Jokermen Podcast: In Conversation with Benjamin Booker

Podcast Information:

• Title: Jokermen
• Host: Ian
• Episode: In Conversation: Benjamin Booker
• Release Date: January 27, 2025
• Description: Jokermen Podcast serves as a spirit guide to the world of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, delving into every song and record. Subscribers on Patreon gain ad-free access and a comprehensive back catalog featuring artists like Bob Dylan, Velvet Underground, Steely Dan, Lou Reed, and John Cale.

1. Introduction

In this engaging episode of the Jokermen Podcast, host Ian welcomes back artist Benjamin Booker after several years away from the spotlight. Booker returns with his new record, "Lower," marking a significant evolution from his earlier work. The conversation promises a deep dive into Booker's artistic journey, cultural experiences, and the intricate process behind his latest musical venture.

2. Benjamin Booker's Background and Recent Activities

Living Abroad and Returning to New Orleans

Benjamin Booker opens up about his four-year stint living in Perth and Fremantle, a suburb of Australia, before relocating back to New Orleans last year.

[02:15] Benjamin Booker: "I was living in Perth and Fremantle... and then I moved here last year."

Cultural Differences and Self-Realization

Booker discusses the stark cultural contrasts between Australia and the United States, emphasizing how this experience made him recognize his deeply ingrained American identity.

[02:38] Benjamin Booker: "There's a big difference when you people say all the time like that people are the same everywhere. And I don't think that that's true at all."

He reflects on how these differences highlight his own cultural conditioning, particularly the negative aspects he finds challenging to separate from himself.

[03:20] Benjamin Booker: "It made me, I think, realize how American I am... in all the negative ways."

3. Life in Los Angeles

Experiences in Echo Park, Silver Lake, and Downtown LA

Booker recounts his time in various neighborhoods of Los Angeles, from Echo Park and Silver Lake to moving downtown, where he cherished the vibrant atmosphere and the interactions with the homeless community.

[05:05] Benjamin Booker: "I was in Echo Park and Silver Lake... eventually, I just could not stand that area and moved downtown."

Personal Connections and Observations

He shares anecdotes about living across from Grand Central Market and encounters with historical sites, such as the Woody Guthrie plaque, which Ian had not previously noticed.

[06:22] Benjamin Booker: "I had no idea anybody talk about it, but it's there."

4. New Record "Lower"

Collaboration with Kenny Siegel

Booker details his collaboration with producer Kenny Siegel, known for his work with Billy Woods and Armand Hammer, highlighting the genre-blending approach that defines "Lower."

[23:46] Benjamin Booker: "Learn about the history of like, distortion and... figure out what kind of like, specific like hip hop influences I wanted to incorporate."

Genre-Blending and Production Process

Discussing the innovative fusion of blues-punk roots with hip-hop and electronic elements, Booker emphasizes creating a unique sound that transcends traditional genre boundaries.

[26:56] Benjamin Booker: "You can do things like just take white noise and like, put a filter on it... Think about sounds more in terms of, like, texture and those kinds of things."

Themes and Narrative Arc

"Lower" is characterized by a narrative arc that moves from dark, introspective themes to elements of hope, influenced by Booker's background in gospel music.

[32:41] Benjamin Booker: "There's always this element of hope and gospel music... So it's like you can ignore it and just have a good time, or you can dig in deeper."

5. Music Industry Challenges

Genre Constraints and Streaming Impact

Booker critiques the current music industry's rigid genre classifications and the influence of streaming platforms like Spotify, which often stifle artistic innovation by promoting algorithm-driven genre-specific playlists.

[26:56] Benjamin Booker: "People are cowards... They just don't... they're just too scared to branch out from that."

Selling Music in the Modern Landscape

He expresses frustration with labels' reluctance to embrace unconventional sounds, fearing that his bold new record might not align with mainstream trends.

[18:22] Benjamin Booker: "It's so hard nowadays... There's no kind of... they're really not looking for people who are doing anything outside of, you know."

6. Artistic Expression Beyond Music

Exploring Visual Arts

Booker reveals his foray into painting, drawing parallels between his music and visual art in terms of embracing messiness and texture.

[36:22] Benjamin Booker: "I'm starting to paint myself... I'm like, I'm scraping them with, like, Brillo pads... I like things that are messy, abrasive."

Integration of Music and Visual Arts

He discusses how painting serves as an outlet for exploring themes and images that are challenging to express through songwriting alone.

[37:42] Benjamin Booker: "There are things that I have a hard time writing about... it's way easier to do in painting."

7. Bob Dylan and Artistic Influences

Discussion about Bob Dylan

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Bob Dylan, exploring Booker's deep admiration for Dylan's artistic integrity and complex persona.

[48:11] Benjamin Booker: "I think that a lot... he really still has it... his artistic integrity."

Personal Anecdotes and Interest in Dylan's Life

Booker shares intriguing stories about Dylan's interactions and the elusive nature of his personal life, highlighting his fascination with Dylan's enigmatic personality.

[61:20] Benjamin Booker: "He introduced Bob to Mike Bloomfield... There’s no one talking about it."

8. Upcoming Tour

Plans to Tour with New Sounds

Booker announces his return to touring after five years, focusing on integrating "Lower" with his older material. He describes the live setup, which blends live instruments with samples to maintain the album's unique sound.

[56:51] Benjamin Booker: "I'm going to play a few old songs and a few new songs... I'm doing some guitar stuff."

Integration of Old and New Material

He emphasizes a balanced approach, offering fans a mix of familiar hits and innovative new tracks, ensuring a dynamic and engaging live experience.

[57:44] Benjamin Booker: "It's gonna be mostly the new stuff... Enough live elements that it could definitely fall apart."

9. Closing Remarks

Ian wraps up the conversation by praising Benjamin Booker's evolution and the artistic risks taken with "Lower." He encourages listeners to support Booker's new album and upcoming tour, highlighting the album's quality despite its departure from traditional influences like the Beach Boys or Randy Newman.

[67:27] Benjamin Booker: "Jokerman, without me down here, I know that I."

Booker thanks Ian and expresses appreciation for the platform, reinforcing the podcast's role in celebrating groundbreaking music.

Notable Quotes

• Ian: "It's always exciting and important, and I think, vital when artists are able and willing to strike another match and go start anew." [00:00]

• Benjamin Booker: "There's a big difference... people are the same everywhere. And I don't think that that's true at all." [02:38]

• Benjamin Booker: "You can do things like just take white noise and like, put a filter on it... Think about sounds more in terms of, like, texture and those kinds of things." [26:56]

• Benjamin Booker: "I think the record is lower available now. And catch him out there on tour... It's good music." [67:27]

Conclusion

This episode of the Jokermen Podcast offers a comprehensive look into Benjamin Booker's artistic journey, from his cultural experiences abroad to his innovative approach in blending genres for his new record "Lower." Booker's discussions about the challenges within the music industry, his exploration into visual arts, and his deep admiration for Bob Dylan provide listeners with a rich, multifaceted understanding of his work and creative philosophy. As Booker prepares to embark on his first tour in years, fans are encouraged to experience his latest musical evolution firsthand.

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