Three years after this interview, our kinship with Ben is as strong as ever. Be sure to check out our latest Benjamin Tod field recording: th-cam.com/video/89Og8Iyk_pI/w-d-xo.html You can keep up with Ben's busy touring schedule, latest releases, and other news by following him on Instagram at instagram.com/benjamintodmusic Keep an eye on our Instagram for new Folks Talk episodes, field recordings, album releases, and much more: instagram.com/gemsonvhs
I'd say you're lucky for being able to sit in that camper talking with Mr. Tod but I know it's not luck it's the work that you do. Either way though you're a blessed man to be in that position. 🤘
Speaking of "secret recordings," what about repress with sick pup and life's a dog gone shame on vinyl? Can you pass an elbow and hint to Ben and Ashley?
It's kinda satisfying to see that almost every artist discovered by GemsOnVHS or WesternAF is humble, down to earth, smart and has his/her roots in punkrock and DIY. For a punkrocker myself who got very early into folk/country, artists like Ben heightens my ongoing interest for new songwriters from the South/Midwest even more. Thank you Anthony, thank you Ben. Love from Europe! ❤️
Me staring at the screen and enjoying the interview- Then Ben goes off about how people stare at screens too often 💀💀💀 Fantastic stuff as always though
@@Tunathegr8 Yes, truly, I would not have had the privilege of hearing all these folks and their tremendous talents if GemsOnVHS had not started all of this - And I really, really like the Interviews. Ben's was GREAT - Does he realize he is, in essence, writing poetry!! 🤓
" I'm sick of wasting time on little screens forgetting what it really means to be a fucking human being". I got rid of facebook and other social media a while back and couldn't be happier. I do spend a couple hours a day listening to TH-cam video's while I do house chores tho.
You mean you just don't skip to the middle of the book and read chapters 13 1/2 and 17?? Yes I also consume music produced for an album in its entirety instead of picking and choosing a certain songs what would be my level for gauging it the only level of ever used is my ears but there is something to the stereotypical radio-friendly song which I think the friendliest thing to a new artist today is to not play him on the radio make people search for the gems.
He mentioned people don’t listen to albums in their entirety anymore. I’m guilty but I’ve bought all his albums and listened to them in their entirety many times. He is a gem.
The More I listen to Ben's songs the more respect I gain. He just named a bunch of my favorite songwriters in one conversation. Elliot Smith and Townes Van Zandt specifically. I grew up as a street punk. Trains too. Ex dopefiend. These songs are so authentic. It's the most punk rock country music ever.
When this man just goes so deep about things like phonetics, I know I'm watching a true genius. Yes he went through hell. But he came out on the other side, and now we are literally witnessing a hero spewing his knowledge. Words are so powerful, and one word can make or break a sentence, a paragraph, a paper, or a love song. I'm so happy humans Like Ben exist. It gives me hope for everything
Ben, you have no idea what you mean to me. Your songs have resonated so deep with me through my struggles. I feel like I know you inside and out and we have never met. Dont overthink it Ben, just give me your emotions and the truth or what you believe the truth to be. From Ireland with love.
Dear Benjamin Tod, if ever there comes a time when you read your comments on your own interview just know you changed my life, and my familys and everyone around me. you inspired me to get clean and straighten up. that alone is thankless, but really dude thanks. your music carried me so far. like so far that im not sure its even comprehendible. just know i feel you and your hurt. and im glad i heard you sing about the same thing i was going through. f ck that guys. that life is not worth it
@@Nick-Emery building a persona around current trends rather than what actually comes naturally to you. Creating art based on marketability rather than taking chances despite what monetary value it may have. Choosing a lifestyle based on what seems to be normal rather than what you actually feel you should be doing. You know when you’re living Inauthentic, it’s tears you up inside.
Something about us recovering addicts that is just ancient, honest and pure. Great questions. I live in Johnson City/ Erwin, TN. I know Ben is legit. All my best friends died before 40. There’s 1 left and he’s working on it. Thank God and Bless you Both.
I'm 26 this man has got me through a lot I just hope he knows he's helped real people in a real world just by being who he is meant to be and I thank him
Hearing and listening to Ben’s music as well as Lost Dog Street Band’s has made me start song writing and being okay with writing about my life experiences. I feel like Ben is one of the few song writers today who are able to translate life into a song.
@gemsonvhs please, please, please give us the full version of this Hayden cover. I got so excited when I heard the first 5 secs. Please blow my mind with the entirety!! Forever my favorite artist and person on this rock in space we call home. Ben has created the soundtrack to my sobriety. 2 and a half years, all bound to my soul by the tunes and words from this phenomenon and genius, Benjamin Tod. Thank you gems for introducing me to this unbelievable man.
I'm not sure I've ever been so envious of another person. That must be awesome to get to spend a day hanging out and interviewing Benjamin Tod, the hill country devil and every other badass artists/bands you bring to the channel.
Another great interview. Benjamin's unapologetic authenticity is what sets him apart from most artists. He is a poet who just happens to play music. Also, after that teaser, I definitely want to hear him do a full cover of Kerr County Dopesick Blues!
Ben, your words and actions for the better part of a decade have been one of the greatest causes for change in my own life. Watching your story unravel is fascinating, but it’s also much more than that. I believe life is full of suffering regardless of class, color, philosophy, or any other foolish way that we can choose to divide and define people by. Your experiences are vastly different from my own, but at the heart of your struggles, there’s a familiarity that I truly believe no one call fully avoid in life. You’re more cognizant than the everyday man, and I suspect that was probably curse in some way for many years, but through your maturity you’ve managed to turn it into an immeasurable strength that really sets you aside from many in the industry. Your lyrics have been there for me at the worst moments in my life, but the more time passes the more I find that your voice is increasingly present in the greatest moments I experience too. You’re a worthy role model to me. Knowing your story and seeing your progress over these years has shown me that I can define who I am, I have the ability to be who I choose. I have the ability to battle the ugliness within me so I can be someone worth knowing. I even genuinely feel that your words have influenced the type of father I’m becoming for my boy. Never met you, but I value you more than I have words for. I’ve never been into the idea of brushing up against entertainers, celebrities, or nothing like that in real life. I really hope to meet you one day though so I can shake your hand and look you in the eye to thank you for all the times your music and words have been there for me when I needed them. Godspeed brother.
Benjamins music may have helped save my life. Forever grateful for musicians and their willingness to be vulnerable for us. Without out a doubt, my favorite artist, second .. Jason Isbell!
Benjamin tod is a lyrical genius. The fact that he’s writing songs of experiences that happened in his own life, he still makes it rhyme and flow, absolute talent. Listen to him every single day.
This interview is worth at least 100 college credits! I'm nearly 55 and starting out on the path to being a singer/songwriter. Enjoying Bens music for several years and had the good fortune to see them a couple times here in NY. A huge inspiration
There are still people, who listen to whole albuns. I love, to hear a full story, to listen to an ongoing concept. The music you and Lost Dog Street Band make, has made me pick up and learn the banjo and also restart playing the guitar. There is so much joy, in inlistening to people like you, sierra ferrell, c.w. hokum or leyla and sabine mccalla and many others, who rediscover the americana style, that has been influennced by so many different wonderful cultures. Much love to all of ya from Germany.
So much truth in this man. Ben, you have given me a new outlook on music and life. Being a metal head my hole life until the last two years, I’m so glad I found you one day in my feed. I know you will never read this but I hope one day to meet you and have conversations and play music with you
Sleeping outdoors in my hammock listening to this interview, very straight to the point and no bullshit. Also very well articulated, which is nice. Looking forward to the album! Crowdfund the rest, please.
Diamonds are created under pressure. Benjamin Todd, you’re a real one. Thank you for creating what you have created so people like me can get by another day
It's no surprise you can't really explain your "Song writing process" Ben. You are a genius, and most of us aren't. Not to say most of us aren't smart or even very smart, but you are the epitomy of what we most really want to be, I can't say how much I appreciate your mindset.
I wish Ben all the best on his struggles, this world has lost too many talented musicians as it is so I hope he finds a way to keep the beast on a leash. His voice and vocals are true country to me, not that shit Nashville pumps out, and its a damn shame there arent more independent radio stations willing to air his stuff. And really, he has got to be one of the luckiest guys I know, his wife is solid gold.
So surreal how the years go by. East Nashville was ripe for this band that just happened to run into gems. Always talent with words. Phonetics is what's hitting when I hear glory 1? Cause it's fortifying af.
This is absolutely perfect. Just yesterday I was searching for Benjamin Tod interviews and I could think of no better person to conduct it than Anthony! Brilliant stuff from both Ben, Anthony and the Gems team. Keep up the great work guys!
Absolutely loved watching this. Ben has helped me through so many hard times in my life and I'll always be thankful to him for that. His music and vocals are always top notch. May you always find peace at the end of a long journey.
Thank you guys so much for the interview. It was a great insight into the mind of a great musician and I greatly appreciate it. Thank you to Anthony for continuing to push out these amazing moments on camera. Stellar music recommendations. All the best to all of you!
I was homeless and stuck on the streets after working my ass off and it got me no where when I let go and lived one day at a time listened to your music and then my ex died in Nashville five years ago I was walking the streets of Nashville for a year and I found myself
Ive never ordered a individual song, or full record for that matter, on any app. I always go get the cd or vinyl and listen all the way through first. Such a great way to really understand what you’re listening to, then dig deeper into each song for a stronger connection. For CDs i like to listen in reverse order too which provides an even different perspective. Cant wait to see Lost Dog Street Band in Austin TX in a few weeks. Thanks for all you do.
I am still a full album listener, the stories and lyrics are what is important. That flow through a full album really makes a good album great! Keep doing what you do, there are not many that can compare!
As crazy as it sounds, he actually gives me a death cab for a cutie vibe a bit in his songs. What do y’all think? 🤷🏻♂️ loved this interview btw. I like how this guy kept it 💯 real. Keep on keeping on, love your music!
I want to hear Ben make an album and hold nothing back. And see how amazing it would be. This was awesome to watch Ben. he has a very interesting point of view on a lot of things and it opens ur eyes and gives you another way to look at it. Much love God speed.
I love Ben and Ashley and their raw live music. On disk to is and sounds not to hit my heart like when I see and hear just them two.. oh and a slight buzz..awesome
Ben, thx for the heads up about Jim Ringer. Just checked him out. Man I love "Waitin for the hard times to go" Always love hearing "new" music. Sitting in a shelter, making some art and pulling life together after 30 yrs of alcohol and H addiction. Your lyrics hit me in many ways. Seems those who've discovered their gifts also have some afflictions as well. Guess we are willing to take risks that most aren't. Hell I dont know lol. I do know the beneath the substances we partake theres gold and pain.
That little tease of Kerr County Dopesick Blues at the end there really makes me want to see more. There’s a few of Hayden’s songs I’ve always thought Ben would do well with and vice versa. Would love to see more of these “Folks Talk” in the future! Good shit.
First 2 minutes of this video and i couldn't agree with Ben more, the way he describes how he does his albums is the way albums should be done. When an album doesn't flow together right its almost like an alarm clock going off
ive been waiting for your next album patiently! so stoked to see what you come out with and what stories you wanna share. your songs are my most played on my spotify Benjamin. appreciate you man. from canada with love.
Yeah, it was obvious to me as well. I remember hearing Hayden talk about Elliott being a huge influence on him as well. I think that's immediately what drew me to LDSB and HCD with so much force. Elliott has been an immense influence on my own writing, and I'm pretty sure that's why I love their music so damn much too.
You guys should do more interviews!!!!! I’ve been a LDSB/Ben fan for many years and it’s always great to get to know the people I hear all the time. Definitely would love to see one with Hayden and Casper! Please please please make this happen!🤘
I know that I was actually thinking of this type of interviews with the Gems lineup. Not like most people that are in a little studio with mics and low light, you guy's were there sweating your asses off from the looks of it but it's like Ben said " brutally honest" is all we want and it's something I hope you (Gems) will continue to bring to the table. I could definitely see you interviewing a few of the local talent around a fire watching the sun go down and a few strong drinks to break the ice. Something of this type of thing is always great to see and it helps keep everyone on the same page, and bone breaking brutally honest with the viewers. Anything is better than nothing but honesty is something that we all know is good, like you and everyone else can stand beside it.
ths is this the girl who showed me bens music for the first time when we first got together and yall go hand in hand in changing my life for the better in two beautifully different ways. im the recovering addict and shes the one that sits patiently by my side with reasonable boundaries so she doesnt help contribute to my demise so one day i can fully love her the way she loves me and the way she deserves and yours and ashleys music gives us hope that its possible. i love you jamie i hope when you wake up and see this you dont think im cheesy now haha
I first found Benjamin in a video where he's arguing with some dude in a cowboy hat about music, and I ended up agreeing with a lot of what he was trying to get across. Then ended up finding this site and fell down the rabbit hole. Just seems like a real, and humble dude.
I’ve been wanting to watch a good interview of his for a few weeks now crazy it came today. Been following you and Ben since around “went down to Georgia” video was posted, saw Ben and Ashley live, and I just wanna say thanks to both of you.
I listen to your albums. Every one of them, from beginning to end. Sometimes, for days on repeat. Thank you for your tunes. Saved a couple of us dirty train riders. Ride free, Ride forever.
Apart from a love of music I have nothing in common with this guy, but his music has been life changing for me. The beauty of good music is that it transcends race, age, social status and every other way you can label yourself or other people. Ben's music has helped me realise that, purely by having a hugely profound impact on a 26 year old Scottish guy with a house and a full time job. You don't need to be a former drug addict living in a camper to truly appreciate the words this guy puts to music.
Ben do us a favor and give us 100 % of what your thinking in your songs. We can handle it cause we are pretty much going through the same things just individually. Either way its gonna be awesome but I'm curious to hear the uncut in your mind version. Keep it up bro.
Three years after this interview, our kinship with Ben is as strong as ever. Be sure to check out our latest Benjamin Tod field recording: th-cam.com/video/89Og8Iyk_pI/w-d-xo.html
You can keep up with Ben's busy touring schedule, latest releases, and other news by following him on Instagram at instagram.com/benjamintodmusic
Keep an eye on our Instagram for new Folks Talk episodes, field recordings, album releases, and much more: instagram.com/gemsonvhs
I love listening to full albums
I'd say you're lucky for being able to sit in that camper talking with Mr. Tod but I know it's not luck it's the work that you do. Either way though you're a blessed man to be in that position. 🤘
Glad yall found each other so I could end up finding all yall.
Yea when is next interview?! Im ready for it!
Speaking of "secret recordings," what about repress with sick pup and life's a dog gone shame on vinyl? Can you pass an elbow and hint to Ben and Ashley?
It's kinda satisfying to see that almost every artist discovered by GemsOnVHS or WesternAF is humble, down to earth, smart and has his/her roots in punkrock and DIY. For a punkrocker myself who got very early into folk/country, artists like Ben heightens my ongoing interest for new songwriters from the South/Midwest even more. Thank you Anthony, thank you Ben. Love from Europe! ❤️
Me too man.
I love punk rock but I also love stuff like this. Me and my wife are going to see lost dog in a couple months.
Quite surprising to find a damn good amount of people who also went from punk and metal to folk and country.
Well said.
Me staring at the screen and enjoying the interview-
Then Ben goes off about how people stare at screens too often 💀💀💀
Fantastic stuff as always though
Glad I'm not alone in that feeling. I relate to him so much but then he says that and I think "I know nothing"
I looked at a screen for hours to edit this so you're all good
@@GemsOnVHS thanks for giving us all a window into such a unique world
@@Tunathegr8 Yes, truly, I would not have had the privilege of hearing all these folks and their tremendous talents if GemsOnVHS had not started all of this - And I really, really like the Interviews. Ben's was GREAT - Does he realize he is, in essence, writing poetry!! 🤓
" I'm sick of wasting time on little screens forgetting what it really means to be a fucking human being". I got rid of facebook and other social media a while back and couldn't be happier. I do spend a couple hours a day listening to TH-cam video's while I do house chores tho.
I still listen to full albums. That’s how I prefer to consume music
It’s really the only way to fully grasp the message or feeling of the work
You mean you just don't skip to the middle of the book and read chapters 13 1/2 and 17?? Yes I also consume music produced for an album in its entirety instead of picking and choosing a certain songs what would be my level for gauging it the only level of ever used is my ears but there is something to the stereotypical radio-friendly song which I think the friendliest thing to a new artist today is to not play him on the radio make people search for the gems.
He seems like he’s changed and grown a lot. He looks so different now. He smiles now.
We need a current interview! ❤️
We will do a current one soon.
@@GemsOnVHS love to hear this
Ben gets it. Honesty, hard work, truth. NO frills, no lies to cover your flaws, just who you are.
He mentioned people don’t listen to albums in their entirety anymore. I’m guilty but I’ve bought all his albums and listened to them in their entirety many times. He is a gem.
Met him about 2 months ago. Best moment of my life. I love this dude & everything he stands for. Thankful for artists like him
This is hxc 🎉
Hearing him say he was a Conor Oberst fan is amazing. His music shaped my childhood, and Ben's music has really gotten me through my adulthood... ♡
This man has literally saved lives
@@thatdirtymichiganmusician1038
Well Said.
He inspires People...
Like Me❗👋🇺🇸💪
Yea I guess it makes total sense
Agreed. Him saying he likes wu tang and Connor Oberst just made me love him even more. Benjamin Todd is like my brother at this point.
Anybody else get hella excited when he said he could drop 3 records if he wanted to? I’d lose it if he did!
Fuuuuuck yes I can't wait
This interview is from 3 years ago though i believe
@@gabrielpersson7586 found this out after the comment, still stands tho
@@MC-qn3sy still believe hes dropping a new album called Glory soon
@@gabrielpersson7586 I hope so! Love his music
The More I listen to Ben's songs the more respect I gain. He just named a bunch of my favorite songwriters in one conversation. Elliot Smith and Townes Van Zandt specifically. I grew up as a street punk. Trains too. Ex dopefiend. These songs are so authentic. It's the most punk rock country music ever.
This dude is incredible. His music has got me through a lot. Gonna see Lost Dog in Spokane soon. Can’t wait.
We owe you so much Benjamin, i can't even say, you are a Saint
When this man just goes so deep about things like phonetics, I know I'm watching a true genius. Yes he went through hell. But he came out on the other side, and now we are literally witnessing a hero spewing his knowledge. Words are so powerful, and one word can make or break a sentence, a paragraph, a paper, or a love song. I'm so happy humans Like Ben exist. It gives me hope for everything
Ben, you are a therapist in the truest sense of the word. Your method: your songs.
He's a unique person. Most people who create will never be close to him. For people like me, I create, but he seems to be natural at it. That's rare.
Ben, you have no idea what you mean to me. Your songs have resonated so deep with me through my struggles. I feel like I know you inside and out and we have never met.
Dont overthink it Ben, just give me your emotions and the truth or what you believe the truth to be. From Ireland with love.
Dear Benjamin Tod, if ever there comes a time when you read your comments on your own interview just know you changed my life, and my familys and everyone around me. you inspired me to get clean and straighten up. that alone is thankless, but really dude thanks. your music carried me so far. like so far that im not sure its even comprehendible. just know i feel you and your hurt. and im glad i heard you sing about the same thing i was going through. f ck that guys. that life is not worth it
And i love how this man just drops a Wu Tang Clan reference in the middle of his interview. Literally a musical genius.
I love his anger against people who don't live authentically. Respect.
Some folks are afraid to and want to learn; give them a chance
What is living authentically?
@@Nick-Emery You took the words right out of my mouth!!
@@Nick-Emery building a persona around current trends rather than what actually comes naturally to you. Creating art based on marketability rather than taking chances despite what monetary value it may have. Choosing a lifestyle based on what seems to be normal rather than what you actually feel you should be doing. You know when you’re living Inauthentic, it’s tears you up inside.
@@michaelclark1811 amen to that
Something about us recovering addicts that is just ancient, honest and pure. Great questions. I live in Johnson City/ Erwin, TN. I know Ben is legit. All my best friends died before 40. There’s 1 left and he’s working on it. Thank God and Bless you Both.
I'm 26 this man has got me through a lot I just hope he knows he's helped real people in a real world just by being who he is meant to be and I thank him
Hearing and listening to Ben’s music as well as Lost Dog Street Band’s has made me start song writing and being okay with writing about my life experiences. I feel like Ben is one of the few song writers today who are able to translate life into a song.
Love this guy!
And Ashley Mae ...
❤❤❤
Dude is an absolute wizard with songwriting.. he makes words come to life.
@gemsonvhs please, please, please give us the full version of this Hayden cover. I got so excited when I heard the first 5 secs. Please blow my mind with the entirety!! Forever my favorite artist and person on this rock in space we call home. Ben has created the soundtrack to my sobriety. 2 and a half years, all bound to my soul by the tunes and words from this phenomenon and genius, Benjamin Tod. Thank you gems for introducing me to this unbelievable man.
Need this song released!
I'm not sure I've ever been so envious of another person. That must be awesome to get to spend a day hanging out and interviewing Benjamin Tod, the hill country devil and every other badass artists/bands you bring to the channel.
One of the best to do it. Then, now and the future.
Another great interview. Benjamin's unapologetic authenticity is what sets him apart from most artists. He is a poet who just happens to play music. Also, after that teaser, I definitely want to hear him do a full cover of Kerr County Dopesick Blues!
Ben, your words and actions for the better part of a decade have been one of the greatest causes for change in my own life. Watching your story unravel is fascinating, but it’s also much more than that. I believe life is full of suffering regardless of class, color, philosophy, or any other foolish way that we can choose to divide and define people by. Your experiences are vastly different from my own, but at the heart of your struggles, there’s a familiarity that I truly believe no one call fully avoid in life. You’re more cognizant than the everyday man, and I suspect that was probably curse in some way for many years, but through your maturity you’ve managed to turn it into an immeasurable strength that really sets you aside from many in the industry. Your lyrics have been there for me at the worst moments in my life, but the more time passes the more I find that your voice is increasingly present in the greatest moments I experience too. You’re a worthy role model to me. Knowing your story and seeing your progress over these years has shown me that I can define who I am, I have the ability to be who I choose. I have the ability to battle the ugliness within me so I can be someone worth knowing. I even genuinely feel that your words have influenced the type of father I’m becoming for my boy. Never met you, but I value you more than I have words for. I’ve never been into the idea of brushing up against entertainers, celebrities, or nothing like that in real life. I really hope to meet you one day though so I can shake your hand and look you in the eye to thank you for all the times your music and words have been there for me when I needed them. Godspeed brother.
Benjamins music may have helped save my life. Forever grateful for musicians and their willingness to be vulnerable for us. Without out a doubt, my favorite artist, second .. Jason Isbell!
Why this fellow isn't a superstar is beyond me.
Go buy his CD man
Ben is the realist soul out there. So relatable
I love listening to albums as stories more than I enjoy reading...
Benjamin tod is a lyrical genius. The fact that he’s writing songs of experiences that happened in his own life, he still makes it rhyme and flow, absolute talent. Listen to him every single day.
This interview is worth at least 100 college credits! I'm nearly 55 and starting out on the path to being a singer/songwriter. Enjoying Bens music for several years and had the good fortune to see them a couple times here in NY. A huge inspiration
I've always thought the first lost dog album was the perfect arrangement. It tells a very specific story
There are still people, who listen to whole albuns. I love, to hear a full story, to listen to an ongoing concept. The music you and Lost Dog Street Band make, has made me pick up and learn the banjo and also restart playing the guitar. There is so much joy, in inlistening to people like you, sierra ferrell, c.w. hokum or leyla and sabine mccalla and many others, who rediscover the americana style, that has been influennced by so many different wonderful cultures.
Much love to all of ya from Germany.
i love cowboy bebop
I love hearing ben speak this way. In high school i used to love our conversations such as this. LOVE YOU BEN
We need a 3 hour interview once a year from Ben and Ashley.
So much truth in this man. Ben, you have given me a new outlook on music and life. Being a metal head my hole life until the last two years, I’m so glad I found you one day in my feed. I know you will never read this but I hope one day to meet you and have conversations and play music with you
Sleeping outdoors in my hammock listening to this interview, very straight to the point and no bullshit. Also very well articulated, which is nice.
Looking forward to the album! Crowdfund the rest, please.
Diamonds are created under pressure. Benjamin Todd, you’re a real one. Thank you for creating what you have created so people like me can get by another day
It's no surprise you can't really explain your "Song writing process" Ben. You are a genius, and most of us aren't. Not to say most of us aren't smart or even very smart, but you are the epitomy of what we most really want to be, I can't say how much I appreciate your mindset.
Loved seeing him live with the lost street dog band in Nashville! And Matt!
That was a fantastic show.
I wish Ben all the best on his struggles, this world has lost too many talented musicians as it is so I hope he finds a way to keep the beast on a leash. His voice and vocals are true country to me, not that shit Nashville pumps out, and its a damn shame there arent more independent radio stations willing to air his stuff. And really, he has got to be one of the luckiest guys I know, his wife is solid gold.
This real and raw!!! I am grateful I looked at my screen for this and grateful I am not on Facebook. Speak your truth and love one another 🤗🥰
So surreal how the years go by. East Nashville was ripe for this band that just happened to run into gems. Always talent with words. Phonetics is what's hitting when I hear glory 1? Cause it's fortifying af.
I remember the towers on Gallatin. It feels like I was yesterday listening to Ben play. Then the DIY shows at the Owl Farm.
"I don't know how normal people deal with it" ......well buddy we listen to you tell what we feel deep down. Thanks again
Love that he was singing Haydens song. Wish I could've heard the entire thing!
Gems, please don't ever change.
I would love to see long-form podcast / talk with Ben, where he gets into his childhood, meeting his wife, learning music etc.
Im so ready for Ben’s new album.
This is absolutely perfect. Just yesterday I was searching for Benjamin Tod interviews and I could think of no better person to conduct it than Anthony! Brilliant stuff from both Ben, Anthony and the Gems team. Keep up the great work guys!
Absolutely loved watching this. Ben has helped me through so many hard times in my life and I'll always be thankful to him for that. His music and vocals are always top notch. May you always find peace at the end of a long journey.
This was a pleasure to watch. Thanks for filming and posting!
Any time!
Someone who’s in the military it’s crazy how bad I want to talk to Ben because he feels exactly how I feel
Briefly got to meet Benjamin and Ashley few weeks ago. He's as legit as it gets, real Americana musician.
Thank you guys so much for the interview. It was a great insight into the mind of a great musician and I greatly appreciate it. Thank you to Anthony for continuing to push out these amazing moments on camera. Stellar music recommendations. All the best to all of you!
Thanks for coming buddy
Lots of significant knowledge shared here
I listen to all of you albums!!! Greatest singer song writer ever is Benjamin Tod
I was homeless and stuck on the streets after working my ass off and it got me no where when I let go and lived one day at a time listened to your music and then my ex died in Nashville five years ago I was walking the streets of Nashville for a year and I found myself
Ive never ordered a individual song, or full record for that matter, on any app. I always go get the cd or vinyl and listen all the way through first. Such a great way to really understand what you’re listening to, then dig deeper into each song for a stronger connection. For CDs i like to listen in reverse order too which provides an even different perspective. Cant wait to see Lost Dog Street Band in Austin TX in a few weeks. Thanks for all you do.
I am still a full album listener, the stories and lyrics are what is important. That flow through a full album really makes a good album great! Keep doing what you do, there are not many that can compare!
As crazy as it sounds, he actually gives me a death cab for a cutie vibe a bit in his songs. What do y’all think? 🤷🏻♂️ loved this interview btw. I like how this guy kept it 💯 real. Keep on keeping on, love your music!
Ben’s music recommendations are literally fucking amazing.
I personally love listening to an album. When I find a new artist I go through their whole discography.
Thank you Ben and Anthony for putting this out.
I want to hear Ben make an album and hold nothing back. And see how amazing it would be. This was awesome to watch Ben. he has a very interesting point of view on a lot of things and it opens ur eyes and gives you another way to look at it. Much love God speed.
Hearing Benjamin Todd singing a song by the hill country devil is the best thing that happened to me this week!
I love Ben and Ashley and their raw live music. On disk to is and sounds not to hit my heart like when I see and hear just them two.. oh and a slight buzz..awesome
Thanks so much for sharing this with us Ben!
Ben, thx for the heads up about Jim Ringer. Just checked him out. Man I love "Waitin for the hard times to go"
Always love hearing "new" music.
Sitting in a shelter, making some art and pulling life together after 30 yrs of alcohol and H addiction.
Your lyrics hit me in many ways. Seems those who've discovered their gifts also have some afflictions as well. Guess we are willing to take risks that most aren't.
Hell I dont know lol. I do know the beneath the substances we partake theres gold and pain.
That little tease of Kerr County Dopesick Blues at the end there really makes me want to see more. There’s a few of Hayden’s songs I’ve always thought Ben would do well with and vice versa. Would love to see more of these “Folks Talk” in the future! Good shit.
Bens stories i mean music helped me rehab off pills.... ty so much brother
First 2 minutes of this video and i couldn't agree with Ben more, the way he describes how he does his albums is the way albums should be done. When an album doesn't flow together right its almost like an alarm clock going off
ive been waiting for your next album patiently! so stoked to see what you come out with and what stories you wanna share. your songs are my most played on my spotify Benjamin. appreciate you man. from canada with love.
Been waiting on this forever !! I don’t think he’s ever done an interview with anyone else
I knew for SURE he was an Elliott Smith fan from the start. Wow…
Yeah, it was obvious to me as well. I remember hearing Hayden talk about Elliott being a huge influence on him as well. I think that's immediately what drew me to LDSB and HCD with so much force. Elliott has been an immense influence on my own writing, and I'm pretty sure that's why I love their music so damn much too.
Just saw you Sunday night in St Louis-fantastic show! Thank you! 🙏 ❤
I love hearing that a lot of really great country singers came from punk!
You guys should do more interviews!!!!! I’ve been a LDSB/Ben fan for many years and it’s always great to get to know the people I hear all the time. Definitely would love to see one with Hayden and Casper! Please please please make this happen!🤘
I know that I was actually thinking of this type of interviews with the Gems lineup. Not like most people that are in a little studio with mics and low light, you guy's were there sweating your asses off from the looks of it but it's like Ben said " brutally honest" is all we want and it's something I hope you (Gems) will continue to bring to the table.
I could definitely see you interviewing a few of the local talent around a fire watching the sun go down and a few strong drinks to break the ice. Something of this type of thing is always great to see and it helps keep everyone on the same page, and bone breaking brutally honest with the viewers.
Anything is better than nothing but honesty is something that we all know is good, like you and everyone else can stand beside it.
Really great video! Thanks to all involved!
Thank you Ben for sharing with us
ths is this the girl who showed me bens music for the first time when we first got together and yall go hand in hand in changing my life for the better in two beautifully different ways. im the recovering addict and shes the one that sits patiently by my side with reasonable boundaries so she doesnt help contribute to my demise so one day i can fully love her the way she loves me and the way she deserves and yours and ashleys music gives us hope that its possible. i love you jamie i hope when you wake up and see this you dont think im cheesy now haha
Hearing Ben talk about Gordon Lightfoot, is the coolest Fucking thing. One of my favorite songwriters talking about one of my other ones
I first found Benjamin in a video where he's arguing with some dude in a cowboy hat about music, and I ended up agreeing with a lot of what he was trying to get across. Then ended up finding this site and fell down the rabbit hole. Just seems like a real, and humble dude.
I can’t recommend their live shows enough. I saw them two weeks ago in Nashville with my daughter, and we’re both still talking about it.
Wow-what a gem of an interview.
This is probably my favorite interview I've watched, definitely eye opening as someone who holds onto their anger
A very honest interview. True statement of the industry and the best way of making it work for yourself
Wish I could like this twice!
I’ve been wanting to watch a good interview of his for a few weeks now crazy it came today. Been following you and Ben since around “went down to Georgia” video was posted, saw Ben and Ashley live, and I just wanna say thanks to both of you.
I listen to your albums. Every one of them, from beginning to end. Sometimes, for days on repeat. Thank you for your tunes. Saved a couple of us dirty train riders. Ride free, Ride forever.
Benjamin the legend.
Hello from New Zealand.
Great song writer. Some of Ben's songs have more feeling then anything I've ever heard.
Apart from a love of music I have nothing in common with this guy, but his music has been life changing for me. The beauty of good music is that it transcends race, age, social status and every other way you can label yourself or other people.
Ben's music has helped me realise that, purely by having a hugely profound impact on a 26 year old Scottish guy with a house and a full time job. You don't need to be a former drug addict living in a camper to truly appreciate the words this guy puts to music.
Scotland represent
Ben do us a favor and give us 100 % of what your thinking in your songs. We can handle it cause we are pretty much going through the same things just individually. Either way its gonna be awesome but I'm curious to hear the uncut in your mind version. Keep it up bro.
a true story teller with a true love story i hope you keep on keeping on for years and years
Soooooo excited to finally hear Benjamin interviewed. And what’ll it take to get him to do the Lana Del Rey duet!
hah, secret info!
I listen to complete albums still Ben, my son turned me onto your music. I sure love what you are creating young man keep
Up the good work.