Konner Hines
Campus Creatives is a new series highlighting student artists, musicians, performers and other creatives across the greater Cleveland area who are building their craft inside and outside the classroom.
This week’s featured artist is Kamron Bennifield, an acting major in Baldwin Wallace University’s acting program who is stepping into the music scene with his debut single “Pretty Nice.”
Originally from Cleveland’s West Side, Bennifield said creativity has always been a major part of his life. While attending an engineering-focused high school, he pursued his interests in acting and singing — both of which he discovered around age 12.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bennifield began posting clips of himself singing on social media and quickly realized listeners connected with his sound. What started as casual posts developed into writing and recording original music after he entered college.
“I always knew I wanted to be an actor, but I also always wanted to sing,” Bennifield said in a recent interview.
Now a senior at Baldwin Wallace and set to graduate in Dec 2026, Bennifield released “Pretty Nice” on April 10.
The track leans into an upbeat pop sound, with lyrics that explore positivity, nature and emotional connection. Bennifield described it as a song listeners can simply “vibe with,” whether they’re outside with friends or simply looking for something uplifting.
“It’s about being able to find love with anything or anyone around you,” Bennifield said. “Being able to feel good when you’re outside or around people that you love.”
Bennifield said his time at Baldwin Wallace has helped him grow creatively, particularly through collaborations with other student artists and exposure to a range of genres and styles. He credits the university’s artistic community with helping him experiment beyond what he originally envisioned for himself.
One recent experience that stood out was Baldwin Wallace’s Culture Night, where he heard music and performances representing a range of cultural backgrounds. Bennifield said the variety inspired him to keep experimenting with his own sound.
“Being around those communities inspires me to create something new,” Bennifield said.
The single was mixed by Prosper Obaside, a fellow creative whom Bennifield met through a 48-hour film competition involving Baldwin Wallace students.
Bennifield cites Daniel Caesar, Ariana Grande, Khalid, SZA, Giveon and Harry Styles as influences. While “Pretty Nice” leans pop, he said future releases may explore R&B and other genres as he continues developing as an artist.
He also encouraged hesitant student artists to take the leap and release their work.
“If you feel like this is your calling, just do it,” Bennifield said. “There’s billions of people in this world. Express yourself.”
“Pretty Nice” is available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and other streaming platforms.
Konner Hines is a member of the Honors College and a marketing and human resources student at Baldwin Wallace University.
