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

Hi Benjamin, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Creativity. As a songwriter, screenwriter, producer and performer, creativity is the core value driving everything else. Many fear the blank page, intimidated by the primordial chaos one must sift through to get started on any new piece or fresh creative act. I love the endless possibility of a blank canvas and can’t wait to start filling it with words, notes, chords, images, anything I can pull from that chaos to start shaping a new kind of order, a new story. It’s a very fluid, intuitive space where binaries break down and contradictory notions can be held simultaneously. Sometimes it’s hard work that feels absurd and beyond pointless, but oftentimes when you persevere through the absurdity you discover some beautiful things on ‘the other side.’ It’s a cliche but it’s true!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Though I sing, perform and release records with a band, I think of myself primarily as a writer. Songwriting and screenwriting are my main professional outlets. At the moment, I am most proud of my recent full-length album release, ‘Fare Thee Well, Follower.’ A conceptual piece featuring multiple singles and numerous special guests, it satirically confronts A.I. driven social media culture and explores the dark corners our technological desires have painted us into, ending with a cover of John Cale’s ‘Dying On The Vine’ from his 1985 album ‘Artificial Intelligence.’ On the horizon are some exciting screenwriting jobs I’ve just landed–can’t wait to say more about them! The main lesson I’m continually learning and relearning is to stand back from the peaks and valleys that come with any creative life and not be too attached to a preconceived notion of ‘success.’ It’s about the work you’re doing in the moment, informed and prepared for by your past experience of course, but dwelling on that past experience for too long can leave you stagnant. As Samuel Beckett said, ‘On.’

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

King Eddy Saloon DTLA – Rehabilitated haunt of Tom Waits & Charles Bukowski
The Museum of Jurassic Technology – ‘Museum’ of mysteries, oddities, absurdities & tongues in cheeks
Hollywood Farmers Market – Oysters & Champagne
The Hollywood Bowl – See you at Joni Mitchell in October!
Hiking in Topanga Canyon – How many songs have been conceived in that canyon?
El Matador State Beach in Malibu – Sea caves
Isla & Crudo e Nudo in Santa Monica – Both incredible seafood restaurants co-owned & operated by our friend Leena Culhane

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife, Lesley Lammers! We eloped in Italy during a short solo acoustic tour of mine in September 2022, having been together for years beforehand. In addition to a loving, beautiful wife in mind, body and spirit, she is also one of the most intelligent, grounded, thoughtful and compassionate people I’ve ever known. Living with an artist can be challenging, and I am no exception. I try to acknowledge how grateful and lucky I am to have her as a partner every day!

Website: https://linktr.ee/benjaminstranger

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjaminstranger/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@benjaminstrangermusic

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