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Interview with Rene Benton
Jarod Smith
December 30, 2024
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? It was all around me. In my house, in my neighborhood and the schools I went to from elementary to high school. It was bound to take ahold of me somehow. If I did not go the music route; that is a mystery even to me
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity? I don;t really have any hobbies per se. I am very regimented. Very routine oriented. So everything I do leads up to me doing something musical or thinking of something musical. I am an early riser 5AM or so everyday. I pray , I read a scripture , train my body. Take a short rest . Do any administrative task I may have and, then after that try to spend some intimate time with my guitar. Oddly enough I more creative when I am doing something non musical activities.
How long have you been making music? Well, I started playing guitar and drums when I was about 6 years old. I ended up going the guitar route. From there I dabbled with organ. But as far making it . I was say from about 11 years of age
Where are you based and how did that influence your music? I am originally from Nebraska but, I am based out of the Southwestern part of the USA. I believe that extensive travel helped influenced a certain aspect of my music. It puts a person in a fusion- like state of mind
Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?This is a two part answer. In a support role hands down playing at the DMZ with a band I toured with. The North Korean propaganda music was deafening and, they had the biggest flag I have ever seen! And as for my show it is definitely playing in Omaha . I had not played there in three decades.
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already? It is hard for me to say a place it is sort of blur at this point. But, I would say the Royal Mirage in Dubai and the Pickford in Tokyo Japan. Any place in Brazil is a place I would like to play. I was scheduled to do something but, It never worked out.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket? I am pretty eclectic so; billing wise it would confusing, I would go with Cameo, The Thompson Twins, Killswitch Engage, Meshuggah and Bjork
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self? Live a clean lifestyle and , it is better in the long run. People will always view you as more reliable. To the younger me. Relax. Just relax. It ain’t that serious!!
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? That is like asking a parent who their favorite child is!! Everything I have ever written has a great deal of meaning to me.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most? I like Inner City Blues and Nation of Struggle. Those two seem to resonate with people.
What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music? I do not have a straight ahead process . Most ideas come to me when I am not doing anything musical . So from that aspect it is very organic. The inspiration comes from so many different sources . For example Nation of Struggle was written years ago after I was in Haiti.
Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music? if so please tell me about them. A variety of messages can exist with 12 notes. I have never been one to try and convey a message but, I try to leave the music open to interpretation
Do you have any new singles, videos, or albums out that you would like to tell me and your fans about? Yes!! 2 Live in O-Ma- Haw; Lynn in Omaha is out now!! Video available at renebenton.net exclusively
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up? Just promoting and trying to do some touring spots mid 2025 into early early 2026.
How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?
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