There’s no denying the energy of William Bensussen AKA The Gaslamp Killer, a hyperactive individual who lives to share his love of music, his rhythm and his vibes with the human race. He’s a true eclectic, respecting the past and looking to the future in both his DJ sets and his own productions. The Gaslamp Killer is an artist without a mask, a performer who isn’t afraid to show his feelings and a DJ who connects with the crowd, the music and the earth.
From an early age growing up in San Diego, family events, parties and anything involving music always brought Will a unique sense of excitement.
“I always felt drawn to party time ever since I was little. Any kind of opportunity; a wedding, bar mitzvah, holiday. Whatever kind of event that was going on in my little community in San Diego, if there was music, I was dancing. It’s just the way it was. I’ve always been into the energy and the happiness that it brings.”
Will was introduced to a wide variety of music early on through his older friends and siblings. It was these early influences that still resonate today through his performance and his own work. They laid the foundation for his unique understanding of sounds, grooves and the moods and feelings that music can generate in people.
“I always had music around me because of my older friends and older siblings. They were always listening to rap and rock and reggae. If it wasn’t for my friends, I wouldn’t know anything. I definitely gave a lot of credit to my older friends and just my friends in general. They influenced me a lot.
“I grew up with Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, NWA. Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Pink Floyd, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses and all kinds popular Rap, and Rock and Reggae. I’m talking at 11 – 12 years old, this is what was around me in San Diego growing up.
“I’m influenced by so many different styles. I’ve always loved the energy of Rock ‘n’ Roll and the energy of Hip Hop. Live performances in general have always made me super excited to be part of the human race you know.
“I’ve always been excited about music and what it does for people.”
