Meet Margot Bennett | Singer-Songwriter, Music Video Producer & Director

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

Hi Margot, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I was a shy kid growing up until I found theater. Once I developed a tight-knit group of friends who loved producing and performing in musicals as much as I did, I realized I could connect with people through a common creative goal. I think this collaborative spirit is what led me to continue my artistic path into adulthood. I got into songwriting after college, and much to my surprise, I realized I could tailor that process to fit my collaborative nature. My music-making path involves writing a song, bringing it to my band, carefully arranging the song together, bringing it to a producer, and joining forces in the studio to record the song. I eventually started making music videos, which came with its unique collaborative process. I have the privilege of working with all kinds of talented individuals (DPs, art directors, gaffers, makeup artists) to create a film that brings a song to life visually. Connecting with artists is an exciting and lovely experience because they often view the world and their work through a unique lens. Both the connections I’ve made and the creative journey are what continue to fuel my artistic endeavors. It’s all about the process.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I strive to make art that tells a story, whether it’s through an abstract lens or a linear plot line. I think my music and videos have evolved from simply recounting personal experiences into something with a specific perspective. I often imagine myself in scenarios I wouldn’t usually find myself in, like racing down a snowy mountain on skis, a feat I’ve always lacked the coordination to achieve but greatly admire. I think part of being an artist is looking outside of our own experiences with a sense of empathy and understanding. I’m excited about navigating new terrains by putting myself in other people’s shoes with the utmost care and respect.

Music videos have been an exciting outlet to explore storytelling, especially through making videos for other artists. Collaborating with artists to create something representative of their art has been extremely rewarding. Each artist brings their original aesthetic and lens, and it’s my job to hone in on those attributes to bring them to life on video.

The process isn’t always easy. Whether writing a song or collaborating on a music video, I find that every project has its challenges. Sometimes the workflow is easy and fluid, and other times a project will come together with many bumps along the way. For me, a project’s success should be measured in joy and effort, not by the number of streams it gets. So much of making art and putting it out into the world is a gamble, but I believe it’s a risk always worth taking.

I think where I am today professionally is thanks to the people I’ve collaborated with and a joint mission to complete projects. Just as life is more enjoyable when surrounded by supportive people you trust and admire, the same goes for making art. The more I’ve found people I work well with, the more fulfilling the process becomes. I was grasping at straws in my first couple of years of writing music, but as I met and connected with more people, I grew, and so did the music. It’s essential to work with people who take the work seriously, too. My band is a group of individuals who exemplify the professionalism required to “get s*** done.” Each of them is kind, generous, amazing at what they do, and able to put their egos aside to make a song the best it can be.

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?
Hmmm… well, I’ve never been to LA, which is weird because so many people I collaborate with often work out there! My goal is to make it to LA someday soon!

Spots and experiences in NYC? I have a bunch that I love. I would start with the obvious… go see theater! And it doesn’t have to be a Broadway show. Some of the best theater being made is considered “Off-Broadway” and is more affordable. I love Cherry Lane Theatre, The Public Theater, Classic Stage Company, and Signature Theatre.

I live in Bushwick and have quite a few places in the neighborhood where I love to eat: Union Pizza Works, Sally Roots, Roberta’s, and Rolo’s. Best sandwiches in Bushwick: Your Deal Ford Corp, my favorite bodega in all the land!

I’m a big fan of cocktails and I usually go to Manhattan for the best drinks: Attaboy, Banzarbar, Apotheke, Lullaby, and Death & Company.

Spots to shop: Other People’s Clothes, L train, and Beacon’s Closet.

And the best overall hang? Culture Lab LIC is an absolutely phenomenal arts organization in Long Island City that mounts free concerts and art exhibits for the public. Their live shows take place in their parking lot overlooking the east river. It’s absolutely beautiful, extremely fun, and an excellent way to support local artists.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a major shoutout to Culture Lab LIC. They are doing incredible work to support local artists. Culture Lab provides spaces for rehearsals, mounts free concerts for the community, and curates exhibitions for visual artists, and that’s only some of the many ways they are actively helping to make art more accessible. I’d also like to give a huge shoutout to Tana Sirois, the former performing arts director at Culture Lab. She is a passionate director, actor, and producer who gave my band the opportunity to create four music videos under her guidance and in a safe space (at Culture Lab) during the height of the pandemic. Finally, I’d like to thank my partner, Omer Berger, who supports all of my crazy ideas and creatively inspires me every day.

Website: calamityjanegraphics.com and margotandthemidnighttenants.com

Instagram: @margotmakesmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqSQbrXfFG65H-In5LMsmPw

Image Credits
Screenshot from the music video, “Something Like,” by Margot & The Midnight Tenants. Directed by Tana Sirois, Cinematography by Eurica Yu, and filmed at Culture Lab LIC.