Benny Benassi
Italy- Biography of Benny Benassi
- Early Life and Career
- Solo Career and Benassi Bros
- Pump-Kin Music and Recent Work
Biography of Benny Benassi
Benny Benassi is an Italian DJ, composer, and producer. He gained worldwide fame with his summer club hit "Satisfaction" released in 2002. He has collaborated with Madonna, Chris Brown, Mika, and other renowned artists.
Early Life and Career
Born Marco "Benny" Benassi on July 13, 1967, in Milan, he grew up in Reggio Emilia. He started DJing alongside his cousin Alle Benassi in the late 1980s in their hometown. In the mid-1990s, Benassi began working at the production studio "Off Limits" owned by Italian producer Larry Pignagnoli, who had worked with artists such as Whigfield, Spagna, and Sandy Chambers. During this time, Benny created music for various artists, including the group Ally & Jo.
In 2001, Benassi, using the name KMC, released his first hit "I Feel So Fine," featuring the vocals of the internationally renowned vocalist Dhany. The track reached number one in the Italian charts and became a club hit in the UK. Changing his musical direction from house to electro, Benny gained worldwide recognition with his composition "Satisfaction." Esteemed DJs such as Carl Cox, Darren Emerson, and Roger Sanchez praised the track. It reached the second position in the UK Singles Chart. The music video for "Satisfaction" features seductive models using various electronic instruments, with an explicit version also available.
Solo Career and Benassi Bros
In 2003, Benny released his first solo album, "Hypnotica," which won the European Border Breakers Award in 2004. He often collaborated with vocalists Paul French and Violeta Claudia, known as The Biz. Benny also produced the group Benassi Bros with his cousin Alle. The project featured vocalists from The Biz and other guest performers. A year after "Hypnotica," Benny released his first full-length album, "Pumphonia." In 2005, the Benassi Bros released the album "…Phobia." Several of Benny's singles achieved prestigious chart positions in the UK and were played in clubs worldwide.
Pump-Kin Music and Recent Work
In 2005, Benny founded the record label "Pump-Kin Music," which aimed to promote new and unsigned producers. The label also aimed to showcase talented DJs and producers who had remained in the shadows for various reasons. In 2007, Benny released a remix of Public Enemy's "Bring the Noise" and won an Emmy Award for Best Dance Remix in 2008.
In 2008, Benny released his album "Rock 'n' Rave" with the single "I Am Not Drunk." He also hosted "The Benny Benassi Show" on the radio channel "Area" by Sirius XM Radio. Benny collaborated with Madonna on a remix of her single "Celebration" in 2009. He also worked with artists such as Iggy Pop, Kelis, T-Pain, Chris Brown, and Mika, producing and remixing their songs. Benny's work with Madonna included the songs "Girl Gone Wild," "I'm Addicted," and "Best Friend" for her album "MDNA."
Throughout his career, Benny Benassi has been recognized as one of the top DJs in the world, ranking 26th in DJ Magazine's Top 100 DJ Poll in 2009. He continues to produce music and perform internationally, leaving a lasting impact on the electronic music scene.
