With his upcoming EP on the horizon, Redondo Beach-based singer-songwriter Hunter Benson emerges as a compelling new voice in the Americana-rock space. Blending the raw grit of grunge with the twang of southern rock, Benson’s latest single “Heaven’s Letter”—offers a deeply personal and emotionally charged introduction to his story. The song is a heartbreaking ballad shaped by childhood tragedy, as it’s about losing his father in a lightning strike when Benson was three. It’s a cathartic and soul-bearing piece, and Benson’s weathered, raspy vocals channel the heartache of loss while offering a glimpse of healing. It’s a modern elegy steeped in grief, love, and spiritual reckoning.
Earlier tracks “Come and Gone” and “Seeking” showcase Benson’s versatility, marrying grunge weight with country soul. Where the former mourns time’s passage with ghostly slide guitar, the latter fights for answers with defiant energy and resilience. Fans of anyone from Chris Stapleton to Mark Lanegan will find a kindred spirit in Benson, whose storytelling is at once both authentic and deeply vulnerable. Benson has bridged multiple genres to concoct a sound that is all his own, and with this trio of singles, his forthcoming EP has all the promise of being a powerful debut.
