'This interview is almost 3 years old and I originally decided not to release it because I had relapsed just days before. I don't agree with everything I said or how I said it now, but it is an important piece of my development and I figure the world might enjoy it. It's funny how young I seem just 3 years ago now. I hope I always feel that way about myself in time lapse. it means you're changing; hopefully for the better.' - Benjamin Tod
We sat down with Benjamin Tod of LDSB for a more in depth interview than ever before. Normally, Ben doesn't like to talk too much about his personal life, experiences or ideas. He is all too aware of the many eyes and ears turned his way, and it isn't a comfortable situation for a man more accustomed to spending long periods of time alone, on trains, hitchhiking across the country, or at home on his off-the-grid property in Kentucky. Luckily, i've known him for almost a decade now, ever since I moved into the punk house he and Ashley parked their trailer behind back in 2011 or so. If he felt comfortable speaking with anyone, it might be us.
We talk about a wide ranging scope of topics, the past, the present and the future. What music influenced Ben growing up, his time and experience in the music industry, how he writes his songs and what annoys him. The latter is a long list, which we only scratch the surface of luckily. I love Benjamin, and his songwriting will forever be my favorite, along with his refusal to compromise with his art. I know for a fact that he could be more famous and "successful" than he already is. Lana Del Ray even sent him a message, offering to duet his song "Using Again". Yet he holds back, knowing exactly what he wants, and refusing to meet anyone halfway if it doesn't align with his vision of the art. It is the attitude that has made life harder for him, but at the same time made him connect with so many fledgling songwriters, artists, and lost souls.
Our undying love and gratitude go to our executive producers for making this project possible: Amy Ennis, Andi Nye, Brady Jones, Christopher Watley, David Jameson, Eric Valente, Irvin Maddox, Johnny Callahan, Josh Collins, Julio Guerra, Keith McQuillan, Kenny Schmidt, Lisa Galvan, Richard Harmon, VJ Arizpe, and The-One-Who-Cannot-Be-Named.
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GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love.
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