Isaac: It’s an amazing time to be a DIY artist/performer/band/musician. What do you enjoy the most about being an indie performer?

Ben: The thing I enjoy the most about being an indie performer is being able to control and shape every aspect of my music. It is also a great feeling when you have a solid turnout to a show and sell a few cd’s in the process, knowing that all the hard work is paying off.

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to sign with a major label, would you sign now knowing you may have to give up some of what you have built up over the years about you in the process?

Ben: I think it depends on how much I would give up. On one hand, it would be great to have the opportunities for greater exposure a major label could provide. On the other hand, if a label forces you to go in a direction that is not really you, I don’t think it would be worth it.

Isaac: I remembered Simon Cowell from American Idol talking about the “it” Factor that makes a musician/band stand out. What do you think is your “it” factor that makes you stand out from others in the music business?

Ben: I think my “it” factor is that I am not trying to become the next pop star. I think a lot of people write music with the intention of having mass public appeal and recognition. My music allows me to express myself in an honest way without worrying too much about how it will be accepted. I have been told that my music is compelling because I pour out my heart. I believe there would be a lot more music worth listening to if more people did that.

Isaac: Why should music fans listen to your music? Describe what they are going to get when they listen to your music?

Ben: Music fans should listen to my music because it has the substance that is lacking from mainstream artists that you hear on the radio all of the time. They are going to hopefully get a refreshingly original easy listening album with an acoustic folk-rock feel to it.

Isaac: Briefly describe your humble beginnings that led you to where you are at musically now.

Ben: I actually learned to play piano when I was in elementary school and then started playing drums when I was in high school. I didn't really get into learning guitar until I was in college. I took a few guitar and voice lessons, and started writing songs a few years after college after I finished grad school to become a teacher.

The first song I wrote was for my wife on our wedding day. After I played it, I got a lot of positive comments. I found writing songs to be incredibly rewarding and almost addictive. I wrote a few more songs and played my first open mic a little over a year ago. Over the last year, I played my first solo show, released a full length album, and written about 25 songs.

Isaac: You have some strong iconic influences. Of these influences, which artist/band do you relate to the most and why?