Cover Benedict Cork, described by Sir Elton John as “sensational”, will make his Hong Kong debut at Café Carlyle this month (Photo: courtesy of Benedict Cork)
Benedict Cork, described by Sir Elton John as “sensational”, will make his Hong Kong debut at Café Carlyle this month (Photo: courtesy of Benedict Cork)
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Praised by Sir Elton John as ‘sensational’, British singer-songwriter Benedict Cork brings his soulful music about vulnerability to Hong Kong for the first time this month.
British singer-songwriter Benedict Cork makes his Hong Kong debut this month, bringing his blend of piano-driven pop and soulful lyricism to Café Carlyle from September 10 to October 4.
The 32-year-old artist still remembers the moment when Sir Elton John praised him as “sensational” on his Rocket Hour Apple Music radio show after hearing his debut single Ghost in 2018. “I sat on the end of my bed and had a little cry,” Cork later admitted—a testament to how much the endorsement meant to a young artist who had left school in Hertfordshire to pursue music in London.
He began performing in restaurants and hotel bars before his intimate songwriting, often exploring heartbreak, vulnerability and sexuality, won him worldwide recognition. Since his breakout, Cork has amassed more than 10 million streams and drawn critical acclaim from tastemakers including Billboard and Clash.
His 2024 debut album Notes on a Hopeless Romantic produced several fan favourites, among them Soulmates, Nice Guy, Beauty Queen and God Damn. Just two months ago, he followed with Footnotes on a Hopeless Romance. Along the way, Cork has opened for Adam Lambert at the Royal Albert Hall and shared stages with Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie.
Ahead of his residency at Café Carlyle, he spoke with Tatler about songwriting, sibling collaborations and performing for Hong Kong audiences.
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Above British singer-songwriter Benedict Cork, described by Sir Elton John as “sensational” (Photo: courtesy of Benedict Cork)
British singer-songwriter Benedict Cork, described by Sir Elton John as “sensational” (Photo: courtesy of Benedict Cork)
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Your early EPs, Secrets I’ll Never Tell and If These Walls Could Talk, chronicle your journey of discovering your sexuality and dealing with heartbreak. How do these foundational stories continue to inform the music you create for your new albums?
I’ve learnt over the years just how powerful vulnerability in songwriting can be. It felt important for me to be as honest as possible on those EPs, to work through and process some of my formative childhood experiences. In particular, a song called The Lucky Ones, which focuses on me growing up Catholic and coming out to my parents, has opened up so many beautiful conversations with listeners online and after shows. That’s a real privilege of being a writer and a musician. I’d love to continue those conversations with future work.
How does your latest album continue to explore the lyrical signatures of your EPs?
I’ve always loved sitting down at the piano and pouring my heart out. I think some of the best lyrics come from the most heartbreaking stories. But I’m also a massive fan of pop music and the way it can transport you back to pivotal moments in your life. When it came to making my debut album, I wanted to explore that more exciting, dynamic side of pop with these big, brash soundscapes. Some of my favourite artists like Robyn, Bon Iver and Tove Lo dress up their emotional storytelling in huge productions and I wanted to challenge myself to do that too.
Above British singer-songwriter Benedict Cork, described by Sir Elton John as “sensational” (Photo: courtesy of Benedict Cork)
British singer-songwriter Benedict Cork, described by Sir Elton John as “sensational” (Photo: courtesy of Benedict Cork)
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What does it mean for you to connect with an audience on such a personal stage at Café Carlyle Hong Kong, and how does this format influence your performance style?
I cut my teeth playing in piano bars across London when I left school to pursue music. Some of my fondest memories of that time were the late nights jamming with the house band, reimagining covers of my favourite artists and trialling new songs. I’m so excited to recreate that intimate, cabaret-style experience with this residency. I want to rework modern classics into the set and pair them with storytelling from some of my songwriting influences.
Your music is known for its emotive and vulnerable lyrics. Do you find it challenging to be so open in your songwriting, and what advice would you give to other artists hoping to find their own authentic voice?
I love being as open and vulnerable as possible in songwriting. I feel like it’s where the magic lies. I find it easier to write from personal experience than to dream up scenarios. My only advice would be to be as truthful as possible—that’s how listeners connect.
Above British singer-songwriter Benedict Cork, described by Sir Elton John as “sensational” (Photo: courtesy of Benedict Cork)
Above British singer-songwriter Benedict Cork, described by Sir Elton John as “sensational” (Photo: courtesy of Benedict Cork)
British singer-songwriter Benedict Cork, described by Sir Elton John as “sensational” (Photo: courtesy of Benedict Cork)
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What stories and experiences, both from your career and personal life, are you most excited to share with the Hong Kong audience during your residency?
I’m planning an eclectic setlist of covers and originals. I’m excited to share the stories behind why these songs connect and why these artists are so influential to me. I think there’s going to be some material that may surprise people—twists on modern classics and reimagined songs from movies and shows.
Your sister, SuRie, will be joining you on stage for a select number of shows in Hong Kong. What is it like to perform alongside her, and what can the audience expect from this collaboration?
I’m so lucky that one of my favourite artists also happens to be my big sister. We used to perform together in piano bars growing up, but rarely get to share the stage these days. It’s going to be a real treat for both of us to perform together for the month. The Café Carlyle audience can expect surprising song choices, special duets and a lot of sibling banter.
Above British singer-songwriter Benedict Cork, described by Sir Elton John as “sensational” (Photo: courtesy of Benedict Cork)
British singer-songwriter Benedict Cork, described by Sir Elton John as “sensational” (Photo: courtesy of Benedict Cork)
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Sir Elton John once called you “sensational” and “a name to look out for”. What was your reaction to receiving such high praise from a music legend, and how has his support impacted your journey as an artist?
I won’t lie. I sat on the end of my bed and had a little cry when I heard the recording. Sir Elton John has been one of my biggest inspirations since I was very little, so to hear him say those words on his radio show was a real moment for me. My parents were pretty chuffed, too.
You opened for Adam Lambert at his sold-out show at London’s Royal Albert Hall. What was that experience like, and how did it feel to perform on a stage with an artist who was a key inspiration in your youth?
I’ve been hugely inspired by Adam’s voice and artistry ever since I discovered him on [the 2009 edition of American singing competition] American Idol. To share that night with him on such an iconic stage was a dream come true. Since then, he’s become like a big brother to me in the music industry and I’m forever grateful to him for his generosity and wisdom.
Above British singer-songwriter Benedict Cork, described by Sir Elton John as “sensational” (Photo: courtesy of Benedict Cork)
British singer-songwriter Benedict Cork, described by Sir Elton John as “sensational” (Photo: courtesy of Benedict Cork)
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You’ve performed at prestigious events like the British Summer Time series, supporting legends such as Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie. What lessons did you learn from sharing a stage with such iconic artists?
I remember hearing I Was Made to Love Her (1967) by Stevie Wonder when I was about 14 and becoming obsessed with his musicianship. To be able to watch him up close, and play my own set a few hours before, was a highlight. Artists like Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie have paved the way for so many of us and it’s inspiring to see them still performing at the same level, well into their seventies.
Looking ahead, what creative direction do you see yourself taking after the release of Footnotes on a Hopeless Romance?
I’ve been wandering around London listening to all the demos for my second album. We’ve been playing around with a new soundscape and style for the material and I’m really excited by it. I want to test some of the songs at the Café Carlyle residency to see how they play in an intimate setting with the house band.
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Zabrina is the Senior Editor, Arts and Culture of Tatler Hong Kong. She specialises in performing arts, visual art and film. Her wanderlust was first fuelled by the Mighty Rovers Antarctica Expedition 2010. Over the years, she has interviewed A-list artists and filmmakers, including Oscar winners Chlóe Zhao and Tim Yip, Golden Horse winner Sylvia Chang, In the Mood for Love cinematographer Christopher Doyle, Pachinko author Min Jin Lee, and Coachella’s first Chinese solo singer Jackson Wang. She won gold at the WAN-IFRA Asian Media Awards for her 2021 feature on the waves of hate crimes targeting Asian Americans.
