Interviews Next Wave

Benzo Trill Turns Life’s Trials Into Triumph on “Roses”

Before his newest musical venture even began, Cajun singer-songwriter and actor Benzo Trill had already lived what feels like

By TCR Staff

June 9, 2026

Benzo Trill Turns Life’s Trials Into Triumph on “Roses”

Before his newest musical venture even began, Cajun singer-songwriter and actor Benzo Trill had already lived what feels like several lifetimes. From being on track for the Olympics to collaborating with P-Diddy straight out of high school, he has experienced the highs and lows of an extraordinary life from a young age. “It’s a movie,” he explains, “but I never honed in.” Eager to find direction and discipline, he joined the United States Army, where he served diligently until his honorable discharge in December 2025. His triumphs and struggles in the military shaped him into the relentless, focused person he is today, providing him with the clarity and confidence to pursue his long-held musical dreams once and for all.

Guided by a belief in the limitless nature of life, he made the move from his hometown of Port Arthur, TX, to sunny Hollywood, determined not to cut any corners this time around. With a refined vision and a gracious spirit, his step into the spotlight proves it’s never too late to pivot, reinvent, and rise, lighting the path for those still waiting to chase what truly stirs their soul. His debut EP, Chosen One, is where the journey begins: a chance to plant the seed and watch his boundless creativity bloom.

Swirling with easygoing, intoxicating R&B warmth, “Roses” follows a lover oozing with charisma and effortless charm, wooing the object of his affection with the most romantic gesture in the world. For Benzo Trill, leaving a lush bouquet of roses at her door is the ultimate expression of his devotion, a tangible way to celebrate the passion, desire, and joy she has brought into his life. His melodic soundscape floats like a crisp summer breeze, enveloping listeners in a lazy river of sultry sentiment, buoyed by spacious harmonies and a silky smooth delivery that could only come from someone truly struck by Cupid’s arrow. If he could, he would live in this feeling forever, losing himself to her mind, body, and soul, flaws and all. It may not be perfect, but it’s perfect to him. Each note soothes like a steady reassurance, as if to say: I’m here, I love you, and you’ll never have to worry again.

Rather than diving headfirst into a romantic affair, the “Roses” music video opens by flashing back to Benzo Trill’s military career, juxtaposing the young, untested man who first enlisted—and quickly found himself in trouble—with the strong, unflinching man who eventually left that world behind for good. As tears roll down his cheeks, the scene gives way to a luxurious paradise drenched in a fitting red palette, brought to life alongside visionary director Josh Jones. At the center stands Benzo Trill, alluring and poised, dressed in his finest, with his beloved bearded dragon Lizzy by his side and a red leather Bentley convertible blanketed in velvety petals. Coming into his own as a performer and a dancer, he commands the frame effortlessly, drawing viewers into the heat of the moment with every glide, slide, and swoop. As the tension builds and snapshots of the romance unfold like frames of film, the chemistry between him and his lover reaches a boil. At last, he makes his move, sweeping her up and carrying her off into the night.

What’s your mindset right now, stepping into music?

My mindset at this moment, stepping into music is natural, it’s free, many people don’t know, but this will be my first time in life, being able to create fully with no limitations. In a place I love, my home is an environment to create in now, i love the city, state, I love my cars, the shape I’m in, all my own studio equipment as well as film equipment. I’m like 95% all across the board of life, in the moment when music is like the wild, wild west! It feels good though, almost like the time when rolling out of the late 60 peace and war era to the 70 disco 80 Micheal Jackson and the blend &90’s with RnB and Rap music and culture was merging. For so long, I feel only one genre was in the spotlight at a time but I feel the industry is going through a shift right now, and it will emerge and evolve as it should. As for myself I feel great where my career is, Roses process, and the Ep Chosen One it has me excited for what’s to come because if I can create that in the midst of storms just imagine in peace and tranquility and I’m in control of the aura, like i say I have yet to even see or hear myself in that light it’s all new to me but im prepared and taking the moment in and adapting quickly to last minute things that may come up or change. Also creating new material via audio and visual

How did the Army change your focus?

The army changed my focus by not speaking about the weather, conversation or plans. Just simply shutting up and letting the results show, no matter what it may be. It also showed me how to unlock a place in my brain that’s unstoppable, relentless. I’m almost convinced that once reached that measure, a person who knows how to unlock that place can lose a limb but still keep going. It’s almost in comparison to the marathon runners that are fatigued and their body is shutting down, but they keep getting up and saying go, showing they are in the mind and controlling from there and telling the body what to do rather than vice versa, and they just give up. The mind will say keep going no matter what, one leg is gone, ok hop, no legs, walk on your arms, no arms, roll, if I can’t roll, then I will ask for help. until I can invent a machine that allows me to be independent and not a burden to others. So it just tightens you up if you go in sharp and you allow it to help you, I’ve seen it hurt a lot of people and I don’t want to seem like I’m bashing the Army because it’s a fine prestige military in a whole it’s just some people make the experience hell for others because of self problems but rank and power that’s a dangerous situation in a lot of cases.

How does Port Arthur still influence your music?

Believe it or not, the Port Arthur Music scene will always have a place in my heart, it where I started, and when I say started I mean started. There were maybe 4 other people doing music in the city at the time besides UGK. The local scene was hurt, and we came and gave life to it. Threw our own shows, promoted our shows, sold the tickets, ran the lights, sound, set, wardrobe ect like we wore a lot of hats in the beginning. Over time, it grew, but as that happened, more hate and confusion came. People see what’s going on, now they do music too. It got to a point that it seemed like everyone was making music and was hating on each other or they copied and stole from you and still hate on you. I think everyone has that I wanna be the next one to do it all alone and that’s not the way it’s designed. Also, I was always the one doing things, meeting celebrities, hosting clubs, doing shows, writing songs, making money and on TV, but I lasted long enough in that city to witness the story of the hero becomes the villain. Even Janis Joplin has an interview about Port Arthur; we share the same hometown roots as well as situations. First, you’re all coming up, and it’s plans and everyone is broke, and it’s cool. Then life starts happening and people stop. When you keep going, that love turns into awe he still doing music. You keep going over the years, and more stop until soon it’s just you still doing it and you have blossomed into a million-dollar enterprise, and they can’t believe it. But I was the one not accepted and honestly, I’m glad because if I had, it would have hindered me and kept me there just loving the local fame but I created fame and a buzz even through the hate and politics. So I keep up to see honestly some people I look to work with or help them, some I like share and motivate because they did the same, and some I go and just laugh real quick, like they’re still doing that lol but you said hated on me, I bet they’re sick to their stomach.

What are you trying to show with Chosen One?

With Chosen One, it was more to show others that it is possible to achieve, no matter what, no matter when. I was done making music and the music on the EP was at least a year old because I would record a song here and there, just restyling, playing around, and they would be in the studio like this a hit. I’m like, yeah, ok, I gotta go to formation at 5 am, I’m just letting off steam and passing time. But 2 of those records made the tape when I went back and revisited the recordings. Chosen One was a symbol of when you are called and chosen to do a job or be an example for people to show them if you are not dead, you still have a chance in life.

“Roses” has a smoother sound—was that always part of your style?

Yeah, being smooth has always been a characteristic of me. Growing up with all men and 4 brothers in a neighborhood of like 30 to 50 boys ranging from 8 to 18, it’s rough and tough. Growing up, it was about being fly, dressing nice, the same thing the stars had, we wanted and eventually got as kids and teens, out hustling. So that was more important to me. I was making more than the people who wanted me to make music, so it wasn’t appealing at first. Then it was a way to be fly and get my message across, but being smooth was always the top 2 things to get accomplished if not the first, in all things is to be smooth at it, ya know.

Where did the message behind the song come from?

The message behind roses stemmed from past relationships that I cherished, but unfortunately, life comes in way not prepared or expected. Instead of letting it hold me back, I learned and became a better man. Sat alone for at least 2 years in solitary just molding, understanding, and growing to know and love myself. I think that’s key: before we can try to love anyone, we must first love and respect ourselves. So it was a tribute of giving flowers, a thing I do to show a person I miss them, or if I was out of town and couldn’t be there, I would always have roses at the door, no matter what. So in that moment I went through it, was depressed, go over it. went through it again, was depressed again, got over it again butter healing the last time I really learned self-respect and was appreciative of the situation and what I learned to be a better man. So it was my one last rose as a thank you!

How important was it to show your full story in the video?

It’s really important to tell my full story. To be honest, that was about 2-4 years of a 15-20 year story that is still being written to this exact moment. I still have a lot more to tell and I want to say I appreciate you all for allowing the reader to know more as well and I get to tell my story and paint a picture of imagery through this text on the page and digital print. But what’s most important nowadays is your story. It was always impressive and important in my book.

How are you building your performance style right now?

I’m building my performance style by first designing my living quarters to be a dreamer / Creator efficient. Time doesn’t exist in that place, so that’s first. Also, practice on instruments for my live performances and acoustic versions. Also getting more active in the culture and dance to have fun, make a TikTok to one of the cool songs. Really just being myself and letting the music flow, but I can dance, nah, my roots are in Louisiana and Port Arthur, Tx is the Cajun Capital. But I prep and plan to bring different vibes, sets and arrangements to my performance. I don’t think any will be the same, honestly.

What do you want people to take away from this new chapter?

I want people to take away from this chapter is that it’s new for me, it’s amazing on this side of believing and getting your goals, no matter what gender, sex preference or age. We are in a world nowadays as they would say, the New World it’s a bit harder but fair at the same time. This New World rewards hard word and consistency all around on all platforms in all algorithmic databases. So I want people to be motivated inspired to get out and live, love, cherish life, go for your dreams and desires if they are for you, it will be, if it’s not for you, at least you tried and you have no regrets when transitioning past this life. You can do it. If you need motivation send me a Direct Message lol I’m just here to inspire