Ben Brandt interview
New Jersey raised, Nashville settled musician and songwriter Ben Brandt has thought a lot about the sense of balance and poise that’s so necessary, and yet so elusive, in modern society. He explores these themes both musically and lyrically, balancing between 70’s rock, blues rock and prog rock, in his new album Solid Ground. We had a chance to talk with Ben about the process for making the album, including with producer JD Simo (Bruce Springsteen, Jack White.)
Americana Highways: How did you team up with JD Simo to produce your new album Solid Ground, and what was the process like, working with him?
Ben Brandt: JD and I had been friends for a number of years prior to me asking him to produce the album. The process of working with him was instrumental with album’s overall sound as well as development of the songs.
AH: Can you share some anecdotes from the studio or during the recording of the album?
BB: A few notable moments during the process of recording the album was the process in which we, in selecting amps, ultimately picked small vintage amps (56 Fender tweed deluxe/64 Princeton reverb). These sonically shaped the album’s feel as well as writing the song “Solid Ground,” which was completed the last morning of tracking. It was not written prior to tracking the album.
AH: How much did your love of vintage guitars factor into the album and did you play any on the album?
BB: I don’t really think it’s even a factor at this point it’s just what I gravitate towards playing: vintage gear in general not just guitars. But I played my 1955 Les Paul conversion with a bigsby on it as well as my 1959 Les Paul double cut Jr. which are 2 of my main instruments and have been for many years.
AH: If someone were just starting out playing guitar, what would you tell them is the attraction for playing vintage guitars in general?
BB: I personally believe that the love of vintage instruments has no bearing on somebody’s inspiration or motivation to continue learning the instrument. I believe that is something that you learned to appreciate as you get have more experience playing many guitars. As someone who loves American history, vintage cars, and the amazing progression of music especially from the 1950s and 60s it has inspired me to play them but I truly believe you can get the job done with a $300 Guitar just as well.
AH: You’ve shared the stage with Joe Bonamassa. Can you share a funny or interesting story about him or that time?
BB: Yes, I got to play with Joe in 2024 at the Hershey Theatre in Pennsylvania. I’ve known him for a number of years. I can’t specifically speak on a funny moment that I had with him, but I’ll never forget being on stage along with him, Josh Smith, and especially Reese Wynans in the town I built my career in. Certainly a moment that I will not forget. Proving that hard work does pay off and you could end up where you want to be with consistency.
AH: Your father was the notable songwriter Garry Brandt. What did you absorb from watching him as a kid?
BB: My dad was a huge inspiration as soon as I started playing guitar at the age of 3 or 4. Watching him leave for gigs, record in studios and even recording and playing with him in my own project at the age of 10 made a permanent impression on my life and music. Especially going through his old recordings and finding demos that he didn’t complete, which was a source of inspiration for the songs “Fine Line” and “The Well.”
AH: How would you say growing up in New Jersey influenced your musical trajectory?
BB: I got an early start with support from New Jersey rock station WDHA 105.5, who sponsored shows I was playing and even an album I made at 10 with my dad and some incredible studio musicians. I had the chance to open for Billy Hector, Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown, and Jake Andrews, which was huge at that age. Having a great teacher like Chris Buono, along with so many people willing to share their knowledge, is a big part of why I stayed on this path. Had I not lived in that area at the time? I’m not sure of any of those opportunities would have presented themselves when they did. And I’m forever grateful for those experiences and opportunities. It shaped my musical future.
AH: If someone only had time to listen to one song of yours as an introduction, which should they play?
BB: “Solid Ground” would be a good one.
AH: If they had time for only listening to 3 of your songs, which would you suggest (and why)?
BB: “Solid Ground” or “Little Something” if we’re talking specifically about this album.
Also the song “End of Time” from a previous EP release is also a good representation of the direction that I took to end up at the current album.
AH: What’s on the horizon for you this spring and summer?
BB: To continue promoting the album and ultimately book a tour around it, which I am planning on the fall as well as next spring to really do heavily. I’m also the process of writing new material which is going to be tracked shortly so expect new signs to be out within the next year.
Thanks very much for chatting with us, Ben Brandt!
More details and information are available here on his website: https://benjbrandt.com/home
Check out our review of the album here: REVIEW: Ben Brandt “Solid Ground“