian, escapism element to the piece that’s revealed at the end! …Realising now this is a terrible conversation starter. It’s about a couple dancing and romancing in a bar.
You know, the messaging behind the Tommy Hilfiger Impact Intense is about pushing the dream even higher. Sort of Hercules — Go the Distance if you will. Do you think you’ve achieved all you’ve wanted today?
After my wonderful quarter-life crisis, I’d say I’m a little more obsessed with pushing the dream of just doing things that excite me, and a little less about specific milestones. I’m learning to trust and enjoy the process of dream-chasing more than anything else.
Do you think dreams are limitless then? What’s something perhaps, so out- of-the-box you’d like to achieve?
Dreams are allowed to evolve and be relative I think! A dream to be a good partner or fur-daddy (to dogs, please) should be given as much love as a dream to be Elon Musk. I’d like to write a full-length musical, publish it successfully and not have it flop in my face.
Speaking of which, the fragrance is quite interesting because it’s woody and spicy without being reminiscent of old-school deodorants. Some even think it smells of Christmas cookies while some think of a walk in the woods. How about you?
It reminds me of a rustic, spiced-up, flannel-wearing bearded lumberjack of giving free hugs at a music festival. He’s everyone’s friend.
What is next for you in 2022 then? What’s on the list of your pursuits?
I’m going to travel my ass off, then get started on writing more weird things.
The Tommy Hilfiger Impact Intense Eau de Parfum is priced at $95 for a 50ml bottle and $125 for a 100ml bottle. It is available at Metro here. Baby Mama by Benjamin Kheng is also available for listening on all streaming platforms.
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