San Diego Reader

Genre: Hip-Hop & Rap

RIYL: RSI, Flying Lotus, Daddy Kev, Tenshun, Gonjasufi

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Related Links

• Gaslamp Killer website

Synoposis

Influences: Samiam, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Ras G, DJ AM, Daddy Kev, Daedelus, RSI

Background:

William Benjamin Bensussen -- aka Gaslamp Killer -- is an electro/dubstep/mixmaster DJ and producer. Growing up in University City, he attended the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts in Paradise Hills, worked at PB's Access Music record store, and performed around town as DJ Willow.

After working with the beat crew MHE (Machines Have Emotions) with Michael Raymond Russell (of MRR-ADM), the duo released a DJ mix called Gaslamp Killers, a moniker that Bensussen adopted for himself.

Bensussen left San Diego in 2004, eventually ending up in Mount Washington, near L.A, to DJ at L.A.’s famed Low End Theory nightclub. In 2010, he released the Death Gate EP on Flying Lotus’ imprint label Brainfeeder Records, with guest performers like one-time local singer Gonjasufi and noted DJ Computer Jay.

As Gaslamp Killer, he began touring Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. His 2011 European tour ended early after he berated a German audience for throwing beer bottles onto the stage.

His debut full-length Breakthrough, featuring Gonjasufi and RSI on its tracks, was also released on Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder label.

Discography