Draft:BENCE

Bence Taylor (born March 2, 2000), known professionally as BENCE, is an American singer-songwriter from Minnetonka, Minnesota. He gained recognition with his 2023 single "Stop Myself" and has released a total of six songs, including a remix of "Remember You This Way" with Swedish producer PRETTY YOUNG. Bence has also penned songs for artists like Lexi Jayde and Nessa Barrett.

Early Life
Bence was born in Edina, Minnesota, to Kristina, a human resources executive, and Michael Taylor, whose occupation remains undisclosed. Following his parents' divorce during his elementary school years, he was raised in Minnetonka, a suburb of Minneapolis. Due to financial constraints faced by his mother, his tuition at the Blake School was paid by his grandmother, a matriarch of a prominent Minnesotan industrial family.

From an early age, Bence exhibited a passion for music, often singing for neighbors with a toilet plunger as a makeshift microphone. His interest in literature burgeoned during a summer in middle school when he discovered Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo," a book he credits with inspiring his personal transformation.

Bence's musical journey took a significant step forward in middle school when he joined an after-school karaoke program at his local community center, becoming a Friday regular and impressing attendees. He began writing music in middle school, forming a band named The Antonellos in the eighth grade. The group achieved local success, performing at coffee shops and the renowned 7th Street Entry at the 1st Avenue club.

Career
Bence's talent caught the attention of local musician Tim Mahoney and later, Grammy Award-winning producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who recognized his potential and began producing demos with him. However, a change in his voice during freshman year of high school led to a brief hiatus from singing.

Despite this setback, Bence continued to develop his musical skills, eventually leading to the release of his hit single "Stop Myself" in 2023. He has since released a total of six songs, collaborating with artists and producers both domestically and internationally.

Personal Life
Currently residing in New York, Bence is an English student at Columbia University, where he continues to pursue his passion for literature and music. He is working on his debut LP, blending his academic interests with his musical career.