Singer-Songwriter Ben Weaver Takes A Break From Current UK Tour To Chat To Stereoboard (Interview)
Thursday, 03 February 2011
Written by Rich Kemp
Brandishing an acoustic blend of folk-spliced Americana and a jolly nice personality to boot, singer-songwriter Ben Weaver has entertained audiences on both sides of the Atlantic for over ten years. Right now on the UK leg of his European tour, Mr Weaver took some time out to speak to Stereoboard about travel, change and being a family man.
STEREOBOARD: How are you sir?
BEN: I just woke up. I'm fine thanks.
STEREOBOARD: What have you been up to since the last time you graced our fair shores?
BEN: Got a real job for a while. I learned to cook professionally, or at least I started to by working in a kitchen. Basically fell in love with it.
STEREOBOARD: You’re quite the traveller by all accounts. Have you had any interesting experiences while globe-trotting? Do you use these as fuel for your song writing?
BEN: I'm sure that it finds its way into the writing somehow. I am getting tired actually. I really just want to cook and be home taking care of my kids. Travelling is not all it’s cracked up to be, but things ebb and flow.
STEREOBOARD: Critically-acclaimed by both the UK and the US media, this is not the first time you’ve come to our small island. How do you like us? Do we differ from other audiences?
BEN: The UK was the first audience to really embrace me anywhere in the world, so I have always been grateful. I am thankful for the enthusiasm and interest in my songs.
STEREOBOARD: You have been lauded as having a voice comparable to that of Tom Waits. How do you react to this kind of praise?
BEN: I think that was more in reference to a certain period of mine about 9 years ago. People always make comparisons. Ultimately it’s not my choice whether or not they do and so I don't really think about if I like it or not. It just happens.
STEREOBOARD: Folk-influenced singer-songwriters are certainly no rarity in today’s world. Folk in itself is quite a thinly-spread genre. What makes your sound so internationally-appealing?
BEN: I have no idea. I just write the songs.
STEREOBOARD: You’re playing your tour of Europe this February, which is exciting for anyone who likes a bit of back-to-nature, rustic Americana. However you’re only staying until the middle of the month. Why such a short tour? Is it our warm beer?
BEN: Things are changing a lot with this music touring thing these days and to be honest this was the most we could do at once. Besides I need to get back home and look after my son. I'm not interested in being gone from home for more than a couple weeks anyway.
STEREOBOARD: Have you always performed alone? Do you never yearn for a little company on that big stage?
BEN: I have done a lot of different arrangements over the years. I like to change it around. Right now I'm enjoying being alone, it's good for me.
STEREOBOARD: What makes for a good Ben Weaver show?
BEN: I have never watched myself play. You have some good shows and some bad. It usually has something to do with what's in the stars that night. It's either there or it isn't.
STEREOBOARD: Do you have a message to bring us Brits?
BEN: I have no specific message. Just my little songs and hopefully a nice walk or two in store.
STEREOBOARD: Thank you kindly, Mr Weaver.
BEN: Thank you.
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STEREOBOARD: You’re quite the traveller by all accounts. Have you had any interesting experiences while globe-trotting? Do you use these as fuel for your song writing?
