Interview with Banjo Ben Clark
by Janelle Landauer
How and when did your first break in the music industry come about?
As far as the Nashville scene goes, I would have to say it was when a friend from Texas recommended me for a Keith Urban audition days after I moved to town. I didn’t get the gig, but I learned some really important lessons about the music biz and met some key people in the industry.
What goals have you accomplished and what do you still hope to accomplish with your music career?
Wow…I’ve been really, really blessed. I’ve toured and played for millions of fans, recorded on albums played and distributed worldwide, performed on most of the main national TV venues, and played on the mother stage of Country music… The Grand Old Opry.
You’ve had the opportunity to play on the Grand Ole Opry many times now… Can you talk more about those experiences?
The Opry is simply my favorite place to play. I love history, and country music history in particular, so the Opry is the place for me! When I first moved to town and was going through the typical pains of trying to make my rent payment each month, I actually worked at the gift shop in the Grand Ole Opry. On my breaks, and sometimes when I wasn’t on break, I would sneak in to the auditorium and close my eyes…imagining playing on that stage one day.
If you could collaborate with anyone musically, who would it be and why?
I think it would have to be Alison Krauss and Union Station. Of course everyone loves Alison, but the guys in her band are some of my musical heroes, and to play with them while hearing Alison’s heavenly vocals would be…well, heaven.
What advice would you give to those who plan to get into the music business?
Really it’s like any other business that you would want to devote your life to…you have to LOVE it. You can’t just like it, or just think it would be cool to make it, you have to be consumed with it and not take no for an answer. And believe me, no matter who you are, you’re going to hear no at some time or another. As a matter of fact, consider yourself extremely lucky if “no” is the worst thing you hear.
What instruments do you play?
I started playing piano at the age of four, and since I’ve picked up the guitar, banjo, mandolin, dobro, and fiddle.
When did you start playing the banjo?
I started playing the banjo my sophomore year of college at Texas A&M University.
Do you have a certain brand of instruments that you prefer to play and would recommend to others?
A lot of guys are endorsement hounds…I don’t happen to be one of those. I like lots of different types and makes of instruments, and I don’t like to be tied down to one particular brand. Sometimes I’ll pick up a $200 mandolin that absolutely sounds fabulous, and then play a $20,000 mandolin that I wouldn’t give $50 for!
ON THE ROAD
What other artists have you played with in the past?
I started out playing for an artist named Matt Jenkins. Then, I went on an acoustic tour with an artist named Lila McCann. From there I started playing piano and banjo for American Idol favorite, Josh Gracin. That led to a position playing piano for Craig Morgan, and finally to my current position with Taylor Swift.
Do you have any fond memories of being on the road with the artist(s) listed in the previous question?
I would have to say one of my most favorite people to tour with would be Lila McCann. Most of the time it was just she and I, and we had a blast acting stupid in the back of limos. Since it was just the two of us, we got to have a lot more freedom in our travels. A lot of times with bigger groups, the plans are more rigid, although Taylor makes sure we have a good time whenever we possibly can!
ON THE ROAD WITH TAYLOR SWIFT
What instruments do you play on the road with Taylor?
Right now I’m playing banjo, mandolin, dobro, and piano/organ. Sometimes it changes based on what set we’re playing at the time.
How did you initially get in touch with Taylor and/or her crew for this touring position?
Actually they got in touch with me! Taylor needed someone to “do what I do”, and I had toured with the drummer in Josh Gracin’s band. He gave me a call one day to ask if I knew anyone else that played what I played, and I decided to take the position myself.
Is this touring gig any different to you than any of your previous ones?
You mean besides having a teenage chick as my boss? Actually it’s a lot different. I would have to say that I’m being taken care of more on this gig than any other gig I’ve had. Taylor is so in touch with what her group needs while away from their homes and families, and she does her very best to get us home as much as possible and not get burned out. I’m so very thankful because getting burned out is an easy thing to do.
What is your favorite song of Taylor’s to perform live?
I would have to say it’s her recent release on the deluxe CD, “Perfectly Good Heart”. It’s a time in the show where we “break it down”, pull out the stools and really get in touch with the audience. Also, I get to play mandolin on this song, which is probably my favorite instrument to play on stage.
Do you have a favorite memory of being on the road with Taylor and the other band members so far?
Speaking of Taylor doing things for us to make road-life as easy as possible, last summer Taylor took us all on vacation to the Grand Canyon. We got a privately guided Whitewater rafting trip down the Colorado River that runs through the canyon, then topped it off with a helicopter tour back out of the canyon. One of my best memories ever!
What do you like about touring? What do you dislike?
I really like meeting fans. It’s makes it worth it to see folks smile back at you from the stage and know that maybe you helped make the concert memorable for them. Also, I really like to play golf, and we get to visit some of the coolest golf courses in North America! I dislike being away from my wife, Hannah. What’s hardest is that she loves to travel, and it’s really hard for me to see some of these places and not have her there to experience them with me.
What do you like to do on the road in your free time?
Believe it or not, I love to practice on my instruments! But when I have an opportunity to go hunting or fishing while I’m on the road, I never miss out!
Have you worked on any new projects lately that you'd like to tell us about?
Actually I got to record some banjo on Taylor’s new record today! I can’t say too much about it, but I can promise that her fans are not going to be disappointed!
Finally, is there anything you would like to say to all the country music fans and all our readers?
I think the main thing I’d like to say is that the fans are where it’s at. Sometimes artists and musicians posses an attitude where they think they’re doing the fans a favor by playing for them. I’m so fortunate to work for an artist and in a band that agrees with me in knowing that without the fans, we would be out of work…plain and simple.
» For more information on Banjo Ben, visit: youtube.com/banjoben1 »
Added: May 10, 2008
