Inspired #207 - Ben Wyeth
Originally from indie band Hockey, Brooklyn based artist Ben Wyeth has just released his new single ‘Pop Off City’ - a silky track with smooth vocals and buzzing melodies. He took a moment to talk us through the inspirations behind his music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations?
Bob Dylan: To me Dylan really embodies self acceptance and making the most out of what you’ve been given. his voice is like the actual sound of self acceptance made into strange unique gold.
Lana Del Ray: I love the world she creates. I can really get lost in it. Also, I love how some of her lyrics stand right on the edge between cringe and awesome. I really relate to that. Needing the freedom to say some potentially embarrassing things, which also opens up a lane for the great things to come through
All the wavy trap mixes on youtube like the Trappin In Paradise series. Endless cool dreamy trap to get lost in. I’m really thankful to the people who make that stuff.
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
The new one on Frank Zappa really lit me up. I didn’t know much about him, but his rule breaking vibe is inspiring 100%
What city do you find the most inspiring?
I live in New York now. But this new album has its roots in LA. I love the sort of anything goes freak vibe that is alive there. When wring this album I did a lot of busking on Hollywood BLVD and the freedom to try that out was huge. It helped me write this album, “Last Days Of The Ego.” The songs go all over the place genre wise, which definitely doesn’t seem like the move if you want be successful today. But it inspires me more to create when I’m not worried about sticking to a genre. The album ranges across Indie Dance vibes and Lo-fi Pop Trap.
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
Frank Yang, the YouTuber, wow. He is one half David Lynch one half enlightenment teacher. To me he is cutting edge modern and amazing.
What were your inspirations when writing your new single?
This single came from a crazy summer busking in LA. There was a freedom I was feeling come alive in me that I was starting to finally act on. Like realizing happiness really is in the simple and free. I used to sing in a moderately successful band and played sold out shows around the world, and now singing as a no one on the street was actually more fun and fulfilling.
How would you like to inspire people?
I would like to inspire people to be able to be themselves without shame. I work as a life coach now as my other passion, so music is a fun way to make some noise, connect and transmit some good ideas and energy around mental wellness and all things concerning our human potential.