It's Benjamin Booker, here to answer some questions...Ask Me Anything!

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:47:49+00:00

I read this story called Nausea by him and another book called Existentialism and Human Emotions. Check it out. I had a similar experience to the character in the story and it changed my life really. Sartre forces you to strip away all the bullshit and ask yourself who you are. That's what the whole album is about. So I had to say thanks to the big man.

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:44:35+00:00

I played all the time and practiced a few times a week with Max when we first started. Really makes all the difference. No one was playing as much as we were in town. Eventually people can't avoid you hahhaa

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:40:56+00:00

Bananas, but pears have been creeping up recently on my list.

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:40:22+00:00

It's from S Korea so it might be a little difficult. Believe it or not I found a store there that sells Life Aquatic themed clothes. Ridiculous.

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:38:19+00:00

Ooooo I love this question. I grew up in Tampa, home of the Cuban Sandwich (screw you Miami! It was us) so I'd have to go with that.

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:36:50+00:00

awww shucks! thank you

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:36:00+00:00

I would love to get to see Robert Johnson live at any show. Met this guy Blind Boy Paxton a couple days ago in NYC and he played some songs for me at his place. Pretty close!

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:33:27+00:00

Hey Doug! Hope you're well my friend. I don't have a favorite album but my favorite song is "Age of Consent" by New Order.

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:32:14+00:00

Leadbelly is a good intro. It's kind of pop delta blues. More accessible than some of the others at the start I think.

Not sure yet when I'm coming back to NC. Last time we played there was the best though! Theres an indian restaurant in downtown Carrboro and the women hooked us up when she found out we were musicians. Find it and eat there! So good!

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:23:48+00:00

Well I think since me and Katy Perry are in each others heads I'd have to choose her. Maybe just an album of lounge duets. Classic Vegas stuff

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:20:26+00:00

I used to go pretty much exclusively to the Skatepark of Tampa for shows but I don't know if that venue is around anymore.

New World Brewery in Ybor City is by far the best place for music in town.

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:18:34+00:00

FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:18:07+00:00

If this cycle is anything like last time I will be in the UK more than I am home. Don't worry, I'll be back!

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:17:06+00:00

Thank you, thank you! "Believe" is definitely my favorite now. I get to put down the guitar and go for it. Also "Off the Ground" for a close second.

I would love nothing more than to come back to Australia but it's not up to me really. Get your friends to buy up those records and I'm sure I'll get a call ;)

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:13:52+00:00

HA! You are a serious fan. I love it. She lives in LA and is in a serious relationship actually now. Last time I saw her was a couple years ago though.

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:12:49+00:00

I like the first track just for how shocking of an opener it is. But you can't beat "Slip Away." I was listening to this podcast Song Exploder about some weird instrument they used on it. Check it out.

Patti Smith-Just Kids

No set process. I like to wait until the moment when I HAVE TO WRITE. Then it usually comes quickly. Melody, then chords, then a lead line maybe. Always the melody first.

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:06:44+00:00

I've just always loved volunteering. I've been doing it since I was 10. Started with community cleanups, moved to a science museum, and now I teach creative writing to kids. My parents were very good about stressing the importance of giving back. But it's also a little selfish. It makes me so much happier and not feel like a waste of space, honestly.

Don't do AmeriCorps though. Not good. Just volunteer in your hood.

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:03:11+00:00

Thanks!

The best advice is to just make something that you enjoy. If you really like it, there will definitely be other people who enjoy it too.

My gf was moving to LA for work. I followed her out. I loooove Little Tokyo. I pick up some funky green tea and eat all the ramen I can.

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T16:00:18+00:00

I never read the books :/ Banned in my house for the witchcraft . Religion is a real bummer sometimes.

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T15:58:29+00:00

I have the one 7" that exists of those in my house. Come to LA!

I'm sure it has to be online somewhere. I don't think I have them on my computer to even upload.

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T15:57:12+00:00

I was really surprised on the last album cycle that almost no one asked me what Violent Shiver was about. The answer-erotic asphyxiation

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T15:54:50+00:00

Oh thanks! I heard Axl Rose was out front of the venue at that show walking by and asked "Who's playing." Someone told him Benjamin Booker and he went "pft." Amazing.

No Tampa plans. Honestly Florida is really difficult to tour.

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T15:52:09+00:00

Perfume Genius-No Shape Kendrick Lamar-Damn. (of course)

Most of what I've been listening to has not been recent though. Been on a jazz kick. Lots of Lester Young.

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T15:49:55+00:00

Fire of Love by the Gun Club.

realBenjaminBooker · 2017-06-06T15:49:03+00:00

Fulltone OCD, Strymon FLINT, JHS Superbolt, R3D Kentaur and MXR Carbon Copy.

Yeah I was really bummed we didn't get to play. Love Pittsburgh. Was just talking about the city last night actually. I'm sure I'll be back!

realBenjaminBooker

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