Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Ricketts.
Hi Ben, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I started writing songs in elementary school. By middle school, I was recording songs and audio experiments on the most minimal, rudimentary equipment that I could piece together. I played my first show in February of 2009, and I’ve never really stopped since.
I spent much of my high school and community college life calling various businesses around my hometown and asking if they would host live music, and then I started playing much more often outside of town. Before long, I was booking full tours and releasing music constantly.
I have released several albums, toured the Southern and Eastern US multiple times, and been blessed to work closely with so many other interesting and inspiring artists.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been alright. I mean, is life ever smooth? My brother (an ardent supporter from day one) was killed in Afghanistan when I was 16.
My dad died of COVID-19 in 2020. I’ve lost three of my grandparents, weathered a dissolving engagement, and a failed marriage. Life is rough, and music follows suit. But I love music, and it’s always just been the *thing* for me. It’s an outlet, but it’s not just that; it’s a massive, constantly moving part of my life.
It’s a fixed, concrete part of my identity. I’ve had the amazing privileges of traveling and playing songs and meeting beautiful people all over the place. I wouldn’t trade any of it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a musician and visual artist. In non-COVID times, I generally play 50-100 shows per year.
I have released something like 13 or 14 albums and countless other projects. I’ve played as a live member of several different bands. I’ve produced records. I am the proudest of my constant desire to create, to reinvent what I’m doing, and to chase new sounds. I’m not trying to compare myself to others, but I am constantly busy and constantly chasing some sort of beautiful artistic experience.
Beyond making music, I make my own artwork and handmake most of my merch. I love the simple act of creation, and it drives a lot of what I do.
What matters most to you? Why?
This is a hard one. I just love life. I love people. I love creating and enjoying other people’s creations. I want to add more good to the world than bad. I want to emphasize personal and artistic freedom and joy in the face of a difficult-but-lovely world.
Contact Info:
- Email: benrickettsmusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_ricketts_exists/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBenjaminRicketts
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RickettsMan
- Other: https://benricketts.bandcamp.com/
Image Credits
Claire Waddle, Jason Pulley, David Vaughn Mason, and Phen Hildreth
