Donny Benét

About

Donny Benét (born Ben Waples) is a Sydney-based Australian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who writes, records and produces everything himself at his own Donnyland Studios. His retro-leaning blend of synth-pop, funk and Italo-disco - built on vintage synthesizers, drum machines and his own bass playing - earned him a cult following from his 2011 debut, then broader recognition when Mr. Experience charted at #26 on the ARIA Charts in 2020. In 2024 he launched his own label, Donnyland Records, releasing the sixth album Infinite Desires, followed by the instrumental bass tribute Il Basso in February 2026.

9M+

"Konichiwa" Spotify streams (late 2025)

24K+

Facebook page likes

#26

ARIA Charts peak position, Mr. Experience (2020)

ARIA Music Awards nominations

What's new

2026-02
Donny Benét released his seventh album Il Basso on 13 February 2026 via Donnyland Records - a fully instrumental six-track tribute to the bass guitar.
2026-02
Il Basso was produced by Burke Reid and pressed as a limited cobalt-blue vinyl LP, distributed through The Orchard.
2025-10
Benét announced Il Basso in October 2025, describing it as the next album in his instrumental series following Le Piano, with a focus on prominent bass lines and funky grooves.
2024-02
His sixth studio album Infinite Desires was released on 29 February 2024 as the first release on his own Donnyland Records label.
2023-06
The instrumental EP Le Piano won Best Independent Jazz Album at the 2023 AIR Awards.