Henri Benard – Composer, Music Supervisor

Henri Benard can only be described as “AZ music’s hype-man.” He is actively growing and seeking new opportunities through the wonderful world of music. If you know Henri, then you know he has his hands in several different projects all at once. He likes to smile and is almost an optimistic individual.

Henri currently plays with several AZ-based music groups, all of which push the boundaries of “conventional” music. Henri is the drummer/percussionist for 3 bands in the Phoenix area: Dry River Yacht Club, Traveler, and Peachcake. Each band exudes different flavors and styles of music, thus keeping things fresh. Henri regularly tours with all 3 groups and has had the honor of playing two international festivals this past year 2012 with Peachcake: North By North East in Toronto, Canada and Slottsfjell in Toensburg. Norway along with the likes of New Order, Wolfmother, Chase and Status Jon Grimm, The Friendly Fires, Jenelle Monet, and so many more!

Aside from working in 3 bands, Henri composes in a duo under the moniker of DD-55. He has also had the pleasure of scoring commercials for organizations such as Randy Murray Productions, New Global Citizens, and United Way. He has had Dry River Yacht Club placed in several videos/movies, most recently in the Mitchell 20 alongside Nortec Collective, The Album Leaf, and AZ-Based Black Carl.

He is also currently a private and group music instructor for the Phoenix Conservatory of Music, Baylight Institute for Creative Arts, and the School of Rock. He also teaches privately from his own downtown Phoenix location.
Henri loves to dance, kick his feet, play drums, see smiley faces, Yacht Rock and composing score and placing songs for The Immigration Paradox!

Inspirations: Life, experiences, travel, music – of all kinds, and love!