We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrew Benjamin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, how do you think about risk?
Life is risk, its just the nature of living. Following your heart and walking in your purpose is always going to come with roadblocks. It isn’t risk that has played a role in my life, as much as learning to assess it. The Success I have as a husband, musician, songwriter and business owner directly correlates with the one true constant in my life. And that constant is always facing risk with a high level of optimism, hope and faith.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
This Last March I released my first EP entitled “Introducing”, now available on all streaming platforms. I released two singles in 2020 “Dark Holiday” and “Mama was a Soldier”, those two singles really pushed me to keep the ball rolling and continue to put out new music, I really didn’t want to hold anything back. The last thing I wanted to do was get in my way, so In March of 2021 my first ep was released. “Introducing” is a culmination of 4 songs written from the heart, with nostalgia and life experience being the guiding muse.

I think what sets me apart is my experience, from raising hell in a rock n’ roll band to playing Christian Contemporary Music. My songs come from the view point of a very wide lens.

Music has really matured me, and the nature of the business comes with a lot of highs and lows. Most of my early twenties were spent studying music both at Citrus College and later at the Musicians Institute all while dreaming big with my Rock project Mad Temple. Many lessons were had during those years, mostly on what I really wanted and who I wanted to become. After the end of that project in 2015 I had to really make some life changes, which is the hard part. Real, life changes are always the most difficult to make. The past six years have been filled with mile stones, from getting married to establishing a carrier in music education to jumping into the session world and Songwriting world….

I would say my greatest lesson in life has been the value of friendship, early in life I had the “me against the world” attitude. Which in someways was great for me but in many ways also did a great disservice.

Success is relationship, have success in your relationships. First and foremost.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ok Im going to answer this question based in a scenario where Covid never happened. Also – LA is HUGE it would be impossible to see everything, but here are some of my favorites.

The LA Observatory is a must! its hands down one of my favorite and most important LA land marks, at least in my opinion. You can go there anytime any day and its just awesome…

I love Malibu, but there is something about the South Bay Beaches that makes it a top place to visit, from surfing in Manhattan beach to food and drinks at the Hermosa Beach Pier. There is nothing like those summer days in the South Bay.

The Victorian in Santa Monica is on elf the coolest places to hang out with your friends and watch a great live band and have a couple drinks, and don’t forget The Misfit in Santa Monica…great food and old fashions..

A night at The Magic Castle is something everyone needs to experience, the magic and history really transport you to another universe.

Wurstkucke is a staple in the Arts District, Arts district as a whole is a place everyone needs to explore.

Hollywood/West Hollywood…the abundance of live music venues is crazy! walk down any street and something is going on..

The LA Arboretum in Arcadia is another must!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Wife Sabrina, My Mother & Father.

Website: https://www.iamandrewbenjamin.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamandrewbenjamin

Image Credits
David Ruelas

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