With a debut EP packed with emotional insight and poetic grace, the rising singer-songwriter is redefining what it means to come of age.

For most people in their early 20s, figuring life out is a slow and often chaotic process. But for Benjamin Steer, it’s also become the blueprint for a debut project that feels equal parts diary entry and cinematic soundtrack. With Figuring It Out, the Washington D.C.-born, Scotland-raised singer-songwriter unveils a vulnerable and deeply relatable portrait of modern coming-of-age — wrapped in striking melodies, poetic storytelling, and a rawness that cuts straight to the bone.

What began as a coping mechanism for gloomy St Andrews winters quickly evolved into something bigger: a record deal, a wave of viral support, and the start of an international music career. Drawing comparisons to emotionally candid artists like Lewis Capaldi and Dermot Kennedy, Benjamin has turned his introspection into connection. His songs — from the aching “No One Wants To Die Alone” to the swirling, romantic “Oh Darling” — tackle love, grief, and self-doubt with a lyrical clarity that resonates far beyond his years.

Having already amassed 14 million streams, supported names like Myles Smith and Texas, and sold out his debut headline show in London, Steer’s ascent is undeniable. But what makes him truly stand out is his ability to turn life’s messiest feelings into songs that offer comfort and clarity.

As he steps further into the spotlight, TMRW caught up with Benjamin to talk through his writing process, navigating pressure, and what it really means to “figure it out.”

Figuring It Out feels deeply personal — what was the emotional starting point for this EP?

I am quite a straight to the point writer so the emotional starting point for the EP was very much what is written on the tin, and that is that I am just a guy trying to figure my life out. I think the feeling in your early 20’s is that you must have your life completely in order and if they’re not, things are still a bit confusing - that can be stressful. We live in a world where you only see the the 1% absolute best of everyone, when in reality I am fairly convinced that no one really knows what they are wanting to do with their life, I certainly don’t! I don't know who I will marry or what makes me happy or the impact that I will have on this world, so I guess I am just figuring it out, just like the rest.

Did you always envision this as a full project, or did the songs come together more organically?

This was a project that very much came together organically. If anything this probably is an enhancer and attributor to the authenticity of what I am saying in the EP itself. The EP is effectively a collection of my thoughts over the last 6-months as I was navigating moving to a new city (London), starting full time in the music world and figuring out what and who I love to spend time with. If I had to write and record this project in the span of a couple months I feel as though it might be a bit disingenuous. I think the most authentic songs are written in the precise moment when they are happening.

Which track was the hardest to write emotionally, and why?

I often think that the hardest and most emotional tracks to write are ones that rarely come out. Songwriting for me is a bit like therapy, especially when I feel as though I am in a situation that needs to be explained to get it off my chest. Usually, however, when I listen to these songs back they are almost too specific to put out. That being said, “Sweat off Our History” or “5%” are the most personal tracks...and almost didn’t make the EP!

“No One Wants To Die Alone” hits especially hard — what inspired that lyric?

Again, not to sound too simplistic but I simply just don’t want to die alone. I think I crave companionship and to be surrounded by people in my life, who love me as much as I love them. As I have grown older I've realised that there is no point in living life if you don't have people to share it with - whether it’s in a romantic context or just having a great network of family and friends. This is THE most important thing in life. This song was a grander explanation of the limits and desire to do things for the people around you that are most important and a display of frustration around shallow love and friendship.

You studied Economics at St Andrews. When did music start to feel like more than just a side passion?

To be honest I was very late to the Music game. I never really saw myself as a musician and certainly didn’t think of it as a potential career until I got signed to a record deal. I bought my first guitar in mid- 2022 as a way to impress a girl. It turned out the only person I was impressing was myself as I spent most of my time writing love songs in my bedroom alone. It was when I went back home to the US and played a few songs to my mum, who encouraged me to record them in a studio, did I really fall in love with the process and want to try as hard as possible to see if other people would connect to the music that I was trying to make.

Was it a difficult decision to walk away from a potential career in New York for a record deal in London?

In short, not at all!I think the initial leap into posting on social media and exposing my soul to the algorithm on these platforms, was by far the hardest part. At the time when music was more a hobby and working in finance seemed likely to be the career path - writing and posting very emotional songs on your own didn’t quite line the two up. That said, this was the best decision I have ever made. It was very unexpected.

How does your background in two very different places — growing up in D.C. and studying in Scotland — shape your perspective as an artist?

I think the US and the UK are obviously very similar, but in terms of culture and environment they can be entirely different. The biggest difference was going from the capital city of the US to a tiny town in Scotland. I think if anything it just helped me put my music in perspective, there is beauty in the mundane as cliche as that sounds. My first song was actually a commentary on this difference, and that was the song that got me a record deal - so I think I have grown to love them both.

Many of your lyrics focus on uncertainty and transition. Is writing a way for you to make sense of your own experiences?

Absolutely - I think I have experienced many unexpected changes in my life, professionally but also personally. Writing is probably one of the only ways that I make sense of this. Life as an early 20 year old is not easy, everyone appears happy and put together - but most people want more. It is very hard to know your purpose and I still don't know mine. One thing that I have realised is that “there will always be something” no matter how well things are going - I think us as humans are programmed to find faults and tend to want more. Stress and yearning is subjective and individual which is why music is one of the great unifiers of experience.

You’ve supported artists like Myles Smith, AJR and Kingfishr. What have you learned from watching their journeys up close?

Supporting great and successful artists have been some of my proudest and most interesting moments in my career. One thing I’ve noticed about the most successful artists is how obsessed and driven they are by their craft and being the best at what they do. Maybe it is the fleeting economics brain in me but writing music is for others as much as it is for yourself. I think the top artists think about how they can put their best foot forward and show their most authentic self, in hope that will be accepted by the masses as much as they strive for excellence in their songwriting craft. It is a perfect balance that artists, such as Myles Smith, have mastered and it is something that makes me want to work really hard to achieve the same success, so I can share my music with as many people as possible.

What has surprised you most about building a fanbase, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram?

Building a fan base is never easy. You want to be as authentic as possible but in an age of instant gratification and short attention spans, putting forward complex emotions can be difficult. I think ultimately it is about building a world around you that conveys a certain message that people can relate to. You can have a viral moment or song, but what I have realised is that your music is just a part of what you are trying to put forward. People need to know you and become comfortable with you to want to come to show and be invested in your project. This is never an overnight thing, but it is by far the most rewarding part of the process.

With Figuring It Out now out, what’s next musically? Any plans for a debut album or more touring?

I think absolutely, the dream is of course to release an album and to do a lot more touring. It is always hard to tangibly quantify your numbers but BY FAR the most gratifying thing about music is playing to people live - seeing their reactions to your music - dancing, singing and clapping along. It is completely addictive and I love it.

If you could offer a lyric from this EP as advice to someone else “figuring it out,” what would it be?

I think the EP is the story of a young person who is just going through life one day at a time - sometimes happy, sometimes sad, or confused or angry. I think there a few lines that sum this up.

From 5%:

5% thats in the spot light and the 95 that hides behind my eyes

I keep it out of mind and out of sight

From Sweat Off Our History:

I thread the needle between who i am and what you want from

so will i find my peace on this loveless leash

These two describe exactly the complexity of trying to figure things out, especially when you

have the pressure of a world of expectations. It is often just part of you that you decide to show

to the world, but most of you is still just trying to put the pieces together.

Ultimately I think everyone has the desire to live the best life they can — pursue the things that

make them happy and to love what they love and find a purpose:

From No One Wants to Die Alone:

Live Big Love Fast and not die alone.

It’s a yearning for being free, happy, purpose filled.