Recently I had the chance to chat with the super talented Ben Rector, a singer/songwriter hailing from Nashville. I was blown away with talent when I had had opportunity catch his show last Spring here in Pittsburgh! So when the chance came to talk with Ben about his new album I was super excited. Check out what Ben had to say about being on the road promoting the new album, Billy Joel and his LOVE of ultimate Frisbee!
Reality by Rach: So you've been on tour for a little over 2 weeks now, what are some of your favorite venues that you've played so far?
Ben Rector: World Cafe Live in Philly... A lot of venues have been really great!
RBR: So let's talk a little bit about your new album 'Something Like This'...
BR: Yeah! I made it with the same guy who made my last album. I was just trying to figure what vibe I wanted it to be. This was the first record that I've had any expectations about. I was like, 'This has to be good! People were looking forward to this, it wasn't just my Mom!'
RBR: How would you describe the sound of the album?
BR: The album def has a BOLDER flavor. I wanted to craft the songs a little more. My goal was just to make it accessible but also really well made.
RBR: So how does your songwritng process work??
BR: It really depends... I usually just start with whatever instrument I'm playing. Sometimes it just a phrase. There's no agenda, it's just stuff that's on my mind or on my heart.
RBR: There's such a great music scene and music history in Nashville, where you're from. Are you influenced by the culture and music scene exist there?
BR: Absolutely! It's really cool to be part of such a talented community. It really sharpens you!
RBR: So I read that you're a big Billy Joel fan...what are some of your favorite songs of his?
BR: Wow, that's tough! Hmm...'Scenes from an Italian Restaurant', 'Always a Woman'and definitely 'Moving out'.
RBR: On the same note, who are some people that you would like to collaborate with??
BR: Alison Krauss, her for sure and just so many people that I'm fans of, Jamie Collum or John Mayer or my god Paul McCartney,,, that's my vote!
RBR: So when your not busy with music what do u do for fun?
BR: I'm super into ultimate frisbee! I play whenever I have some down time.
RBR: So what made u want to pursue music?
BR: It really started in College. I was so excited that people were into what I was doing. When people started coming to my shows back then I was like wow this could be a real thing!
RBR: You play the piano so well, is that something you were trained on or did you learn to play by ear?
BR: I learned how to play by ear. I actually ended up quitting piano lessons!
RBR: So lastly, with Christmas being here before we know it! You made a Christmas album a few years back what was that like? And would you do more Christmas music?!
BR: I would LOVE to record more Christmas music that was so fun to make. Maybe in the future I'll make some more!
Go to benrectormusic.com to hear more from Ben!
CONVERSATION