Music has always played a central role in Ben’s life. His wit and skill as a singer-songwriter showcases an artist who is comfortable in both his own skin and with his impressive musical legacy. His acclaimed previous releases comprise his debut album 2003’s Famous Among The Barns, 2005’s Another Run Around The Sun, and 2008’s The Legend of Kung Folk, Part 1 (The Killing Bite). Highlights from his previous albums include appearances on Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, The CBS Early Show, Last Call with Carson Daly and Howard Stern.
Ben’s latest effort, Listening, seamlessly merges the sounds and styles of folk, pop, soul, urban, reggae and country/western, running the gamut from sonically spacious acoustic numbers to multi-layered vocals and fresh beats.
We caught up with Ben Taylor before his show at Eddie’s Attic on May 2. He’s quite funny! Check out his interview below!
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
Other than my parents, and their friends, Duran Duran was the first concert I ever attended on my own free will when I was 10 yrs old. And yes, I did fall asleep amongst all the dancing girls.
What is the best gig that you ever performed?
5:33 yesterday morning. Played the Fur Elise flawlessly to my hypnopompic roommates.
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe (in spite of my deep hatred for the genre). Somewhere in the South, somewhere in the 90’s. Actually I take that back – it’s the Rebirth Brass Band outside of some creepy cathedral on the street in New Orleans as I was wandering along.
Gig you would most like to play?
My funeral.
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
Iggy Azelia, Yo-Yo Ma, Yasiin Bey (for all that aren’t aware, that’s Mos Def), Yosef Islam (for all that aren’t aware, that’s Cat Stephens), Cassius Clay (maybe this is pushing it a little bit, but he is in my dream lineup and we would be going for the jugular), De La Soul, Justice, the artist formerly known as Prince (only if it’s a festival, so there’s lots of people), Little Dragon, and Oh Land with special appearances by Sir Paul McCartney, John Mayer and Jack Johnson’s mime side project, and the ventriloquist, Ronnie B. Happy.
Catch Ben Taylor playing at Eddie’s Attic on May 2! Tickets below!
