Welcome to the feature where we talk to musicians about some of their favourite things about the industry. Today we speak to musician Katelyn Benton, if you have not heard the single Burning Down check it out now! It it time to play a little game to find out more.

What is your Favourite:

Song you have written

Actually, my most recent release Burning Down is one of my favourite songs I’ve written. It speaks to a difficult time in my life, but also seems to resonate with many other people. I love the melody and the build from the verse through the chorus and bridge. It was cathartic to write and is cathartic for me to listen to and share.

Lyric

A favourite lyric I’ve written is also from Burning Down, “They’ll surely come to save me, I know they’ll come no doubt. They wouldn’t leave a baby with a fire to put out.”

A favourite lyric that someone else has written might be “Turn down the lights. Turn down the bed. Turn down these voices inside my head,” from I Can’t Make You Love Me (written by Mike Ried and Allen Shamblin), but it’s really hard to choose! There are so many songs I hear and think, “Gah – I wish I wrote that.” 

Musician

This is another difficult question! I’ve always loved Ben Folds, Fiona Apple, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor just to name a few.

Film or television show

I can watch The Office and 30 Rock over and over and always laugh. Recently I watched Heartstopper and LOVED it. I also like to throw on Queer Eye when I’m having a hard day, it just makes me feel good. 

Venue to perform at

Probably The Mint here in Los Angeles. It has such a great, intimate vibe. You can fit a fair amount of people there and still feel like you’re playing in a living room to your closest friends. So many legendary acts have played there, including Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles. 

Item to take with you on tour

Extra cables, for the love of god! And a mailing list signup sheet.

Instrument

Piano – I’ve been playing since I was in diapers. Over pandemic I also bought a harp and am in love with that as well. 

Song to play live

Fix, Impossible Love, or a not-yet-released song called Not Enough

Album by another musician

Tidal by Fiona Apple. Days Are Gone by Haim.

Memory of tour

Running into people who you aren’t expecting to see. I was in Nashville and out of the blue ran into one of my best friends from Berklee. When you see people you love in places you aren’t expecting, it feels serendipitous, like you’re right where you’re supposed to be.

Era for music

I have a sweet spot for big band and jazz from WWI-WWII era. Maybe it’s from a past life, but it makes me feel cozy and nostalgic. Always puts me in a good mood. I also think the late 90’s early 00s was a pretty sweet spot for pop. 

# part of making a record

When you’re working with a producer who really gets your sound and you hear the turnaround on your production for the first time. GOOSEBUMPS.

Thing about performing at festivals

I’ve never performed at a festival, but I do go to them as a music lover. My favourite part is being around other fans of an artist, all singing along to the lyrics and bonding over a shared love for that particular music. It feels like thousands of people are suddenly your best friends and that’s really beautiful.

Quote

“If you care about what you do and work hard at it, there isn’t anything you can’t do if you want to.” – Jim Henson

Thing about the music industry at the moment

Anyone can create and release music now. It’s a little overwhelming, but it’s great that this power finally lies with the artist and there isn’t so much gatekeeping when it comes to producing and releasing music.

Thing about this year so far?

Things are almost feeling normalish since the beginning of pandemic. I went to Coachella for the first time in years and it felt like coming home. I’ve also managed to stay healthy all year and I don’t take that for granted. 

If you are in a band and want to feature get in contact by emailing us at phoenixremixcomedy@gmail.com