In this interview spotlight, I chat with Ben Brookes Belcher about the music, the challenges and much more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
I’m from a little coal town in Charleston West Virgina. I grew up on a long dirt road called Belcher Hollow rd. I write , record, Perform , “Americana” music.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
I grew up in a musical family with music all around me. After high school I worked on a strip mining operation running heavy equipment. We did mountain top removal. During that time I was playing in rough bars in the coal fields on the weekends.During one of the miner strikes which put us out of work ,I was offered a touring gig. I took it and never stopped traveling until I moved to Atlanta Ga. I eventually was able to start my own label and take control of my life and art in a way I never imagined possible in W.Va. I have a studio called The Shack and a independent label Timberwolf Records.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
Great question! Producing my own music has been a long process and in the beginning of my adventure into the art of recording, the production was not that good really to be honest about it . Now we are putting out major label sounding records in my humble opinion with the help of my team. We have released 7 albums and numerous singles including the Latest EP “ Live at the Shack” and are very excited to be releasing the new single “ Dirt Road Man” Sept. 3rd. Ive been influenced by a large spectrum of music and the musicians i work with of course, so what comes out is not intentional in anyway its honest and palettes of different colors and textures. Its guitar based for sure but every release is different in its own way. I’ve learned to use my voice more efficiently now , i think because, you are really under the magnifying glass in a studio environment. I am singing better than i ever
have in the past, I think. I guess that’s really up to someone else to decide tho. Its all relative in art so you do the best you can at that moment in your existence and move on to another project. I am always pushing the boundaries and thinking outside the box so i dont know what or when the next painting will appear for that big gallery in the sky?
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
Yes..times have really changed! The history of how and why is better explained by someone else but now you must be able to do it all in the music business. I saw it coming so thats why Ive based myself here and done what ive done. You cant travel the same path forever because it can lead you off the cliff so to speak. I got off the road and started working toward having my own production machine to produce music for myself and others that i want to help. The biggest challenge is overcoming the fear of the unknown and doing things outside your comfort zone. Its cliche but you do have to take calculated risks based on your goals and instincts.When your rejected you create your own space in the universe.
What was the last song you listened to?
I’ve been listening to Jason Isbell and Buddy Miller recently. I like the Robert Plant and Alison Krauss projects a lot. I don’t listen to mainstream radio that much but there’s some good stuff out there still.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
I love Vinyl but really its a vehicle for the communication and delivery of the art to the masses, so its up the audience to decide what car to ride in..i enjoy a quality smooth riding vehicle usually. I also enjoy the rough in the wind, loud harley motorcycle riding experience depending on the mood….
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
any of the streaming platforms.
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Really appreciate your time and interest! It was my pleasure to talk to you and your audience!
Thank you, Peace, Love, Hillbilly Soul Ben Brookes Belcher
“Dirt Road Man”
