Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Archey.
Ben, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m a Texas musician who sings and writes his own original songs. On April 4th, 2020 I’ll be releasing my new sophomore album “First They Get Your Money”. I’m really excited to be putting it out and I’m excited to see what the reaction is going to be!
My connection to Houston was that when I was a child, we would come down from Fort Worth to Houston to visit my Great Uncle John Biggers. My grandmother’s brother on my dad’s side. He was an amazing artist and proves that art runs in my family’s blood. When I was in the 7th grade taking Texas history my great uncle John Biggers was IN THE TEXTBOOK! When he came to visit us I was so proud that I could show him the impact his life had on our society. It’s a very powerful moment looking back at it so many years later.
Like I said, I come from a creative family. My parents were both music majors in college. In fact, that’s how they met. Also, my older brothers inspired me with their rap and hip-hop music. One of my brothers who goes by “Tahiti” was signed to a record label and toured all over the country. I think when you’re that close to it all you’re always thinking that you can do it too.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think there are always challenges and obstacles. As a new artist just getting people to take notice is difficult. In my mind, I should be playing gigs all over Texas but the truth is that many who are responsible for booking simply ignore you. I’m hoping that changes in 2020. Also, one of the biggest challenges and obstacles is yourself. People have a love for daydreaming and wasting time. Figuring out what you want to do and then actually doing it. That’s the key to success. If you have your preparation ready to go when it meets opportunity…that’s when things happen.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
The Fort Worth Weekly recently described me as “undefinable.” I like that description. It means that I’m original, authentic and I’m a genre bender. But, if I had to describe myself I would say that I’m rock with strong country and R&B influences. Some of the artists I’ve been compared to have been the Beck, Black Keys, Lenny Kravitz, and RadioHead but I think those guys are just at the tip of the iceberg for my overall style.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
“First They Get Your Money” will be my 2nd album that I’ve released as Bencjones. My first album “Just One Gun” was released on June 2nd of 2019. The title song “Just One Gun” has been played on multiple radio stations in Texas like “KXT The Republic of Music.” Just like ‘Gun’, ‘Money’ was recorded mostly by me at my house. I’ve been labeled as a multi-instrumentalist because I record most of the music but like I tell everybody, “I can play most things good but I’m not great at any of them.”
Still, I personally think that the people that listen to my music will notice a huge sonic improvement on the overall production of the songs compared to the last album. I took a few more chances this time that I think paid off. Vocally, it’s the best I’ve ever sounded. I do a lot of choral harmonies and backing vocal parts on this album that ‘Gun’ didn’t have and as a result, the songs really start to stand out and shine. I also think that growing and learning from your mistakes and capitalizing on your strengths is important. That was certainly in play here. Whenever I start writing the next album after this one, I want to continue to refine my processes and multiply my victories.
I’m not 100% which songs will connect with the greater audience but there will be a connection. Today myself and my bandmates shot some scenes for the song “Purple Coats”. This video is going to be hilarious when it comes out. I think you have to have an online presence to connect with the people in Houston, DFW, Austin and all around the world. Visuals with music is so important in 2020. Anyhow, look for “Purple Coats” out February of this year.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bencjonesmusic.com
- Email: ben@bencjonesmusic.com
- Instagram: @bencjonesmusic
- Facebook: @bencjonesmusic
- Twitter: @bencjonesmusic
Image Credit:
Shane Brant – Brant Photography, Vishal Malhotra, Album Art by Bencjones
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