Written by: Oliver Heffron
With over 300 million streams, platinum-certified albums, and performances at renowned festivals like Glastonbury, Montreux Jazz, and North Sea Jazz, Ben L’Oncle Soul has built a career on his ability to channel the essence of soul’s golden era while finding new ways to move it forward.
On his latest single, “I Got Home,” Ben finds his pocket effortlessly over an irresistible 60s R&B groove. A fitting title for the lead single as he embarks on his most personal chapter with his upcoming album, Sad Generation.
French Soul star Ben L’Oncle Soul recently sat down with NUANCE to discuss his inspirations, creative process, and the emotions behind his new music.
Born in France and deeply influenced by American soul music, Ben L’Oncle Soul’s artistic path was shaped early on by his mother’s love of legendary artists.“My mother was a huge fan of Otis Redding, and I kind of start by that,” he reflects. “I was really, really into his music. Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, I would say my top four when I started.”
On soul influences, Ben says, “I would say like D’Angelo, Leon Thomas, definitely two guys, and also like their approach of the sound is very interesting... It’s just like being able to sound old school in a way, but also using the new gears.” That duality—the past and the present in conversation—has defined his artistry.
Fittingly, his breakthrough came with a viral cover of “Seven Nation Army,” which introduced his infectious energy and distinct take on soul to a global audience. His 2010 self-titled debut album, featuring the beloved track “Soulman,” achieved triple-platinum status in France and cemented his place in the genre.
Photo Credit: GUILLAUME LANDRY
Over the years, Ben has kept moving forward, shifting and experimenting while staying anchored in the music that first spoke to him. In his previous two albums, Is It You? and Red Mango, his style translates effortlessly to neo-soul and reggae frequencies.
Fans of John Legend, Anderson .Paak and Masego will feel right at home in Ben’s world, where nostalgia and innovation intersect. With themes of joy, resilience, and introspection, His approach reflects an artist who has spent over a decade refining his craft and strengthening his connection with listeners.
Working with Danny Van’ T Hoff (Smino, Earthgang, Monte Booker) and Bastien Cabezon on his new album, Ben explains, “Working with those two guys was definitely a good call. We’ve found a good sound. I think the album is a really good picture of who I am today; it’s really me. It’s a really good balance of new and old, and it’s my best album, forsure.” Sad Generation, scheduled for release on March 21, 2025, is poised to be Ben’s most personal and polished work.
“I Got Home” captures what makes Ben L’Oncle Soul’s music so engaging. Infused with high-energy, retro R&B vibes, the track seamlessly combines his soulful vocals with Cabezon and Van T’ Hoff’s tight production.
Photo Credit: GUILLAUME LANDRY
Reflecting on the lead single’s production process, Ben shares how its title came from the feeling of rediscovering his sound after experimenting a little too much: “We were looking for a vibe to kick off the album—our first session together, just Bastien and me…we were experimenting, trying some old-school 2000s beats, like Timbaland, but it just wasn’t the vibe…
“...Then Bastien played this bassline, and I immediately felt at home. I was like, ‘Oh yeah, this is my kind of stuff. I can vibe on this.’ It reminded me of things I love—“Walk On By,” The Temptations, that whole Motown feel…
…We got so excited I jumped out of my chair, dancing all over the place. We didn’t even set up a proper mic—I just grabbed my SM7 and started singing right there in front of the drums.”
The stage is more than a platform for Ben—it’s home. He explains, “‘I Got Home’ is definitely a little nod to that feeling—jumping on stage, feeling at home again. I can be myself, be a little stupid, just have fun with my people…What I really love is playing with these musicians—I’ve known them for 12, 13 years now. It’s been the same band for a long time, so we have this natural vibe together. I’m excited to bring the album to life on stage, to stretch out the arrangements…”
“...Some of the songs are short—like two minutes, 20 seconds—but live, you can take just a sip of it, a little taste, and then vibe on it for hours. Sharing that energy, exchanging glances and smiles with the crowd, it really eases the pain. It grounds me. And, man, it’s just too much fun.”
That connection with his audience will be central to his upcoming tour, which kicks off the same day as the album’s release. “The tour starts the same day as the release, which is really exciting and never happened before,” he says. “It’ll be strange to be on stage playing songs that people don’t really know yet, but at the same time, they’ll be able to listen to the album during the whole day. It’ll be fresh.”
As he looks ahead to Sad Generation and the next phase of his career, Ben remains committed to the core values that have always driven his music—authenticity, joy, and connection. When asked if he has any final words for his audience, he keeps it simple: “Peace and love, huh?”