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Dana Harper photography | ||
When we first met this young man, he was only 17 years old. Now two years later this extremely talented entertainer is still making music and charming the hearts of millions of his fans. Ben G was gracious enough to allow us to interview him once again. Here is our second round with the 19 years old singer/songwriter. And make sure to access his first interview with us at
http://www.juniorscave.com/index120.html.
Isaac-Joseph: Ben G, it's been almost two years since we have spoken to you. A lot has changed since then; name some of the newest developments that are going on with now:
Ben G: I finally released my debut CD "Cut You In." It came out January 28th. The EP made it to iTunes which is a major development for me, virtually anyone anywhere can show their support by purchasing my music.
Isaac-Joseph: Your music has a nice pop feel to it. What I really like about the music is that when you are listening to it I feel I am listening to a story being told. How do you approach your music?
Ben G: I’m really glad you enjoyed listening, being heard means a lot. Each track on the EP is definitely a story, however I don’t really have an approach to speak of, events happen in my life and sometimes they become songs… it’s not really conscious.
"Cut You In" the title track is probably the most specific song I ever wrote, around Easter last year and bunch of (former) friends and co-workers took a lot of cheap shots, so when I hear that song I’m reminded of that… and how I got the last laugh.
Isaac-Joseph: What aspect of making music excites you the most right now as an entertainer?
Ben G: Being creative, and seeing ideas come to life.
Isaac-Joseph: What aspect of making music gets you the most discouraged you the most?
Ben G: I’ve had to fund everything myself. It took a lot of work… as recently as November I was working three jobs. Some people don’t see music as requiring effort; they don’t appreciate the cost on any level. Employers don’t take it seriously either and don’t respect it… they actually take offense to it. Dealing with that has been hard.
Isaac-Joseph: You have some new releases. Expound on your new project and what can we expect from them.
Ben G: "Cut You In" Is an alt rock/singer songwriter EP. There are five carefully selected tracks that were taken out of a possible 13. Since I’ve finished high school, worked the same entry level jobs as everyone else, I think you can expect to relate to the music more. I’m a real person with real problems, not a manufactured carefully packaged creature.
Isaac-Joseph: What's the most unusual place you've ever played a show or made a recording? How did the qualities of that place affect the show/recording?
Ben G: When I traveled to British Columbia to finish the final tracks for "Cut You In" with mega talented producer/multi-instrumentalist Dave Thompson. I was outside of my every day life and in a completely different part of the planet. I really had a chance to escape into the music, and the experience.
Isaac-Joseph: When was the last time you wrote a song? What can you tell us about it?
Ben G: Yesterday. It’s in the key of F# and it’s kinda mellow.
Isaac-Joseph: As you create more music, do you find yourself getting more or less interested in seeking out and listening to new music made by other people...and why do you think that is?
Ben G: I think I find myself less interested in seeking out new music… just because I go off into my own world and what not.
Isaac-Joseph: Lately, what musical periods or styles do you find yourself most drawn to as a listener? (Old or new music? Music like yours or different from yours?)
Ben G: I’m a huge fan of grunge music, the last 3 albums I got off iTunes were from the 90’s. But, I listen to everything surprisingly though not that many singer songwriters made my mp3 player.
Isaac-Joseph: Name a band or musician, past or present, who you flat-out LOVE and think more people should be listening to. What's one of your all-time favorite recordings by this band/musician?
Ben G: Smashing Pumpkins, they consistently put out albums that I enjoy and listen to over, and over. My favorite song out of all their tracks is "Doomsday clock" off Zeitgeist.
Isaac-Joseph: What is your favorite song of yours that you enjoy performing on stage?
Ben G: "Addiction" it’s the best one to play everyone gets into it.
Isaac-Joseph: This is what we call our Shout Out time. Elaborate on any and everyone that matters the most to you:
Ben G: First and foremost everyone at Juniors cave! You guys interviewed me before anyone in my own home town! I’m really grateful. It’s people like you and Zines like this that keep Indie artists and bands going!
Dave Thompson the most talented person I know. Jenn B and Dana. Michelle, Blu, Derek, Rick, Craig, Rochelle, Sharon, Tasha, Edwin, Sarah Cawston, Steveo ,Matt, Alan and everyone else at "The Shop," Chantel, J-dawg, Ling Ling, and the rest of the crew at "Eds." Aunt Jackie and Uncle Greg, Molson, The Satellite Hearts, and everyone who nominated and voted for me in the LMA’s.
Thanks again for giving me this opportunity to be featured on your site.
Photos used in this story were provided by Dana Harper photography.
MySpace Account:
http://www.myspace.com/bengmusic
