I don't know how you do it. First time was with "Insomnia", back in 2006. I couldn't put my finger on it, still can't, but something about it that just speaks to me so much. And then, one year later, the same thing happened with "Welcome Home". And they have been many. "Homesick". "Along The Road". "Body Song". "Mind Your Manners". "All The Distant Ships". "Eat Shit And Die". "Ghost Towns". "Always Gold". All of them seem to have one specific moment that in themselves are quite ordinary, even expected, but they still blow me away, forcing me to press the "repeat" button. And now you've done it again, with "Bishop's Song". Once again Ben, I don't know how you do it. No homo.
Ehmm... in case I was misunderstood; I meant nothing homophobic. I was just endlessly hailing Ben, and just like hiphopers did a few years ago when hailing each other, I wrapped it up with the phrase "no homo. As a joke. Don't sue me.
I was not trying to be rude. I forgot you can't show good emotion on the internet. Well, sorry for making it seem rude in anyway. You should at least know some people might get the wrong idea here, like me. I just misunderstood where you were going with the last two words.
Well, seeing as I'm gay, it's at least a little homo. Hahaha. But thanks. Something I've found from the feedback I receive is that my music usually is not very immediate (a lot of people tell me they had to get used to it at first) and it doesn't work for everyone, but the people who like it seem to really like it and can listen to it often. I really don't consider how what I make will be received while making it. It's a rule of mine. I focus on the point of the song/record and only that. Whether anyone wants to hear it when I'm done is a separate matter entirely. But given a choice, I'd rather affect a few people greatly than a lot of people mildly.
Hey Ben, A friend of mine told me The Moon Is Down was about a girl who lived next door to you. Seeing as you're gay, I feel this information is probably, but not necessarily, false. Any clarification would be greatly appreciated. Also any information about the inspiration for Ghost Towns would be awesome. Pretty much all your songs, but those two specifically from the new album, seem to be pulled right out of my life and put into words that I could never write. One more thing, the first time I ever heard your music I think was the fastest I've ever liked an artist. To me, you're ridiculously immediate. Your friend Ryan
Yeah, that's not about me. Well, not directly. I rarely write about myself in a direct way. I write about personal experiences a lot, but I change the details, or I hide them in characters and fiction. So there's a good amount of truth in what I write, but it's usually hidden. I feel like I can be more honest that way, when I blur the lines. I realize that doesn't necessarily make a ton of sense. Ghost Towns is similar. It's both personal and fictional. As for the setting of the song, it's from the point of view of a train hopper who jumps on freights to dodge the law (simplified explanation). And it's also just about not being welcome in what you've always considered your home. Being adrift, you might say. Well, I guess there's always exceptions. Hahaha. Good to know.
I always found your music to be very immediate, and I'm happy to count myself among the few affected greatly by it. Yesterday was the first time I listened to it with snow on the ground, and it made a lot more sense that way. Most music does.
I was going to avoid this thread further more because at first I didn't understand the comment left at the end of the first post. Then the questions started, and maybe even a few accusations. However, since new information about our beloved Ben simply was relieved, in almost a nonchalant sort of fashion, because either way it doesn't matter. I don't think a sexual preference ever makes the person, it's their actions and their words. In fact, I can name almost several artists I listen to, that are gay, and what of it? Patrick Wolf Rufus Wainwright Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire weekend Bradford Cox- Deerhunter and I'm sure even more (but do I care if they announce it? No, just what they are inspired to do with their music.) What I really want to say is, sexual preference is last on my mind about a person. And certainly when it comes to my main man Ben Cooper. In fact, my love for the man has grown even more. We've talked, but even as little as we have, I've always admired him, and will always. Let the music flow like a blaring whisper of sound, for all to hear, and for all to hum while waiting in silence. Keep doing what you do best B.Coop, and I hope you had a blast in Europe.
And Love is a beautiful thing. How is one to hate Love, when it's Love. Great words F. O. L. He's just said the most of what we think.
Thanks for the support, folks. I'm at a point in my life where I'm beyond giving a damn if people are gonna give me shit about it anymore (you get a thick skin after a while), but it's still really nice when people are cool about it. And I'm genuinely surprised by how far things have come along in the past 15 years. It's finally getting to where I hoped it would: a "Who cares?" mentality. It's always surprised me how much weight people put on orientation. The average person seems to care about it a lot more than any of the gay people I know, myself included. But that's changing, and I'm glad. In my eyes, there are far more serious things to be worrying over. But I was really glad to be apart of the "It Gets Better" project last year. That's something I wish I had heard as a kid, and it's cool how sometimes life can come full circle like that.
I am really glad you were apart of that I showed some of my friends that. Some were getting bullied and teased back in high school. Almost ended their lives, but with love, courage, and devotion they kept pushing through. When I showed them that video it got them into your music as well haha. Those kind of projects have done so much justice to so many people today. Thanks to your help and all those supporters; you sure as heck saved many lives. I thank you Ben for helping my friends out and giving them a better "look" around.
I don't really deserve any credit. It was Dan Savage and crew that put this whole thing together. I just contributed music. But it's great to be a small part of a project that might actually help folks. I had already contributed money to the project beforehand, just on my own time. So it was really cool when this showed up.
Well you do deserve some credit none the less, even contributing money or giving them support has deemed you the right for some credit. Only wish I knew about this earlier I could have supported it as well with some spare moolah I get.
A person's sexuality on its own matters as little as their chosen pronunciation of tomato. I like your music and if it is a reflection of yourself, I would say you should be pretty happy. The fact your music has such international appeal is just icing on the cake. (possibly that nice stuff you find on the top of Carrot cakes). I wanted to say I am one of those people who had to get used to your music, but now I sit here annoying my family by playing it over and over. ps - The proper pronciation is To -mah -toh - not Ta-mai-toe
