*If you are in Austin for SXSW 2009 then stop by and check out Ben's showcase on Wednesday, March 18 at Smokin' Music - 504 Trinity. Showtime: 8:00 PM

Do you want to know more about Ben Mallott? He took the time to answer our Quirkee 20 Questions. 

Quirkee: Your debut album, “Look Good, Feel Good” has become an instant favorite of mine. How would you describe your style of music?

Ben Mallott: It’s a blend of Americana, soul, and folk. The genre question is impossible for most musicians to grasp, myself included. We want to accurately describe our music but tend to think of it note by note, and therefore tend to ramble on when asked about it until the listener has fallen asleep or stopped paying attention. Wait, what I really mean is that it’s evolving… always evolving, like an amusement park or a high school acid trip. Please don’t take acid. It is illegal.

Q: What one word would you use to describe each of your band mates?

BM: Mad Dog, Buster, Birdman, and Steve “The Mulerider” Thompson

Q: Your band is full of talent and the age range makes for an interesting mix. How did you guys get together?

BM: Jason (Myers) and I were in a previous band together. He was also in separate bands with Daniel (Curry) and Taylor (Payne), as well as Steve (Thompson).

Q: At what point in life did you discover your songwriting and musical talents and decided that is what you wanted to do?

BM: I’m not sure. I think I knew by the time I was eighteen that this was to be my direction. I just had no clue what I was in for. Oh youth.

Q: What instruments do you not know how to play but wish you did?

BM: All of them, except the pan flute. Pan flutes creep me out.

Q: If you had to give up one thing in your life that you enjoy what would it be?

BM: Interviews.

Q: When was the last time you talked to your mother?

BM: Yesterday. She lives here in Austin and makes it to most of our shows.

Q: What words of wisdom did your father share with you? Was it good advice?

BM: Keep it simple, stupid. Sure, that’s good advice isn’t it? He’s one of my favorite people to talk to, most of the time.

Q: What is your favorite cocktail? 

BM: I'm more of a beer drinker.

Q: Best cure for a hangover? 

BM: Beer.

Q: Do you have a philosophy to live by?

BM: I pretty much go along with the latest bumper sticker that I’ve seen. My current philosophy is: “Slow down! Hourly workers on board.” I don’t know what that means, but it seems to be helping.

Q: Where do you go to find new music?

BM: Out and about. I think that there’s been a surge of good young bands here in town recently, and the musical diversity you’ll find here in Austin is pretty rare.

Q: If you could be reincarnated, what would you like to come back as?

BM: My dog. He’s got it made.

Q: If you had to pick your favorite song of all time, what would it be and why?

BM: Fisherman’s Blues, by The Waterboys. It’s perfect.

Q: Who is the smartest person you've ever met?

Oh, I don’t know.

Q: What do you enjoy doing with your free time that doesn’t involve music?

BM: I like talking about myself, a lot. Do you have a minute?

Q: Are you a spiritual person?

BM: Eh. I’m pretty sure my spirit is just hanging around and waiting for me to die. I’m trying to do right, but it’s hard. I go to church sometimes, and my spirit likes that. I want to be more like Bono.

Q: If you were trapped on a deserted island, what three things would you need to survive?

BM: Is this science class? 1. Comfortable shoes, duh. 2. The wind in my hair  3. A low rider bicycle.

Q: You recently were chosen as one of the “Nine Locals Poised to Break Out at SXSW 09” by the Austin Chronicle. Any record label deals coming in yet?

BM: I have signed nothing with no one as yet. It’s nice to hear compliments like that, but I don’t really take those things to heart. I’ve been working at music for years now, so I’m hoping to make a life out of it. I feel like I’m poised to break out in a rash. Do you have any lotion?

Q: What do we have to look forward to from Ben Mallott and band in the coming future?

BM: Hopefully we’ll be able to quit our day jobs at some point, get a good manager, and spend our time writing and performing, and answering questions like this. That still feels like a dream, but it’s slowly growing closer.

SXSW disabled embedding for his video but you can click it to watch it on YouTube.

Check out Ben Mallott and band at many Austin area venues as well as some out of town spots. Showtimes can be found here on his Website - www.benmallott.com. Listen to some of the tracks off the debut album on MySpace and keep up with Ben and the band on facebook. 

The Band: (photos by James Grayson)

Taylor Payne - Bass

Jason Myers - Keys, Trumpet, Vocals

Steve Thompson - Lead Guitar, Vocals

Daniel Curry - Drums

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