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"I would listen to the radio if I liked songs produced by 40 year olds In high tech studios in the Valley Give me something that I can tap my toes to And scream at the top of my lungs"
General Info Members: Benjamin Booker (Vocals, Guitar), Max Norton (Drums), Alex Spoto (Bass)
Biography: Benjamin Booker is songwriter/guitarist currently taking the festival circuit by storm. He is a 757 native (VA Beach specifically) but moved because he was a military kid. He relocated to Central Florida where he got really into the punk scene and went to DIY style shows as a teen. A very bright kid, he went to a magnet school and was in an IB program in High School, but decided to follow his passion of music and studied music journalism at UFL. He then moved to New Orleans and started doing non-profits while playing shows on the side where he caught label attention. In 2014 he made it "big" with his self titled debut and caught fire by touring with Jack White and getting the Third Man's seal of approval. In the meantime he was getting spins on NPR and Sirius and performing on Letterman and other late night shows. 2014 was the year of Benjamin Booker as he made a lot of "Best Album of The Year" lists as well as creating major buzz for his franticly hair-raising shows. 2015 has seen him ever-growing as an artists meanwhile moving into the spotlight and a lot more headphones of people who may catch him at one of the many festival performances he will be playing this year.
Sounds Like: If someone like The Strokes still had their passion and it were instilled in a frustrated kid with soul who channels it by awkwardly, yet passionately making love to a mic(and your ears) raw dog style. Genre: Roots, Soul, LoFi, Blues, Boogie, Grunge Rock, Indie Rock, Folk, Garage Rock Similar Artists: The Strokes, Jack White, Strand of Oaks, Gary Clark Jr., The Black Keys, The Districts, Alabama Shakes, The Orwells, White Denim, Ty Segall, Courtney Barnett Similar Bonnaroo Artists: Strand of Oaks, The Districts, Alabama Shakes, Gary Clark Jr, Courtney Barnett
Suggested Listening He only has one album out and it's one of those - "If you like one song, you'll like em' all" (Most Likely) - kinda albums. My favorite is Spoon Out My Eyeballs (as quoted above) - love the buildup and then turns into a all out dance off at the end. Unfortunately they don't have a good version of that song live on Youtube but here are a few other live performances to get a taste of whats in store.
"Violent Shiver"
"Wicked Waters"
"Slow Coming" (I love how this song is softer & contains his energy for a bit, but just like frustrated angst of growing up, he can't help but wanna get there a little faster and let go the end)
Lastly, here is a more stripped down version of "Have You Seen My Son?"
Physical Reaction/Live Show I was lucky enough to see him live front row last November at U Street Music Hall in DC. He was fantastic live and sings with passion (eyes closed, veins popped, practically making love to the mic kinda passion) and you can tell he has his heart behind the music. He doesn't really make convo to the audience, but then again he doesn't really need to, instead choosing to connect intimately through his lyrics and pounding guitar strums and soulful vocals. I am extremely excited to see him in a festival setting at Roo!
Interesting Facts He has a great taste in music and appreciation for other artists(recently enjoying Pond, Courtney Barnett, Kendrick, Swans, etc) and runs his own Facebook so I suggest you follow/like/whatever and get more connected to the man behind the music. He will even reply to some comments. He also likes to collect records which I find nifty.
Personal Notes Got to meet him after the show and he's a funny guy, albeit a bit awkward, but also very humble to be where he's at. Have to say he deserves every bit of acclaim he has been getting. Also he was born in VB and I've lived in VB my whole life and he would have went to my high school, oh and we both go by Ben. We are practically BFFs.
