Chicano synthpop artist, producer and writer Bentley Robles, dubbed “the future of pop” by Monster Children, has established himself as one of the defining voices of the New York underground. Today he releases “salvatore”, a single that brings the fun of telenovela drama to mainstream pop.
This Chicano synthpop musician was born and raised in Los Angeles and now flourishes in Brooklyn. Bentley debuted his first single in 2019 and has been writing, producing and releasing songs from his home studio ever since.
He released his debut EP, Don’t Feel Like Talking in May 2021, with standout tracks like “Duh”, “Cool Boy” and “Don’t Feel Like Talking.” In 2022, he had his biggest streaming year yet with breakout streaming hits like “i hate the weekend” and “lay all your love on me.”
This new installment, ‘salvatore’ is an exhilarating multilingual tune that flawlessly merges dancehall and synth pop with a catchy chorus that Bentley refers to as Lady Gaga’s “Alejandro’s” “little but loud brother.”
In a Broke Mag chit-chat, we talk with Bentley about his childhood, and creative force and uncover all there is to know about ‘salvatore’.
Explain your relationship with music, did your childhood have musical influences?
I’ve always loved music more than anything. Nothing has ever moved me in the same way. Other kids were obsessed with TV shows, reading Harry Potter books (no disrespect – proud Gryffindor), but for me music has always just hit different. Growing up my first language was Spanish, so Latin rock, Latin pop & cumbia raised me. I then think main pop girls adopted me and saw me through up until now.
Where do you draw most of your creative force from?
It’s drawn from the external and manufactured in the internal. My notes app is overflowing with titles I’ve thought of on the L Train, words I’ve overheard spoken at a bar, issues I or a friend may be experiencing. I love connecting with planet earth and all that it beholds, so yeah to narrow it down the earth and everyone on it is my muse.
The sound you create is described as “synthpop” can you elaborate on this genre?
As I’ve developed and elevated my sound I have pivoted from heavy synth pop to lightly sprinkled, almost ‘sponsored by’ synth pop. Robyn, Ellie Golding & Tove Lo are to me the three wise women of the synth pop. All 3 are a masterclass in what synth pop is/was/can be.
Name some of your most cherished moments as an artist so far?
I’ve landed huge Spotify playlists, I’ve opened for some of my favorite artists, amassed 1 million streams. More than anything though, nothing has felt better than connecting with my fans, meeting people who feel seen by my songs and enjoy my music is truly the best feeling in the world. Nothing compares!
Throughout this entire journey any form of recognition
On the flip side what have been some challenges, and how did you overcome them?
I have a hard time staying positive through the noise. Sometimes things can get very hard, whether I’m comparing myself to others who have more success or missing out on an opportunity that I wanted. So much of this industry is breaking through the noise and not losing sight of your goals. I need to get better at being kinder to myself, and not letting external validation be the only thing that fuels me. Timing is everything and I have learned that things will happen when they’re supposed too.
You are just about to release the single “salvatore” can you let us into what this track represents?
“‘salvatore’ is bombastic with a telenovela level of drama, leaning into my Latin heritage. I was inspired to write a song about the internal war between good and evil…that intoxicating feeling of being bad and allowing it to feel good. It’s 2 minutes and 53 seconds of devilish freedom. Salvatore is me, and I am him. Anyone who knows me or comes to my shows knows exactly what I’m talking about.” I’ve been calling it the little brother of Lady Gaga’s “Alejandro”
How do you want people to feel when they hear “salvatore”?
Fucking BAD! I want people to feel sexy, empowered, like the villain, I guess? Salvatore is all about leaning into your dark side and letting it take control. So whatever dark means to you.
And finally, how do you see your music developing over the next few years?
I’m perfect, I’ve peaked, I’m done growing. Lol, jk I think elevation is the main goal across the board, with every song I want to elevate my sound and artistry. I’ve been working my ass off and I wont stop.
Is there anything you have coming up that your fans should be excited for?
Ohhhh if only you could see all the marked days in my calendar, or all the songs on my computer. If anyone is hungry while reading this/worried about their diet, don’t worry I’m gonna keep you fed this year.
Photography by Jen Trahan