Posts by Benjamin
It Never Rains In California (It Pours)
True, my life has unfolded differently than I might have planned (or dreamed). Tonight finds me at Universal Studios Hollywood (more Burbank than Hollywood, really), not on the road like my pals The Nadas or Raining Jane. Fortunately, though, I receive the occasional email from my rock ‘n roll pals. In fact, Raining Jane cellist,…
Read MoreSing To Keep Your Demons At Bay
Good thing Jamie Leonhart told me she taught voice after I roped her into singing a few songs with me for “The Invention Of Everything Else” (due June 18th from Authentic Records!); had I known in advance, I might not have had the nerve to ask. I first came to know of Miss Leonhart as…
Read MoreMixing “The Invention Of Everything Else”
Jon Locker, bless his heart, seems to be remaining calm. The Nadas’ bassist (and bonafide producer) is mixing my new record, “The Invention Of Everything Else” (due June 18th from Authentic Records!) at his Sonic Factory Studios in Des Moines. As you might guess, it’s a not an assignment to be taken lightly, as my…
Read More“Mister Rogers & Me” Applies To Independent Film Week!
I don’t know much about gambling, or numbers, but I like to think that submitting our Independent Film Week online application at precisely 7:11 is somehow fortuitous; these two seem pretty good together. In addition to two DVD screeners, and a $60 entree fee, the application called for a 25 word logline, 60 word synopsis,…
Read MoreA Swift Kick In The, Um, Butt
I tend to wedge my training in between a whole bunch of activities, lately: post-production on a documentary, mixing a new album (due on Des Moines’ own Authentic Records June 18!), a career that’s turned alarmingly demanding, domestic duties, and an iota of a social life. Still, I do pretty well getting everything in on…
Read MoreThe Miracle Of Suffering
“I think you’re gonna’ have to throw up to feel better,” he said matter-of-factly. The morning began at the iTunes music store. Such is my voracious appetite for substantive public radio podcasts that I’d already burned through “This American Life,” “Studio 360,” and two episodes of “Fresh Air” on my twice-daily, fifteen-minute commute — and…
Read More“Mister Rogers & Me” In 25 Words Or Less?
I’ve been drafting our Independent Film Week application as Chris fine tunes our submission. We’ve made some elegant revisions tonight, including the addition of a cute piece of footage of Ethan and me, some evocative driving b-roll, and a song by Davy Rothbart’s brother’s band, The Poem Adept, “Bear & Raccoon” (though we haven’t officially…
Read MoreGeorge Washington, Rufus Scott & Me
Few vistas afford the sweeping panorama of New York City like the George Washington Bridge. The Bridge was opened for traffic on October 24, 1931. It spans some 4,760 feet from the sites of Fort Washington (on the New York side) and Fort Lee (in New Jersey), fortified positions used by General Washington and his…
Read MoreTen Reasons I Should Have Taken Up Needlepoint Instead
The last few weeks in the studio have been sort of painful. It all came to a bit of a head last night when I found myself preparing dinner between takes and swearing under my breath — well, maybe not so much “under.” Abbi said, “I’ve never seen you so moody!” Which was a really…
Read MoreStudio Chicanery (Or, My Weekend In The Closet With Chris)
Just how long does it take to nail a guitar solo? Even if you’re only a casual Rolling Stone or Spin reader, you’ve probably read the same B.S. I have about first takes. Yunno, Slash is talking about the “Sweet Child Of Mine” solo on “Appetite For Destruction” and he’s all like, “Yeah we just…
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