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Q&A // PAUL BENJAMAN KARLESKINDT, GUITARIST/VOCALIST OF PAUL BENJAMIN BAND because we have questions. celebrities have answers. // ANNA SOBERING
Hailing from Tulsa, Okla., Paul Benjamin Karleskindt and his band have merged different styles of music to represent the "Tulsa sound." Inspired by musicians such as Eric Clapton and Joe Cocker, Paul Benjamin Band infuses a mix of rock, funk, and western swing into its music. Karleskindt took some time with Jayplay to talk about his band's sound, the Independence police and life's hidden truths.
Jayphy What is the background of the Paul Benjaman Band and how has it evolved?
Paul Beniaman Karleskindtr. There was a scene of jazz musicians crossing over into rock and indie styles. We met through hangouts and jams around the Tulsa scene. This lineup was formed a year and a half ago to play one show, and quickly became the permanent lineup when our chemistry created a sound that we felt defined what this band was supposed to be.
JP What are your plans for the future?
It's an exciting time to be doing this right now. We've been seeing things grow, beginning with last year's green light to play Wakarusa 2009. We just got an e-mail today saying that we're going to play at South by Southwest this year, which is pretty much the biggest break we could ask for at this point.
JP How would you describe your music?
PBK: Like your mom's pie - hard to describe yet familiar once you taste it. Most say we're a blend of American styles of music, referring to classic styles of rock, country and funk. We appeal mostly to fans of albums versus iBod singles.
JP Who are the band members and do they have any quirky attributes?
PBK: There isn't a musician out there worth their own salt that doesn't have quirky attributes; that's what makes what they do important. Andrew Bones (drums) is always creating art in all forms - on canvas, sketchpad or musically. Khadija Gov (vocals, piano) has a cautious yet adventuresome spirit with deep introspection, and Bo Halford (bass) has a hidden depth while being able to kick it harder than anyone else I know. I can't describe myself too well, but I try to stay real laid back with an underlying passive/ aggressive typical of most bandleaders.
JP. How has the state of Oklahoma influenced your music and the band's image?
PBK
It took a long time and a lot of bands to find what I wanted to really do and it turned out it was sitting here right under my nose. I got some J.J. Cale and Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys records and the map that navigated the rock and jazz blend I love just manifested itself. If I get lost on where to go, I'll throw on a J.J. Cale record and it always has the answer if I listen hard enough.
JP Where can people get your music?
PBK
We have a collection of performances for sale at our shows, and a full length studio disc will be available in the next month. We try to post as much live stuff as we can on our MySpace and soon on our website (myspace.com/paulbenjamanband).
JP What music festivals are you planning on playing at in the future?
Wakarusa 2009 was an all out blast, and we hope to do it again this year. This year looks good with South by Southwest in Austin and North by 35 in Denton, Tex. More stuff keeps coming in daily and we're excited to find the gas money to get there.
P. How long have you been touring?
Waka kicked off a nine-month-long period of occasional touring. We've just returned from two weeks of shows in Colorado. We hope to expand on the road life as people become aware of us and dig our thing.
What are the best and worst things that have happened to the band while you've been on tour?
Do you have any advice for fledglings
Do you have any advice for hedging bands that want to get into the industry? Keep creating on all levels. Never stop pushing your limits. Do not stop for gas in Independence unless your hair is short. (The citizens of Independence are very cool, though.)
PBK
What bands or artists have influenced your career?
PBK
Every band is an influence. You can learn a lot about what not to do from a sound you don't like. That said, every musician in this outfit has totally different stuff in their music collection. I love it.
JF
Is there anything you'd like to say to the people at the University of Kansas?
I've learned the most useful things in life from what my instructors have said to me after class and off the record. Be sure and share some small moments with them; you'll be surprised at life's hidden truths.
The Paul Benjaman Band will be playing Friday at the Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St.
Contributed photo
Okie grown Guitarist Paul Benjamin Karieskindt and his band, The Paul Benjamin Band, describe their style as honey at mom's apple pie and as classic as famous rock and country tunes. The band will be playing Friday at the Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St.
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