Interview Friday: Ben Burgess

This week I had the opportunity to interview BEN BURGESS. So here's how it went down:

 

1. Can you give my readers a brief introduction to how you got started?

• Started as soon as my Pops put a guitar in my hands. It was love at first sight. He taught me that it’s all about the words..everybody can play chords but not everybody has something to say.

2. When did you first start writing music?

• 4th grade..I started learning nirvana songs and started putting my own words and melodies to them. I’m pretty sure they were complete rip offs haha

3. Who were your influences?

• Sublime, nirvana, jimi hendrix, stevie ray vaughn, cat stevens, ugk, outcast, Mr Pookie Mr Luccie

4. Did your environment while growing up have an impact on the kind of music you make today?

• Definitely. I grew up in east Dallas..it’s like a melting pot of the city. There’s all types of characters that have all different types of stories and music. East Dallas made me who I am and I will rep that city until the day I die. 

5. Do you think major record labels are necessary anymore?

• hmmm..depends on what you’re trying to do. I’m good being on an indie label right now. I get all the focus and hustle I need instead of trying to fight my way around the big dogs for some food ya know!

6. What song is most exciting to play live? Original and/or cover, please!

• Stripper Pole 

7. What was the strangest thing to have happen while performing on stage?

• Group of Bachelorette girls jumped up on stage and went crazy..turned into a wet tshirt contest..I just stepped back and enjoyed the show!

8. What is your biggest guilty pleasure?

• Cold Beer and a smoke

9. If you could have a conversation with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

• My Grandfather

10. What has surprised you most in your career so far?

• The fact that I’m doing this interview! It’s so dope and hilarious to me that folks are asking me questions..it’s truly a blessing and a compliment...you guys are the best! 

11. Any hobbies outside of music? Sports, etc? Favorite teams?

• Basketball..love me some hoopin..I rep The Defending Champs THE DALLAS MAVERICKS all dayyyy..and the Dallas Cowboys..watch Romo’s gonna step it up this year and get us a Superbowl ring JUST WATCH!!

12. What word do you hate? What word do you love?

• I hate the word never...people keep using that word and shit will never happen for them..I love the word Love..ultimately that’s what this life is all about to me. Spread love, spread peace. Thanks so much for the illmattic questions you guys are the illest!

Thank you for your time! Find Ben Burgess on the web:

 

"Party Like a Pornstar" Video:

• http://youtu.be/d5vvw1dHjFs

Official Sites:

• http://www.thebenburgess.com/
• facebook.com/TheBenBurgess
• twitter.com/#!/thebenburgess