LOCAL BAND Q&A: Ben Brock

By Chris Colberg, LOOKatOKC

Published: October 29, 2008

Q: How did you get started?

A: I got started though my dad - he always played guitar. He taught me a couple chords and we went from there. He did more religious stuff, playing in church and stuff.

Q: Tell me about your first show.

A: My first show was about 5 1/2 years ago at a small place in Belleview, Ill. I got the show two weeks before. Within the two weeks I had to learn three hours of music. I learned all the cover songs I thought I would need and put them in a notebook. Then I learned about 60 songs. The show wasn't pretty (laughing). I had all my brothers' friends clapping and supporting me.

Q: Do you do original songs?

A: I have about a CD's worth of original music.

Q: What is your favorite song of your own and what was the inspiration for it?

A: “Either Way” is the name of the song. My inspiration is, I'm going to make it no matter if I had a bad night or good night. Play like it is your last night you're ever going to play, so give it your all.

Q: What are you good at musically?

A: Vocally, more vocally than playing guitar.

Q: Genre?

A: I'd say contemporary folk acoustic. I'm influenced by my dad and James Taylor.

Q: How do you prepare for a career in the music business?

A: Confidence, not cockiness. You almost have to know more of the business side of it. You have to know how to talk to people. Promoting yourself, I guess. I think there are a lot of solo artists coming out right now. I think it's going back towards more '70s rock.

Q: What would you do with fame and fortune?

A: Take care of my family first. Then I would like to own a log cabin music store with only acoustic artists. I would have live solo artists.

Q: What do you do in your live shows?

A: I think interaction is really big. Just smile and act the fool. Good stage presence is the number one thing and you have to be good, of course.

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