Meet Ben Golomb | Musician & Filmmaker

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

Hi Ben, why did you pursue a creative career?
Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always had the inclination to want to create art in in one form or another. It’s been this way as long as I remember.

As a youngster, my artistic passions included drawing/designing my own line of futuristic cars, and making homespun Garbage Pail Kids illustrations; as a young adult, I found a deep passion for writing and recording original music, which years later led to music video directing and documentary filmmaking.

When making art is intrinsically part of what makes you tick, you’re going to want to do it all the time, so my career pursuits have almost always been connected to my artistic interests in some capacity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve worked extensively in the post production side of film and TV for many years.

As well, I’ve had a long-term music project, Modern Time Machines, which has involved collaboration with many talented musicians over the years. I’ve been finishing up work on a song that I cowrote with the late, great Allee Willis, the legendary Grammy-winning songwriter who wrote “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire, and the “Friends” theme song to name just a few.

The band has been fortunate to have been on the soundtrack of a number of films, from the independent award-winning feature “Dramarama” to various Lifetime TV movies, and we also performed our music live on the Adult Swim TV series “The Eric Andre Show”, which was super fun.

Over the years, I began directing music videos for the band, which became a huge passion itself. I’m a massive nerd of retro pop culture, so I channel that geeky energy into our music videos, such as our “Freefall (Can’t Stop)” video, which pays homage to many vintage TV shows including Gilligan’s Island, Get Smart, Small Wonder, and the Mary Tyler Moore Show.

Recently, I’ve also been working on my first documentary film, about the late musician and producer Christa Bond. Documentary filmmaking is a whole other ballgame, so I have much to learn, but I’m up for the challenge.

I think when taking on any artistic project, it’s so very important to persevere, and not give up despite the obstacles that almost inevitably come along. It may sound corny, but truly believing in the project and believing in yourself goes a long way. Staying upbeat can be a challenge, but listening to The Beach Boys and watching CHiPs and Columbo episodes usually helps me overcome the blues.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First things first, I would get a DeLorean time machine, and we’d travel to 1964 to be in the audience of The T.A.M.I. Show at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.

Then we’d grab a bite at Zucky’s Deli, and cruise to the 1965 Sunset Strip to check out The Byrds.

In all seriousness, there are still plenty of cool spots to visit in LA these days. I love to grab a bite and drink at Tony’s Darts Away in Burbank, and The Magic Castle in Hollywood is incredible if you can get in. The Bob’s Big Boy vintage car show in Toluca Lake every Friday night is also highly recommended.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been incredibly lucky to have the love and support from my mom, who has always encouraged me artistically.

Also, a big shoutout to my dear pal and occasional bandmate, Chanda Dancy. Chanda’s contributions to my band Modern Time Machines are huge, and she is truly an inspiring person to know, both musically and personally.

Chanda recently composed the musical score for the excellent Paramount+ series Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and I highly recommend checking it out!

Website: www.moderntimemachines.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/moderntimemachines/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MTMmusic

Facebook: www,facebook.com/moderntimemachines

Youtube: https://youtube.com/moderntimemachines

Image Credits
ZB Images