Transcript from an Interview with Ben Walter
As a Texas born Portland, Maine songwriter, Ben's music is reflective of the Texas songwriting tradition that bred in alternative country, americana, folk rock genres and breathes life into the American experience by painting stirring portraits of the places, characters and events that define it.
As an accomplished fingerstyle and lead guitarist, orchestrator and lyricist, Ben's songs pose an insightfully realistic, yet optimistic scene of the world and the American experience…
"Having moved to Maine in the mid-80's to work as an architect and starting a family in the 90's, performance has taken a backseat to extensive composition and recording of his original songs, at least for the moment.. "
With Ben's young children growing and a new CD ("Modern Child of Abraham") to be completed very soon, he hopes to wake from his performance "hybernation" and join this group more actively. Ben is also becoming interested in collaborating with other local performers and songwriters, perhaps as a duo or small acoustic trio.
Do you play live?
Someday soon, when the right opportunity comes, Ben would like to team up with other local musicians and songwriters to play live locally and throughout Maine.
Your influences?
Van Morrison, The Kinks, old Neil Young, recent Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett, Townes Van Zandt, Tom Russell, John Prine, Merle Haggard and dozens of others... the list goes on for miles... it’s all about the songwriting.
Equipment used: 1999 Bourgeois OM Custom, 1974 Fender Telecaster Deluxe, Alvarez Dreadnought and a few dozen more guitars, synths, etc. VS2000 and VG-88
Anything else...?
Please enjoy!