A groove-heavy Pop/R&B debut that turns funk, flirtation, and manipulation into an irresistible late night anthem.
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA (January 9, 2026) – A slow burn jam that evolved into a full blown groove monster, “Devious” marks the debut collaboration between Q*Bensis, The Guanz, and Andrew Rathbone. This single is a meeting of modern funk, pop, and R&B sensibilities that feels as seductive as it is unsettling.
Built on a hypnotic bass line and irresistible pocket, “Devious” pulls listeners straight into the tension of nightlife attraction and modern power dynamics. The track began as a casual jam between QBensis and The Guanz, who laid down bass, drums, and guitar until the instrumental nearly stood on its own. It wasn’t until Andrew Rathbone heard the track months later that the missing piece snapped into place. His instantly memorable hook “she’s so damn devious” gave the song its voice, attitude, and narrative bite.
Jorge Otero
“It’ll get your head boppin’ and your booty shakin’ like poolside palm trees.”
The Guanz on “Devious”
Lyrically, “Devious” explores temptation, manipulation, and the blurred lines of desire in contemporary dating culture. Inspired by a real-life confession, the song balances flirtation with discomfort, exposing how charm and beauty can become tools of control. As the artists put it plainly; she’s not playing the game - she is the game.
Sonically, the single delivers feel good, groove forward modern funk, blending pop accessibility with R&B swagger. Fans of Bruno Mars, Grammatik, Tommy Richman, and Parliament will feel right at home as the bass stays thick, the rhythm stays playful, and the hook refuses to let go.
“Devious” is the first official release from this collaborative lineup, with a music video to follow shortly after release.
Credits
Producer / Composer / Performer: Q*Bensis
Co-Producer / Composer / Performer: The Guanz
Lyricist / Vocalist: Andrew Rathbone
Mastering: Bruce Templeton
Artwork: Jorge Otero
Press Photos: bbunnyx
Co-Producer / Composer / Performer: The Guanz
Lyricist / Vocalist: Andrew Rathbone
Mastering: Bruce Templeton
Artwork: Jorge Otero
Press Photos: bbunnyx
About Q*Bensis/The Guanz/Andrew Rathbone
Q*Bensis, The Guanz, and Andrew Rathbone unite in a groove-driven collaboration shaped by chance encounters and natural musical chemistry. Longtime collaborators and former bandmates in the Minneapolis-based project Exotic Matter, Q*Bensis and The Guanz relocated to California, where they continued refining a sound rooted in funk, rhythm, and electronic songwriting. Andrew Rathbone entered the fold after meeting Q*Bensis at an open mic, where his voice and lyrical perspective immediately stood out. Q soon began producing several of Andrew’s songs, with The Guanz contributing both in the studio and on stage. What began as a big move west and a chance encounter evolved into a bass-driven collaboration, with the door open for future releases.