When powerhouse rock producer Howard Benson was still making a name for himself in the early 1990s, he took a staff production job at Giant Records. Under the tutelage of industry mogul Irving Azoff, Benson learned a foundational lesson that has guided his career: the music industry is a business of hits, and success is never guaranteed. In this exclusive look at his career, we explore how Howard Benson continues to pursue the perfect smash hit in an ever-changing landscape.
Identifying Star Power: The Gerard Way Connection
Benson’s ability to spot talent is legendary. When he signed on to produce My Chemical Romance’s breakthrough album, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, he famously challenged frontman Gerard Way on his ambitions. Benson recalls, “I realized what is a star and what’s not a star. As soon as I looked at him, I was like, ‘This kid’s a star.'” That intuition proved correct, as Benson helped shape the band’s sound into an era-defining force.
The Craft of the Hit: From Daughtry to Three Days Grace
Benson’s track record includes multi-platinum successes with artists like Daughtry and Three Days Grace. Reflecting on his work with Chris Daughtry and the late A&R icon Clive Davis, Benson notes that the ability to identify a song that “speaks to everybody” is a rare gift. Similarly, his long-standing collaboration with Three Days Grace—including working with both Adam Gontier and Matt Walst—highlights his belief in bands that operate with a singular, unified vision.
Modernizing the Industry at Judge & Jury
In 2021, Benson launched Judge & Jury Records, aiming to provide a more equitable path for artists. By streamlining production costs and fostering direct relationships with platforms like Tidal, he is adapting to the digital age. Benson emphasizes that while the industry has changed, the core requirement remains the same: hard work. “It does matter how many followers you have, because it shows your work ethic,” he explains. For Benson, the goal remains constant: keep shooting, keep producing, and keep chasing the next smash.
