When Brendan Benson took the stage at the Pageant on Oct. 22, the singer-songwriter was a little out of his element. While most of his peers are associated with the type of acoustic show he played, Benson prefers the backing of a full band.
"I never liked acoustic in the past, because that is not how I write the songs. I think people think because I'm a singer-songwriter, they can set me up with an acoustic guitar, but I write more with a band in mind, with full instrumentation. To do an acoustic show takes a lot of rearranging," Benson said.
Despite being accompanied by only one member of his normal band, Benson and his acoustic guitar gave a convincing performance in the opening slot of the Badly Drawn Boy tour. The short set didn't disappoint in showcasing the rock-tinged power-pop Benson is known for.
Benson's atypical approach to the role of singer-songwriter may have something to do with his atypical approach to writing music. While most artists claim that inspiration starts with just a melody or just a lyric, Benson uses a different method.
"Ideally, the music and lyrics come together. I'm writing a record with a friend, and he likes to write the music first, and later he'll write the lyrics, which is really hard for me, really strange. If I write the music and now I have to come up with lyrics, it's overwhelming," he said.
Benson has finished his third full-length album, which is scheduled for release in late February or early March of next year. Tentatively titled "Alternative to Love," the album should sound like a natural fit with his past two offerings, 1996's "One Mississippi" and 2002's "Lapalco."
"I think the album might sound in between the two, a little blend of both. Although, it's hard for me to say, since I'm so close to it," Benson said.
If the new album and accompanying tour aren't enough to keep him busy, Benson has a few other projects on tap. One of these is the album he is recording with a friend, someone who also happens to be in a little band called the White Stripes.
"I'm making a record with Jack White, which sounds amazing already. We've also got a couple guys from the Greenhorns–the bass player and the drummer," Benson said.
With everything that he has lined up, Benson's main goal of late is to improve his live show–a goal that proves to be an ongoing struggle.
"I love to record music at home, it comes easy to me, and it feels natural. Live is different. I'd like to put on a show that people like," Benson said.
He added, "Nine times out of 10 a live act is the same. I'd like to do something special. I'm kind of a long ways away from that– I'm still learning the basics."
