Meet Ben Wilson | Singe/ Song-writer

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

Hi Ben, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think one of the major keys to success is sustainability. Often we get wrapped up in fantastic stories of “over-night-success” and get frustrated when it doesn’t happen for us. Success is not based on one big leap of faith you take on yourself, it is a daily choice to bet on yourself and work towards an uncommon dream. Risk is a part of that. Risking to leave home, familiarity, family and friends and pursue something that has a small chance of becoming reality. Risking the safer option of building a career in a more conventional industry. I think that many people do not pursue big dreams because they get intimidated by the distance between where they are and where their dream ends. I think the “what if” is fare scarier than the risks necessary to finding success. If it all ended today, I could find peace in the fact that I did take the risk of betting on myself and that I made it as far as I have.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
If I were to choose a calling card for myself in the modern era of country music, I would choose something along the lines of, “old soul storyteller.” I enjoy many aspects of artistry but if I could not be a song-writer, I believe I wouldn’t be me anymore. Turning real-life experiences into three minute melodic stories that connect with people is my passion. This style of writing is not used as much as it once was in mainstream country music and I hope to contribute to its revival in popularity. I think listening audiences crave an experience they can plug themselves into just as much as the next party tune, if not more. This is where I typically focus my writing efforts. I have new music, that will be released on all major streaming platforms, coming in early 2022 and I cannot wait!

Getting to where I am today is a common story among many industry hopefuls. I had a dream and a car, so I moved to Nashville to pursue it. I was broke, had a temporary living situation with people I’d never met, driving Uber for ends meat, and no clue what I was doing. The Lord opened doors for me to stay in town, build a network of co-writers, and provided a job as a distiller. It doesn’t get more country than a whiskey making country singer. This journey has not been easy but it has been fulfilling. Every challenge has provided new opportunities to grow as an artist and person. As songwriters, we tend to appreciate the struggles and journey a little more because everything we go through has a potential song in it.

I have learned that this industry is not for the feint of heart. Everyone is looking to get a piece of you (or your royalties, rather) by any means necessary. There are producers that way overcharge for sub-standard quality work, people who will take your money without delivering services, and other musicians looking to use you as a wrung on the ladder. You have to be very protective of who you allow to be apart of your art and business. I have also learned how talented the people in this town are. I think most people move here with an idea of making it because they bring something special to the table. Well, everyone that is here trying brings something special to the table and the talent level can be intimidating. Persistence is essential. You have to keep plugging away, growing and creating as much as you can, knowing that your time will come.

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?
If you’re coming to Nashville, for any reason, you will not be bored. There are so many cool experiences to be had here. I typically take visitors to eat at places like Loveless Cafe, Peg Leg Porker, Edley’s, Hattie B’s, McNamera’s Irish Pub, Darfon’s, and Jack Brown’s Beer and Burgers. These are all amazing places for the food and the vibe, and I believe most of the appear on many top ten lists for places to eat in Nashville. For entertainment, everyone goes to lower Broadway, and if you’re just visiting that is an excellent choice. When you live here, it can get to be a bit of a hassle to spend time there. Popular spots for locals tend to include the bars in Printer’s Ally, just off of lower Broadway. The bars off of Demonbruen and Division streets are great for hearing live original music and writer’s rounds. While things like escape rooms, Top Golf, Ax Throwing, and party busses are all fun things you could do here, my absolute favorite place in town in Honkytonk Tuesday at American Legion Post 82 in East Nashville. This American Legion post opens to the public on Tuesday nights for the most special gathering in all of Nashville. The crowd is a mix of 21-70 year-olds all gathered to do some dancing to classic country, beneath the glow of an American flag made of Christmas lights. The beer is $2, the band looks like they stepped out of 1950, and the energy in the room is unmatched. It is everything I hoped Nashville would be. I also have to give a shout out to my place of employment, Nelson’s Greenbrier Distillery. It is located five minutes from lower Broadway and offers a phenomenal whiskey tasting experience. The story behind this place dates back to the mid-1800s and its resurgence in the twenty-first century is the stuff of movies. The whiskey itself is also phenomenal.

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?
The only problem with this question is that the answer could get very lengthy, but I will try to keep it to three groups. It starts with family. Family that has supported and encouraged this dream and done what they could to help it become reality. Songs often come from life experiences and many friends have contributed to moments, sayings, and stories that have become songs. Finally, my co-writers. A great idea can often stay just an idea without the creative input of co-writers. The people I am blessed to write with are some of the most creative and talented folks you’ve never heard of, but you will.

Instagram: @benwilsoncountry

Facebook: @benwilsoncountry

Other: Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ZIjtINs2EJN2CR451DzxQ?si=oFEZAC3eRCSIL2Iw0Jr4Ng

Image Credits
Ingrid Wilson Narratives