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Benjamin Lyman
Abstract Pop Musician
Age: 22
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Now, I just so happened to drift into one of my favorite spots in Tulsa, Oklahoma called the Soundpony. One of the grungiest slash dopest places to be found in timb buck two Tulsa, at least according to my taste, and there he was; Benjamin center stage jammin' solo on his electrical equipment. Immediately the first musicians that came to mind were the Beastie boys, Michael Jackson, Ghostland Observatory even and needless to say I was blown away in the mist of my uncontrollable motion. Yes, I was dancing. So after his set we inevitably met and weeks later here is what Underground Tree Projects found out about this local who is destined for more.
How would you describe your sound?It's really hard to describe so don't. I just make music and I'd admit I'm a bit obsessive when it comes to creating. I incorporate tension and friction based off of interactions I have with people. My music comes from coping with pain. A lot of my friends are unhappy, idle and take drugs, be it boos or cigs, it appears that all minds are hungry and can't sort out their value. Music is not cognitive or physiological to me it's usually improvised.
Do you find any particular peace when creating a track?
Yes I guess it's a short versive peace. I create an album several times a year and I learn to be more complete even within my music, a balance if you will: this is when I finish a record, not while I am working on it. The foundation I have is consumed with intense feeling. I ultimately feel that artists are running from demons, which propels them into the future, that pertains to me as well. There is a line in one of my songs, "When asked if I am happy, I don't tell em, I say sure."
You spoke of pain, what kind of pain?
When I first started out I was very caught up in hormones, songs about sexual conquest, the apex of what could be experienced. Chemical charged direction can bring about cultural oppression and historically, huge suppression. Through the hierarchy of the post 60's, everyone was free and nothing mattered for a second and this continues to allow people to have a lack of ability to love. We are alien to who we really are. That kinship initially doesn't hint that we respect each other.
The ingenuousness of it all, are reasons why we tend not to find happiness. Our relationships are not based on love put possessiveness. We should be looking at each other more as sisters and brothers and with holding more. The last 5 years I can admit I've fucked without getting to know the person, which has made us too vulnerable to trust each other through any process.
How long have you been creating music?
When I was 16, I had a band called Supper Freaky Sex Machines and we had a Red Hot Chili Pepper's vibe. I actually starting rapping a little when I 12-13 and then I got my first guitar at 15. I began writing songs and embarked on a solo project. Not till around 20 did I start creating beats.
How has it been being a musician in Tulsa?
Tulsa makes everything I am in a sense. It has the same current of energy around the world. Being here has provided me a microcosmic view and allowed me to study America. When I travel I'm able to see the same deep confusion. It's a lot harder to maintain a sense of purity and there are far more physical limitations like transportation, space. It doesn't challenge you when you are extremely passionate either, it's definitely not a breeding ground for passion. You have an ability to be comfortable here, raise your kids and maintain stability. People tend to maintain peace at the expense of ingenuity.
What's in the future for you?
I plan to go out into the world, college towns where there is a greater sense of community, NY, Cali, Europe, everywhere.
What does it mean to be underground?
I have no interest in the industry or being famous. I don't want to be signed; if it comes apart of the process so be it, I just want to stay away from all that shit. Everyone is screaming so loud and not saying too much at all. I don't make a lot of money, I make enough to sustain. I barely buy clothes, money goes to equipment and it's hard to make long term plans really. A guy in Hong Kong actually gave me some equipment after hearing my music on youtube. I just describe it as an active call and response of some force I dont understand. I can never become comfortable with where I am at, I continue to work on accepting my art and no matter what I am not willing to compromise.
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