On April 10, Atlantic Records chairman/CEO Craig Kallman watched pop singer EBEN open for the label’s act Why Don’t We at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Five days later, he signed the 23-year-old artist, who also will maintain his distribution deal with Signature Entertainment. “He was charismatic, dynamic and had everyone in the palm of his hand,” says Kallman. “I knew right then that we had to sign him.”
Born Eben Franckewitz, the Cincinnati native -- who delivers smooth pop-rap vocals over hip-hop production -- first caught the attention of Signature co-founders Randy Phillips, Steve Miller and David Loeffler while performing in a group called Far Young five years ago. “He was always the most compelling live performer and hardworking member,” recalls Phillips. “He spent every minute of his spare time learning the craft of writing and producing.” Soon after the act disbanded, EBEN pursued a solo career, releasing two EPs in 2018: FINALLY and Past Hundred Days, the latter of which reached No. 13 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart.
EBEN released three more singles this year through Signature before Atlantic came on board. Of signing to the major, EBEN says, “I felt at home. They really listen to me and care about my career as much as I do.” On July 18, EBEN will make his major-label debut with the single “Plastic Angels,” and though he’s still on the road with Why Don’t We, he’s working on his first full-length album.
