My Room: James Benenson - LONDON KICKS - Fashion, Music, Art, Film, London and Going Out

How long have you had this room?
Since the age of 16 (I think), which would make it 4 years!

What do you have on your walls?

Stickers, flyers and more flyers! I like to keep a record of Urban Nerds up there so anything we produce in print goes straight up! I've also got a wicked poster which I stole from a night called 'Dynamite'. Anyone who knows about Soul Jazz records 600% is all good in my book! There's also a couple of paintings which I painstakingly produced for my art 'A' Level. They took over my life for at least 6 months so I think they deserve a spot on the wall.

What is the most precious object in your room?

I arrogantly framed the very first article I managed to get into print (also on the wall as it happens). It was a piece for <my 'A' Level art journals.

What do you love most about your room?

I love the light in the summer when the sun's just about to set, I'm in the loft so there's great views and it looks wicked when those last rays creep in and start refracting off everything. I'm still perfecting the art of bedroom tanning, maybe next year eh'.

What do you hate about your room?

I hate that it gets unbearably hot in the summer sometimes but other than that, it's all good!

How does your room reflect your personality?

It's beginning to resemble a record shop, although a mate pointed out the fact that I don't own any records (yet). I guess what I'm trying to say is music's very important to me - my Technics separates take pride of place, alongside my CD collection and a display of flyers that have formed a record of my favourite DJs, MCs and promoters across London.

Do you collect anything?

Not deliberately although, I've found myself getting into the habit of buying New Era caps which I know I'll never wear. Damn you New Era and your bloody flagship store (since it's opened I just can't stay away). I also have a stupid collection of magazines, which I like to keep for their aesthetic value more than anything.

What is the strangest thing in your room?

Maybe the giant Bearbrick toy I was given recently. It's called 'Kozik' and I believe it's a parody of some Asian dictator or other. In actual fact it's a giant bear type animal with a cigarette in its mouth standing over a little man in an army uniform. Strange.

What's the most expensive thing in your room?

Most probably my Hi-Fi and floor standers but I'm sure there's something in the wardrobe that could top that.

Why did you choose this colour for the walls?

Yeah, why did I choose brown? I can't remember, I think I thought it looked 'cool'. Saying that, it looks alright, still.

What can you see from your bedroom window?

On one side I can see back gardens and our rowdy Polish neighbours who really know how to party. On the other, my street and the surrounding houses, you know - standard stuff.

Photos: Robin Bharaj

Written by:
charlie

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