Busker of The Day: Benji Marx

A few weeks ago, we held a fundraising event at Café Flore, right in the heart of the Castro, to begin raising funds for two upcoming art books, we are creating. On April 2nd, Yountville Live, which mixes celebrity chefs with the some of the best Napa Valley Wines, witll take place. This year, local and street musicians from the upcoming TNBTA® Bay Area Busker book project, Buskloose, will be joining a packed roster of chart-topping musical acts. We recently sat down with Benji Marx, who will be performing at Bouchon,

The Noise Beneath the Apple®: Can we begin by having you tell us how you got interested in music?

Benji Marx: I got interested in music from an early age. As a baby I would dance to music in my diaper on top of the living room table in the apartment where I grew up. When my brother started playing guitar, I got competitive and thought to myself, "I can do that." I was about twelve at the time.

TNBTA®: How do you describe your music in a few words?

My music is heavily influenced by artists from the 60's -Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, The Band - not so much in sound but in intention. I feel like those artists really touch upon some sort of truth and transparency that I try and emulate in my music.

TNBTA®: How did you get started?

When I began to play guitar, my friend Adin and I would jam for hours. Usually he would play rhythm and I would play lead. In high school was very musical, and me and my friends would escape to the music room every chance we could get. I then went to Bard College to study music. I don’t know if there was ever an "aha" moment. Everything just developed in its own time.

TNBTA®: What are you listening to right now?

I definitely go through phases of listening to one artist heavily. Right now I'm listening to Sleater Kinney.

TNBTA®: What is the one 'must see/must do' thing for anyone visiting your current city of Oakland, CA?

You have to go for a hike in the Berkeley Hills. That's where I would definitely take anyone visiting the bay area.

TNBTA®: What's next for you?

I am in the process of applying to grad school for music technology. I feel like I'm ready to return to academia for a little while.

TNBTA®: What is the best way to connect with you?

Go to benjimarxmusic.com and contact me there or just email me at Benjimarxmusic@gmail.com

#buskers #Turntable