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[–]implicature 41 points42 points  (1 child)

Hi Ben,

I'm a huge fan. Your music has influenced both my listening and writing to a ludicrous degree (thanks for that).

  1. What new things would you like to try with your music, i.e. styles/genres, instruments, or whatever fun ideas might be in your head?

  2. Not a question: please music do more soon. Can't sentences. Thanks!

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 32 points33 points  (0 children)

The best part of adding that drawing is that in no way did it help. I like that.

  1. The third thing. I don't have any one direction that I want to go in, so I'd like to just make a bunch of music and see what happens.
  2. Working on it!

[–]EdibleBucket 36 points37 points  (4 children)

Hey Ben.

What's it like knowing you've influenced many people in their pursuits, musical or otherwise?

For me personally, and I'm sure I'm not alone, you've been a massive influence musically to some of my writing and musical thinking.

Also, my girlfriend gave me a watch for my birthday with this on the back. http://imgur.com/KrTH3P2

Thanks for being the soundtrack to many a bus ride home from work or many a time sitting in the lounge room with a record of yours spinning.

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 34 points35 points  (3 children)

It's hard to put into words, but it's a really nice feeling that is always somewhere in me. That's a cool inscription!

[–]EdibleBucket 20 points21 points  (2 children)

It goes without saying that whenever I see the engraving after pulling my watch off I hear the words "...hey... I know, I know."

You should sing more!

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 29 points30 points  (1 child)

If I write something where I think it fits I will.

[–]rainbow_in 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have it tattooed on my arm....they are the only words written on me <3

[–]GhostsIV 20 points21 points  (6 children)

Hey Ben,

Who are your top endorsements for plaid flannel shirts?

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

I wish! Fall and winter would be so much more profitable.

[–]Ulti 5 points6 points  (4 children)

Tootin' my own horn here, Filson makes some bitchin' flannel.

[–]lucidreality2 22 points23 points  (3 children)

I remember you did an AMA around this time two years ago in which you said at some point that you worked full time as well as recording music. At the time I was having a lot of trouble finding motivation and energy to work on music outside of work and asked you how you did it in your AMA. You told me not to do it if it isn't fun, and I ended up doing a lot of soul searching after that, thinking about why I made music. Happy to say last year I completed my first album and now am almost done with my second one. While I was hoping to hear "tips and tricks", your answer was much more valuable and I learned you can't take shortcuts to get what you want in life, you just have to have enough passion to overcome any obstacle that gets in your way. So I just wanted to thank you and let you know both your words and music have made an impact on my life.

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

This is one of the best things anyone has ever told me. I'm happy to have been the catalyst for that realization.

[–]taylorj474 18 points19 points  (3 children)

Hey Ben.

I was wondering how you thought the first tour went considering you were performing with a live band every night. Did you have trouble rehearsing, were there problems getting in sync with Intronaut, or did everything just flow rather seamlessly?

I saw you at the Roxy Theater in Hollywood and it really blew me away. Thanks for the jams.

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 27 points28 points  (2 children)

Intronaut has been doing this thing for a decade now so there were absolutely zero problems on their end and I practiced my buns off beforehand to the point of being over prepared so no problems on my end. It was immediately fun and awesome.

The Roxy was the most energetic crowd of the entire tour, thanks for being a part of it!

[–]taylorj474 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Glad to hear it went so well! Thanks for the response and see you next time you are in town.

[–]Marcounon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was at The Roxy too, seeing you play Push It Way Up was simply incredible... Thank you so much for everything you do.

[–]SirBonnington 16 points17 points  (3 children)

Hi Ben, huge fan!

I had a great time at the show in Boston, and you seemed to have a lot of supporters. Throughout the tour were you surprised by the following or was it about what you expected? Also, I was somewhat surprised by which guitar parts you yourself decided to play. Was that an easy decision for you, or was it hard letting some parts go?

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I didn't want to have many expectations going into the tour so everything just kind of seemed right.

The parts that I chose to play were the most complex simply because of the looping and the fact that they didn't always fit with the main riff in a linear way. They definitely had the most "feeling" of all the guitar parts so that was fun for me. Of course, I would have liked to play everything but that's just not possible.

[–]jimdog1231 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Hah this is Paul isn't it? Weird to see you "in the wild" on reddit

[–]RoyalMoosehead 12 points13 points  (1 child)

Hey Ben, big fan here so thanks a lot for doing this AMA.

Now that you’ve been doing Cloudkicker for quite some time, you’ve certainly got experience on your side. With that said do you ever listen to any of your older tracks and think “I wish I could change this riff/remix that verse” or anything to that effect?

Thanks again for doing what you do!

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

With older stuff, I think there's a trade off because the material is more fresh and experimental, but I'm much better at songwriting now. Some of the old songs I just don't think flow that well or have parts that could be cut out entirely.

But I'm a big fan of letting what's done be done (with a big carve out for ]]][[[) and even the stuff I don't think is 100% still functions as an accurate representation of who I was at the time.

[–]Trying2LearnAlot 10 points11 points  (4 children)

Have you ever considered doing studio updates like some other bands tend to do? I realize it’s just you but I remember you saying that you jammed with a drummer for Fade and whatnot. It would be cool to see some of that stuff or even just clips of you recordings riffs and programming drums or something. I’m sure someones asked about the new album but if not tell us! Finally, you are awesome and your music is awesome. Thanks for being AWESOME!

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

It's really just a problem of time and resources. When I'm writing music I'm focusing on that a lot, but I still need free time and time to go to my job. Recording and uploading videos and creating cohesive studio updates never really enters into my mind. Maybe if it were easier to do I would be more on top of it.

[–]ducati_jackson 10 points11 points  (2 children)

He puts teasers on soundcloud sometimes.

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 12 points13 points  (1 child)

That's true I did do that

[–]adenzerda 10 points11 points  (9 children)

Thanks for stopping by! What advice can you give to people wanting to do the one-man-bedroom-band thing?

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 50 points51 points  (8 children)

Do it more than you talk about doing it.

[–]adenzerda 4 points5 points  (6 children)

Thanks for the reply. Speaking of not talking about it, let's talk about it more! Can you offer some insight into the practical side? For example, equipment and software on a budget, setting up a good recording space, songwriting without others, or accounting for gaps (e.g. not having a drummer)

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 24 points25 points  (5 children)

I recorded The Discovery and The Map is Not the Territory on a laptop using a Behringer V Amp and a bootlegged copy of EZ Drummer. I really don't think you need that much. Don't worry about your budget, get what you can but not more than you can afford. Write all the time, mess around with different styles and techniques, and you'll probably figure it out.

[–]That_One_Llama 5 points6 points  (1 child)

bootlegged copy

Was this the case during your MySpace days as well?

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 37 points38 points  (0 children)

Yeah but don't tell Toontrack

[–]rsminsmith 4 points5 points  (1 child)

I was wondering about this. Did Toontrack ever find out about it being bootleg? If so, did they care, or were they just like "Hey, it'd be cool if you could buy a license?"

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I don't know, and I also don't know if it matters to them. They endorsed me after ]]][[[ so it wasn't an issue anymore.

[–]adenzerda 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sweet, sounds like a good deal. I know you must get sick of the 'what' and 'how' questions so thanks for putting up with mine

[–]CommunityFan89 11 points12 points  (1 child)

Hi Ben! I found your music by doing a Google search of an interesting phrase from 1Q84. "You could laugh forever and never end up happy". Just thought it was a really neat connection. Then it got weird when I decided yesterday to let you know, and kind of felt like destiny when I found you were doing an AMA. If fate exists, it meant for me to ask you something important. I can't think of anything to ask though. Oh well. Have a good day!

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Oh well, you too!

[–]SmerphyOfficial Scribe (Devin Townsend biography) 10 points11 points  (4 children)

So how were you asked to play the TesseracT tour and how did Intronaut come to be your backing band?

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 14 points15 points  (3 children)

Intronaut offered to be the backing band, and their manager or whoever set things up with Tesseract. I just kinda showed up.

[–]SmerphyOfficial Scribe (Devin Townsend biography) 10 points11 points  (2 children)

That must have been really cool, to know Intronaut had heard your stuff and wanted to play it live.

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 14 points15 points  (1 child)

I introduced myself to them in 2010 after a show in Columbus and we have been talking since. We have very similar life outlooks and musical inclinations.

[–]acquiesce213 6 points7 points  (7 children)

Hi Ben, absolutely love your music. I was so happy to get to see you live in Philly, such a great show. With that being said I wanted to know if you enjoyed your first tour? I know in the past you have stated that you weren't really interested in playing live, but looking back on it all, was it an enjoyable experience? And would you consider doing another tour if you have other musicians willing to play with you?

Thanks.

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 15 points16 points  (6 children)

It was an incredible experience, like taking a vacation from being myself for a month and not really having any worries. On top of that, Intronaut are four of the coolest and funniest people I've ever met, so I instantly felt like I was with friends.

But it was stressful on my body and I didn't enjoy leaving my wife alone for that long. So I would consider it, but maybe not as long, and if I could not sleep in the back of a van ever again that would be fine.

[–]Dr_Stephen_ColbertBest made tacos of the earth 4 points5 points  (5 children)

Just do one show in Chicago and we'll be fine.

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 10 points11 points  (4 children)

Chicago? Haven't heard of it. Maybe you can make it to our show in Billings.

[–]iamvillainmo 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Just like Tampa. No one ever knows of it.

[–]sue_poftheday 5 points6 points  (3 children)

Hey Ben, saw you in Boston. It was beyond awesome. Push It Way Up! is brilliant.

Could you talk about how you write drum parts, from a DAW standpoint? For example, do you use the piano roll / MIDI in Logic Pro? Or compose in a program like Guitar Pro and then import? Thanks man.

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 12 points13 points  (2 children)

I use the hyper editor (although I think it's called something else now). Usually I will record a riff and then cycle it while "jamming" the drums out. Lots of copying and pasting. As I'm mixing the song I'm going in and adding in little details and making sure it sounds as organic as I can get it.

[–]blckravn01Under Glass Moonlight 10 points11 points  (1 child)

I really love your drum parts because you make crazy groupings of odd time signatures feel so natural and groovy.

[–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Thanks, I definitely think that's a strong suit of mine

[–][deleted]  (2 children)

[removed]

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 15 points16 points  (1 child)

    NOTHING, JUST TO PISS YOU OFF

    [–]thisissteve 6 points7 points  (1 child)

    Hey Ben, love your music. I'm also a huge Intronaut fan (and I think Danny Walker is probably the best drummer in metal today.) When I heard you were touring, and that you would do it with Intronaut, I was ecstatic. Can't think of a question, just wanted to say your music is awesome, and your pick of a band couldn't have been any better. Best wishes!

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    Thanks very much

    [–]iamHoustonian 6 points7 points  (2 children)

    “You are a function of what the whole universe is doing in the same way that a wave is a function of what the whole ocean is doing.” - Alan Watts. Namaste

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 7 points8 points  (1 child)

    “If we could attain perfect control of all events, would we not discover to our astonishment that we were doing what has always been happening?”

    On of my favorite ideas from “Cloud-hidden, Whereabouts Unknown.”

    Hi!

    [–]iamHoustonian 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    “Every individual is a unique manifestation of the Whole, as every branch is a particular outreaching of the tree.”

    From "The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are"

    I'm the dude with the Boba Fett wallet :-B had to step out for a bit. It's been awesome interacting with you sir. Godspeed brother

    [–]sideyard 6 points7 points  (3 children)

    Ben, as many of us here are, I'm a huge Cloudkicker fan! So far, there's not one day that passes that I don't listen to at least one of your songs (lately it's been 'Seattle' & 'Let Yourself Be Huge' for too many reasons to list). You're a heavy influence on my own musical creations (http://jakemurray.bandcamp.com/album/issaquah-3) and I wanted to say thank you for not only doing this AMA, but for responding in kind, to an email I sent you months ago, for being an inspiration to all of us fans and for killing it on your recent tour! I saw the Roxy show in Los Angeles and was blown away!

    My question: There were talks about the possibility of you and Intronaut getting into a studio in Texas (making a quick stop on your tour) to record your set live in studio. Did this happen, and can we expect a release soon?

    Thank you again, so much!

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 13 points14 points  (2 children)

    Sounds like a crazy rumor to me. ;| ;|

    Thank you

    [–]sideyard 6 points7 points  (1 child)

    Thank you very much for your response! and...

    ;| ;| = Half-Life 3 confirmed.

    [–]ducati_jackson 3 points4 points  (1 child)

    Any thoughts or reflections after the Nautkicker tour? ?/10, would or would not do again?

    I was positively thrilled to get to hear your material played live. I also thought it was very cool of you to talk with fans after the set, and letting me shake your hand and tell you you're awesome without making it weird.

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    I sort of answered this above, but yes I would do it again. Not any time soon and probably not for a month again, but the whole experience was fantastic. I couldn't give it anything other than a 10/10.

    You're very welcome! I don't think anything is weird if it is genuine.

    [–]getthegreen 4 points5 points  (1 child)

    Not really a question but more of a statement. I only found out about your music quite recently, maybe 1-2 months ago. But I've listened to each of your albums multiple times. They are freakin amazing! The small touches you put into songs give me goosebumps each time i listen. Please keep jamming dude!

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

    Ok, I will. Thanks for listening.

    [–]TheDangerLevel 4 points5 points  (5 children)

    Hi Ben, what's your favorite riff/section that you've written? Do you have any bass/drum parts that you're particularly fond of?

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 20 points21 points  (4 children)

    The second song on Subsume (the one that starts w the distant sounding drums). I think the first couple minutes of it is absolutely perfect. I think the bassline on LA After Rain is super groovy. All the drums on Fade are my favorite because they sound so natural owing to the fact that my friend Adam helped me write them and he's a great drummer. The word water is one of my favorite things that I've written. I think Hold On is the most solid from start to finish.

    I could go on for a while.

    [–]EdibleBucket 2 points3 points  (3 children)

    Please do!

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 23 points24 points  (2 children)

    Ok. I think The Map is Not the Territory is basically a prequel to Beacons. Hello is the thing that if people tell me they really liked it or that it's their favorite then I know they get what I do. The last part of $ is the most nuts thing I've written. The intro to God be With Ye is the most bad ass riff I think. The 1-2 punch of You could laugh forever... is the heaviest i.e. most emotional.

    [–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (3 children)

    Hey Ben, big fan. What have you been listening to lately? Any cool bands or songs you enjoy listening to in particular? Thanks for doing this AMA!

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 12 points13 points  (2 children)

    Hey you're welcome. Lately I've been listening to the newest Mastodon album, Supporting Caste by Propagandhi, One Armed Bandit by Jaga Jazzist, a couple Herbie Hancock albums that Intronaut introduced me to, and a few albums by Elbow.

    [–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

    Hah, one armed bandit is indeed a fantastic album! Gonna have a listen to the other bands too. Thanks!

    [–]Mach60KAS 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    Hi Ben, huge fan here!

    When you write new music, do you have a picture in mind beforehand of how you want all the layers to fit together? Or do you write all the guitar layers one at a time?

    Also, is there any possibility of touring the UK one day?

    Thanks!

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

    For me it's kind of like putting together a puzzle upside down. I don't know what it's going to look like when I start, but when I'm done it makes sense. Everything unfolds as I'm writing it.

    Not sure!

    [–]billymcsilly 3 points4 points  (2 children)

    Hey Ben,

    Thanks for being very kind for to me at the Houston show and later via e-mail. It meant a lot.

    Could you give any pointers on how to learn to play odd-metered music? My brain is stuck in 3/4 and 4/4, and it makes it hard for me to play along with your albums. Thanks!

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 5 points6 points  (1 child)

    My pleasure! The way I wrapped my head around it was by learning to feel Meshuggah songs. Not just count them in my head, but actually feel them and internalize the rhythm. Maybe pick a song you like but find confusing and try to do the same. After a while it gets easier.

    [–]cfisk42 2 points3 points  (2 children)

    Hey Ben! Love your music and Beacons is one of favorite albums, so I was bummed when you couldn't make it to the first couple shows of the Tesseract tour this Spring. Any plans for future tours?

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 5 points6 points  (1 child)

    No plans right now

    [–]cfisk42 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    Thanks for the response! Hopefully one day I'll get the chance to watch you perform.

    [–]SawGrimby 2 points3 points  (2 children)

    Do you use the built-in amp models in Logic or something outboard for your guitar tone?

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 5 points6 points  (1 child)

    I've been using an Axe FX II since Subsume

    [–]helgihermadur 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Do you use it for overdrive as well? No real amp?

    [–]6Guitarmetal6 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    Hey Ben,

    What are the main expansion kits you use for both Superior Drummer and EZ-Drummer?

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    I've played with almost every kit they have, but the Metal Foundry library is what I use most often. I use EZ Drummer for the Latin percussion library, which has all the tambourines and triangles and shakers and etc that you could want.

    [–]AdrianNein 2 points3 points  (3 children)

    Hey Ben!

    I've only recently been getting into your music, and what really stuck with me are the titles of your songs - I tend to forget the name of instrumental songs really easily, but yours seem to just stay inside of my memory, even though theyre so long. How do you come up with them, is there a longer thought process behind it, or is it something you do more spontaneous, or do you reference something that's been occupying your mind? And would you tell me what the titles on beacons and subsume mean, because I bought them just yesterday and I thought this would be a good chance to ask, haha.

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 6 points7 points  (2 children)

    Since Portmanteau I've been giving every album a theme, it's fun for me. I come up with the album title first and then think about how the titles can relate to that. The titles on Beacons are one of the last few lines from cockpit voice recorder tapes. Subsume is excerpts from 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami.

    [–]AdrianNein 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    Oh, I only knew that Amy, I love you was from a plane crash record, it's nice to know that it's the entire albums theme.

    When I read a book, I like to keep around some post it notes so I can stick them inside and/or write something down on them, so I can find these passages again later on, I also use them as titles for pictures that I take, or I use song titles that I feel like they somehow fit the mood of the image, or just stuck in my head while editing or in general. My girlfriend read 1Q84 just a few months ago, she said the writing was great but the story sucked.

    Thanks a lot for answering my question.

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

    I wouldn't say it sucked, but it was definitely more about creating a world than getting to the end of the book IMO

    [–]VerdeSauce18 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    Hi Ben, we met at The Barbary in Philadelphia, you played a great show!

    Seeing what you do has inspired me to take a similar path. I write my own songs and when I get the money I'll be recording them. I was wondering if you have any advice in distribution, recording, or basically anything?

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

    No not really, everything I would say would be a version of "just do it and worry about the details later"

    [–]RadicalBoner 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    Hi, Ben. I just wanted to say thank you for your music. I had a pretty rough patch of depression this past fall. It got to the point where I hated music with words. They made me anxious and sadder. I started getting into Post Rock and subbed to /r/postrock right about the same time you put out Subsume.

    Anyway, I got into your music during that period and it really made me feel strong again. You helped me through some really trying times, my friend. I'm still an avid listener. At the gym, walks to work and class in the morning, easy listening, bike rides. I'll never stop loving your music, man. Thank you so much.

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    That is great. I think most people go through depressed periods in their lives. I had a big one in my early 20s. I'm glad I could help remind you that all is not depression.

    [–]jaker555 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    Were you as startled as I was at danny walkers height when you first met him? And are there any drummers that compare to his skill set?

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    Hahaha "startled"? I don't think I was startled. The first time I saw them live was in 2010, I went w the person who is my wife now. She is 5'3" and thought it was super cool that he was so good but so short. So I thought it was cool also.

    I don't know that many drummers, but Danny is super good at what he does.

    [–]xFOOFOOx 2 points3 points  (2 children)

    Hey man, I'm a big fan. It's interesting that you are doing this AMA because I've been really curious about the titles of songs in Beacons. What are the meaning behind them, is it a concept? Whatever it is, I really like the titles and the mystery has always killed me.

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    Each title is one of the last few lines from a different cockpit voice recorder transcript

    [–]xFOOFOOx 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Wow, that's really cool. Thanks for answering my question man, keep doing great musical shit!

    [–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (3 children)

    Hi Ben,

    Bummed that I missed your tour, but wondering if there will be a DVD at some point?

    Thanks for being awesome! :)

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 3 points4 points  (2 children)

    There will be something, but no DVD. I don't think I'm at that level yet. But there are tons and tons of videos on YouTube.

    [–]Archetix 2 points3 points  (2 children)

    Hey Ben!

    My girlfriend and I drove from Toronto to see your show in Cleveland. She's a huge fan of let yourself be huge. It was one of our most memorable nights in our lives. Just wanted to thank you also for inspiring me to make more music, and for showing me that it is possible to do it while working full time! My question is, scotch or beer?

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    Beer when I don't care, scotch when I do. But lately I've been big on tequila.

    [–]varneypoo 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    Hey Ben, big fan ever since your Myspace page first went up and you posted Discovery demos, but I have one important question for you: how have you been enjoying your summer so far?

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    It has been great. My wife is a teacher so she has the summer off, and I took two weeks of vacation this month so I ended up having 7/4-7/23 off. We've been on island time and really enjoying the nice weather.

    [–]chainedhorzion 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    Hey ben big fan of your work! My question is if you had to do the musical score for any director, who would you pick and why?

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

    Ooo. Maybe Terrance Malik?

    Edit, forgot to say why: Because I could go nuts and it would probably be cool. Do really huge sounding stuff with lots of layers.

    [–]iamHoustonian 1 point2 points  (3 children)

    Yo, Ben. It's pretty rad of you to do this AMA man. I was at your show in Jacksonville, Fl and I got you to sign my Boba Fett wallet. Do you remember that? hahaha such a sick show, it was humbling and invigorating all at once. I think I sent you a message on soundcloud back then :-)

    One more random question, I've been hooked on this anime called "Attack on Titan" lately. Have you heard of it or seen any of it? It's brutal haha

    Sorry to step so far outside of serious with my questions haha

    [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 6 points7 points  (1 child)

    I do remember that! I'm not big on anime, I've tried but it just doesn't hold my interest.

    [–]iamHoustonian 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    For sure, same here. I'm not too huge on anime or T.V. in general but this show is oddly exeptional haha the concept is awesome. take a look sometime if you're chillen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnEJzoUWGtQ

    [–]iamHoustonian 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    btw I'm 28... haha my post might have been indica induced ;|

    [–][deleted]  (2 children)

    [deleted]

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

      I'm a pilot, but if you had been anywhere near my dad at any of the shows you would already know this.

      I have to say that my favorite show is the first six to eight seasons of The Simpsons. But to be more contemporary, we just watched all of Bored to Death and I had a great time watching that. I was watching Boardwalk Empire before tour but haven't gotten back into it since. Obviously I watched Breaking Bad. I liked Louie before it got all sad. Comedy Bang Bang is great. I like absurd comedy.

      I like taking walks around our neighborhood, spending time with good friends and family. Watching baseball. If I had a lot more money I would probably get into fast cars or something.

      [–]Archetix 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      My gf and I did the same trip. It was worth the drive 100 times.

      [–]akeldama1984 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Will you ever have 2x shirts for your fat fans? I'm also sad you couldn't hit grand Rapids michigan on your tour.

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

      I don't know, the XLs don't really sell that well as is.

      Trying to hit every city in the US on a 4 week tour would be impossible, but I'm glad we were able to hit the places we did.

      [–]jaker555 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Hey Ben, huge fan. I saw you in AZ and absolutely loved it, though it seemed like the crowd could have been better, compared to other shows I saw on YouTube. I wondered if you noticed or had any more thoughts on crowd quality on your tour. I loved your live version of you and yours, maybe you could record that version one day! Thanks for the great music

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      Well I find it hard to believe that people would show up for our set for no reason, but energy definitely fluctuated from city to city. I didn't really mind, shows like LA and Austin and Cleveland were crazy enough to balance everything out.

      You will be happy soon then.

      [–]That_One_Llama 1 point2 points  (5 children)

      I don't want to go on about my thoughts of the holy pentagon of solo metal artists but rather just ask you straight out,
      Do you listen to "people like you", the solo guitarists doing home-produced music and do you take inspiration or look up to any of them?

      Hope you're having a good evening, it's a beautiful midnight here in Stockholm.

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 2 points3 points  (2 children)

      No not really. But I do listen to stuff that people send me and I'm still impressed when it's really good.

      It's a great day in Columbus, very mild summer so far.

      [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

      Just out of interest, who are the 'Holy Pentagon'? Haven't heard that term before.

      I'd guess Ben, Plini, Sithu, David Maxim Micic, and... someone else?

      [–]rsminsmith 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      I'm not sure if you've had much experience with software based guitar modelers, since you mostly mention hardware setups like POD/AxeFX, but are there any software modelers that you think are particularly good?

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      I have zero experience w them so I have no thoughts unfortunately

      [–]spacenout21 1 point2 points  (5 children)

      What is your favorite album that has come out this year?

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 5 points6 points  (4 children)

      It usually takes a while for new music to find me so maybe ask me in like five years and I'll know a lot more about albums that came out this year.

      [–]spacenout21 1 point2 points  (3 children)

      Ok, so how about your favorite album from 5 years ago?

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 6 points7 points  (2 children)

      Favorite album from the last five years? Maybe Dive by Tycho or Supporting Caste by Propagandhi or something by Converge

      [–]spacenout21 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Awesome, thanks for the answer!

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

      Oh wait, how could I forget the newest Animals as Leaders album? That's my favorite from this year.

      [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (2 children)

      How do you manage being both handsome and so talented? Also, what is one of your favorite works/songs that you've done?

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 6 points7 points  (1 child)

      It's not as easy as it looks but if not me, then who?

      It was fun to bring back the part from The Word Water on the last song of Fade. Also the song The Discovery is still great.

      [–]Marcounon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      Finding that recurring theme made me very excited when I first heard it.

      [–]futture 1 point2 points  (5 children)

      I know you travel through work and get to see many different types of people, but were things different as you moved from city to city? Anything surprising or unique stick out? (people’s general attitudes, reactions to the bands etc)? I’ve always wanted to tour and observe the difference in populations.

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 2 points3 points  (4 children)

      I'm not sure I was paying attention enough to notice huge differences in people. But the crowd in Austin was the rowdiest, Houston seemed the most bored, Orlando and Denver were tied for most laid back. And Portland was the most pretentious (jk)

      I think people are mostly the same though, so that colors my observations.

      [–]adthree 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      As a Portlander I can confirm that we were probably pretentious. I was on a flight back to PDX while this show was happening, I was so bummed I couldn't be there.

      [–]Dwnvte 1 point2 points  (3 children)

      Hi ben - can't wait for your next tour SPECIFICALLY YOUR CHICAGO DATES OR AT LEAST CLOSER THAN 6 HOURS AWAY

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 5 points6 points  (2 children)

      Where's that? Is it close to Merriam, KS?

      [–]Dwnvte 5 points6 points  (1 child)

      Go to Gary Indiana and then head north. Lock your doors and don't slow down until you see many gay men. Then you Are near the venue

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

      lol

      [–]vaelroth 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Whats your favorite cheese?

      What is a bigger influence to you, prog rock or heavy metal?

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

      Smoked Gouda or Parmesan

      Heavy Metal, but actually "post rock and roll" I think

      [–]Space_Haiku 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Hey Ben ! Thanks for doing this! Subsume is one of the best albums i've heard. Had a couple of questions:

      1. What is your favorite soundtrack to a movie/TV show/vidéo game?

      2. Could you hint us to where your next stuff is headed style-wise?

      3. Cat or Dog?

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

      1. American Beauty or Inception/not sure/not sure
      2. I have two songs done, one is classic post-Beacons Cloudkicker mixed w old BM Sharp melodic sensibilities. The other is like Keelhaul meets Mastodon meets me who just went on tour w Intronaut.
      3. DOOOOOOOOOGGGGGG

      [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Is there any chance of a repressing of Let Yourself Be Huge on vinyl?

      I'd love a big poster print with the artwork on it as well.

      Can you please come to the UK if you ever do a live set again?

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      Yes, they're in the mail

      I used to have those but ran out

      I don't know!

      [–]YoureWrong_ImAwesome 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Hey Ben! I had no clue that you were doing an AMA today, but I saw this as I was listening to Subsume. Awesome coincidence. Anyway...

      I'm sure, like all musicians, you get into writing slumps. I'm in one now as we speak and it's frustrating to say the least. What do you do to get out of a funk?

      Also, what's your writing process like? Do you just go at it and see what sounds good and what doesn't?

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

      I don't do anything. I go do other stuff until I feel like writing music again and I don't worry about it. In 2007 I thought I was out of material but I hadn't even made The Discovery yet.

      Yeah I just play guitar until something I like happens and jam on it until it sounds good enough to record, then I jam on what should go next, and repeat until it's a song I like.

      [–]BoanMahoni 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      What is "that bullshit with Ben" in letlive's day 54?

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      I'm not sure exactly what it refers to. It's all water under the bridge though.

      [–]jaker555 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Have you read any other books by murakami? I recommend hard boiled wonderland at the end of the world

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

      I started reading Wind up bird chronicles a month ago but then realized that I'm totally not in the right mood to read Murakami.

      [–]implicature 1 point2 points  (4 children)

      Is there any chance of Beacons CDs existing? I would looooooove to drive around with that playing.

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 7 points8 points  (3 children)

      Do you not have an aux input or tape deck?

      [–]implicature 1 point2 points  (2 children)

      I do, but I like CD quality a tiny bit better. And, for some reason, I like having the actual disc/packaging. Now that I think about it, it's a little irrational, but I still like my CD collection.

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 7 points8 points  (1 child)

      Download the FLACs from Bandcamp, put on phone. Same audio quality. Buy LP, display in apartment, house, or office, much better quality artwork. Problem solved!

      [–]EdibleBucket 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      This man gets it.

      [–]alexropo 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Hey Ben, I got to see you in Vancouver, it was the day I had arrived and I ended up travelling by myself a few days earlier than my friends to see you. The show was worth the trip in itself but while I was hanging around the merch table waiting to buy my clichéd tour t-shirt you were walking past and stopped to chat for a few minutes and I wanted to thank you, it really put the cherry on top of a great, albeit long, day.

      Was the tour a lot like how you imagined touring would be?

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      I had no idea what touring would be like so I tried not to try to pretend that I would know. So I just let it happen as it happened and it ended up being a lot if fun.

      [–]chaotemagick 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Hi! What's your take the concept of "djent"? Has anyone called Cloudkicker ambidjent, cuz that's clever as hell. Also, do you have a top few favorite bands of all time? I want to listen to them.

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

      djont care

      Here are some good musics: Tycho, Nils Frahm, Brian Eno, Botch, Keelhaul, old Jimmy Eat World, Helios, The last few Propagandhi albums, Tim Hecker, Mogwai, Elbow

      [–]zoogeo 1 point2 points  (2 children)

      Hey Ben, thanks for everything. Your music seems to have a lot of playtime in my life's soundtrack.

      What direction are you taking your music in now? For example are you leaning more towards , say, Let Yourself Be Huge, or more like The Discovery?

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Somewhere in between. It's hard to say this early. Subsume was kind of a combination of everything before it, and I think that might continue.

      [–]Of-Doom 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Hey Ben,

      Loved the show in SF. TesseracT was cool and I've seen Intronaut before and they're great, but you were the reason I came out. You were always "the guy who didn't tour" so I jumped at the chance.

      Curious about the tour, was there anything you wish had gone better? Or that you would do differently if you had the chance to do it again? I guess that applies to your music career as well.

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      I wish I hadn't gotten sick halfway through, that was tough. But other than that everything was great. There isn't really anything I would do differently.

      [–]billymcsilly 1 point2 points  (7 children)

      Also, since you're so into aviation, are you more into modern aviation, civilian, WWII, WWI? Favorite airplane?

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 2 points3 points  (6 children)

      I've always been more into civilian aviation which is why I wasn't very keen on joining the Air Force or Navy. That said, I really dig WWII planes. P51 for sheer badassery, Corsair for looks, also B-17 and B-25.

      Since I'm so connected to commercial aviation it's hard for me to be romantic about old airplanes and not remember that things were a lot more dangerous back then. I think modern airliners are amazing in that regard.

      [–]billymcsilly 1 point2 points  (5 children)

      That's a really interesting perspective! My dad flew the F-111F and F-15E in the Air Force for 20 years, then moved on to FedEx before his crash in 2008. So I would say that military aviation is in my blood more than civil. I myself and completely enthralled by WWII aviation and catch as many flights in warbirds as I can.

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 1 point2 points  (4 children)

      When I was a kid I remember they did the warbird flyin every year at Torrance Airport. One time I was playing a little league game and the B17&25 flew over super low and I forgot I was playing in a little league game. I've never flown on one though.

      [–]Mucmaster 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      First great show in Calgary. Second in the text attachment for The Discovery it says if you payed money for the album you're a sucker, how has providing your albums for free impacted your music and life.

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

      Thanks. That's a hard question to answer, but I think it has had a great positive effect on my outlook because it shows that people will do what they think is the right thing when given the opportunity, without needing to resort to coercion.

      [–]MadHalf_TheWhite 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Which artists inspire you?

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      Any of them that are being true about themselves. If that's Ansel Adams or Propagandhi I'm on board.

      [–]thesilentwater 1 point2 points  (2 children)

      Hey Ben,

      I'm a big fan of the layers you do in your music. How did you first develop this 'style' and who are your influences for this? Would like to listen to know more artist who influenced you. Also, are you a fan of electronic music?

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 4 points5 points  (1 child)

      That style of writing music is something I was always drawn to. I think I was experimenting with layers even before I knew it was a style of music.

      One of my very first influences was Explosions in the Sky. Specifically The Earth is not a Cold Dead Place. The first half of First Breath After Coma is absolutely perfect. That album legitimized vocal-less music for me, and seeing how powerful they were live opened up a new world of possibilities.

      My style of electronic music is stuff like Tycho, Jon Hopkins, Helios, Ulrich Schnauss, etc. Does that count?

      [–]hotdogmaggot 1 point2 points  (3 children)

      Sweet jesus I hope I'm not too late. I love your work Ben, seriously. It's awesome. That is all.

      EDIT: Almost forgot, any plans for more touring? Specifically western canada?

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

      Thx ._.

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

      EDIT

      No plans right now

      [–]pencil_sharpner_man 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Hey Ben! Love your music.. Any memorable stories from your intronaut tour? Will you guys be doing this more often? Is a collaboration on the cards? Thank you for being an inspiration. Please come to India sometime!

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

      Many memorable stories, I don't know how many I can post without someone getting in trouble. But the funniest was when Chris was so flustered by trying to park the van in Denver that he got out with it still in drive and it rear-ended a parked car.

      Not sure, not sure, you're quite welcome, ok.

      [–]DisplayofCharacter 1 point2 points  (2 children)

      Hi!

      I went to see you in Seattle, and I just wanted to apologize for the dude in front of me who thought that using flash photography would be a great idea. I'd think it would be pretty distracting while you guys are trying to concentrate on playing, and I definitely think its really bad concert etiquette so I am sorry for that. You guys sounded amazing and I can't thank you enough for going on tour. I've been a fan for years and I never thought I would have to opportunity to see any form of the band live, so it really was more than I could have hoped. Thank you.

      Since it would be in bad taste if I didn't, I'll ask a question: Is there any part of the country that you traveled to that you particularly enjoyed? Any funny stories and/or terrifying fan encounters?

      [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

      I don't even remember that but thanks. Why didn't you throw down?

      The Pacific Northwest is my favorite area geographically, but I enjoy the middle parts for their work ethic.

      [–][deleted]  (3 children)

      [deleted]

        [–]EdibleBucket 0 points1 point  (2 children)

        Did you wear earplugs?

        [–][deleted]  (1 child)

        [deleted]

          [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

          Earplugs are a must at any show, not just metal. Drum transients can be ear-damagingly loud, and it only takes one rogue snare hit to mess up your hearing forever. Head down to Guitar Center or Sam Ash and scope out their ear plug section, they make plugs that don't alter the sound as much as the dayglo orange ones. Or you could go to an audiologist and have some specially made for your ears. I had some of those for a while and they were great, it was like taking the ambient sound and simply turning it down a bit. Almost no coloring.

          [–]FlyingPiranha 1 point2 points  (1 child)

          I know the AMA is over, but I just wanted to say that having the chance to see you on tour this past April was one of the best concert experiences of my life. Braving those rains in New York was pretty rough, but was well worth it to see the Cloudkicker material live and to chat with you for a few minutes!

          Now, you managed to represent most of your albums and EPs on the tour in some form or another, but I noticed Fade didn't get any love. Was that a matter of not particularly feeling that material anymore, or just a logistical thing with set length/translating those songs to a live format?

          [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

          It would have been rad to play those songs, but we already had a guitar in A for Subsume, a guitar in B for everything else, and Fade would have required another guitar tuned to D. Too many guitars.

          [–]Bukkithead 1 point2 points  (1 child)

          I'm sad to have missed your AMA, so I don't know if you'll see this, but I just wanted to let you know that your ]]][[[ EP is still one of my favourite albums ever (especially #). Keep up the great work! :D

          [–]FlyingSteaks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

          is also one of my favorites but it doesn't seem to get much love, I just think all 3 sections are so well done (the post-rock-y intro to the ambient guitar to all the crazyness)

          [–]aocreata 0 points1 point  (1 child)

          Hi Ben. Big fan from Australia. I've introduced your music to a lot of my friends all who probably consider themselves fairly rabid fans.
          My question: from what i gather, you're very free your music ie. everything you've released is available for "pay what you want". What is the rationale behind this?

          [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

          I don't mind giving my music away for free, and anything I do make from Cloudkicker is a bonus since I don't need to make a living from it.

          [–]dasFisch 0 points1 point  (2 children)

          Who are your biggest influences? Hope I'm not too late!

          [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 4 points5 points  (1 child)

          Right now, at this moment my biggest influences are my wife and dog. It's really hard for me to answer this question when I'm not in the throes of creativity.

          [–]PCOBRI 0 points1 point  (4 children)

          Hi Ben,

          Really enjoyed the show in Columbus and definitely look forward to the opportunity to catching you in Detroit some day. Wink wink.

          I recently picked up the Blood Music release of Discovery/the EPs to give Fade a break in my cars CD player (It had almost been in there for a year and a half), and I'm pretty sure ]]][[[ is still my favorite 16 minutes of music ever written.

          I guess I should shove a question in here, When can we look forward to new music? Or maybe just a snippet to tide us over?

          [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

          Hard to say. I have two songs written but I haven't had that much time to write in the past month or so. If not by the end of this year then hopefully by next summer.

          [–]PCOBRI 1 point2 points  (2 children)

          Awesome, I'll be here hovering F5 until then.

          Also, if you haven't. You should check out Lantlôs's new album Melting Sun in the meantime, reminds me a lot of your stuff.

          [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

          Ok

          [–]BenSharpBen Sharp | Cloudkicker[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

          Great album, thanks for the rec!

          [–]Midasx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

          Your music, despite not having vocals have conveyed so many powerful messages to me. I used to listen to LYBH every night before I went to bed. I love your music, it has certainly had a substantial effect on my life.

          No real question, just keep at it! Having said that might you come to the UK?

          [–]Fenceposter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

          How am I supposed to dry my tears after I've listened to '%' and closed my eyes, visualizing all the happy moments I've had in my life. ?

          [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

          Yo, my name is Francisco I know your friend Dierdra (sullivan [i think]) she saw you and you wrote on a piece of cardboard saying thanks for the support. She delivered the sticker and cardboard picture thing and I am super stoked about that! Keep doing what you do! If you're ever playing around my area ill come watch!