#she keeps bees

[make-me-your-animal]

Songs incase you were looking for new music

[vonegutt]

[yrfriendgucci]

oh i found another good one

@ifthepuppetmakesyousmile​

[mmepastel]

https://youtu.be/rg0-FzmZA4Y

Catchy music and video.

[lyssahumana]

[oh-no-naomi]

visible end of a spectrum in the dark

[930club]

9:30 INTERVIEW: Benjamin Booker

Benjamin Booker busted on to the scene in 2014 with one helluva self-titled debut. Blisterin’ tracks such as “Violent Shiver” earned him accolades from the likes of Jack White, instantly cementing him in the pantheon of blues rock greats. We can only imagine that all the well-warranted attention served as awesome motivation to return this year with Witness, yet another stop-you-in-your-tracks release that also happens to be quite timely and topical. We caught up with Booker over email ahead of his return to the Club this Monday.

Madeline Masiello [9:30 Club]: You were born in Virginia, grew up in Florida, and spent some time in New Orleans. How have your southern roots influenced your sound?

Benjamin Booker: I didn't realize until I left how much regional music I grew up with from Miami bass to folk-punk to southern gospel. My taste would most likely be completely different if I grew up somewhere else. The south has made me the songwriter I am. 

How would you say your music changed between your self-titled album and Witness?

Witness is more focused on rhythm, tone, and more complex song structures and melodies. I was really trying to push myself farther as a songwriter and singer. It's also a more complete record with a theme that is meant to be listened to from beginning to end.

Witness addresses some of the racial tension and problems going on in the country today. What was it like writing about such emotionally charged issues?

I think it was actually very helpful to me to take time to really think about the world around me and be able to express those feelings. It's scary to try to approach but I'm very happy I did. People immediately seemed to be able to relate. That's the beauty of being a musician. If I feel something I'm quickly able to hear from lots and lots of people who feel similarly.

Do you think artists such as yourself have a responsibility to sing and talk about the issues?

Not at all. Music has many purposes. Sometimes you NEED to just hear a trap beat and someone saying nonsense over the top to go crazy to and escape. Nothing wrong with that. Variety is never a bad thing.

If you could only ever sing or play the guitar again, which would it be, and why?

At this point I'd probably sing just because I think I can express myself more with my voice than guitar. It’s very comforting. I'm almost constantly singing to myself waking around.

What’s been the best thing so far about your current tour?

Well, everyone in the band has a sweet tooth so I don't feel alone on late night donut runs.

What song are you most excited to play in the nation’s capital at 9:30 Club?

I'm excited to share everything we've been working on. We've really been working like dogs to put together a great show and I'm just want to get the music out there to people. But, if I had to choose I'd say "Witness."

What’s next for you?

After this looong ten-week tour I'm taking some much needed time off for the winter and writing before heading out for more shows and festivals in the new year. 2018! Ah! How did we get here?

-Madeline Masiello

See Benjamin Booker at 9:30 Club on Monday, October 23. Get tickets here.

[mauvaisxander]

Phoenix Throne - An Illyria Mix

request here

Woman King - Iron & Wine ~ Watershed - Vienna Teng ~ Elephants - Rachael Yamagata ~ Fangs - She Keeps Bees ~ Prism #1 - Stateless ~ Little Pieces - Gomez ~ Anthem Of Our Dying Day - Story Of The Year ~ The Air You Breathe Is Full Of Ghosts - Lovers ~ Motel - Meg Myers ~ Albatross - Wild Beasts ~ Little Bird - Lisa Hannigan ~ Death And Rebirth - Dead To Fall

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