Showing posts with label benton blount. Show all posts
Showing posts with label benton blount. Show all posts
Thursday, March 17, 2016
BENTON BLOUNT AND FAMILY WELCOME NEW ADDITION!
Monday, December 28, 2015
POSITIVE MUSICAL INFLUENCES IN 2015
This couple defines inspiration. Joey gave birth to the sweetest baby girl with Downs Syndrome, Indiana in 2014 and in the middle of such a wonderful time for the family, also found out that Joey had cervical cancer. This year, it was announced that the cancer had spread and there was nothing medically that could be done so it was decided that she would halt treatments and leave her future in God's hands. During this time, you haven't heard a negative word from the family, you've only seen positive inspiration and a desire for Joey to live her days as only God knows and in the best way she can, as a mother, a wife, and a friend. Despite the prognosis and the physical pain she's endured, we have yet to see her without a smile on her face. With the country music world behind her in prayer, she has been seeing better days as of late, being able to actually get out of bed and spend time with her family laughing and smiling. If only we all had that positive spirit about us, this world would be a much better place.
With a near constant smile on her face, Kelsea Ballerini can light up an entire room just by walking in, making the worst mood much better just with her positive attitude. There is nothing fake or put on about Kelsea, what you see is what you get. She's a positive role model for young girls, never selling herself on any assets other than her talent. She's a breath of positive fresh air for this genre and it's refreshing that her voice doesn't need automated "adjustments", she is just perfect as she is. She's been on about every entertainment show there is, graced many a magazine cover, interviewed with countless outlets, won awards and done many things but what she hasn't done is let any of it change who she is.
Mo is an old soul with fresh ideas on how to bring the tradition and respect of country music back to the forefront, to remind us that it's ok to share your faith and to believe in a power higher than yourself. He's also a pleasant reminder that humility is a welcome thing and something we don't see that often in today's music world. He is always grateful and it reflects in his attitude and in his music. Mo has proven that it's ok to be a "Country" artist and that sticking to who you are is just fine.
There is nothing about Chris Stapleton that isn't inspirational or motivational. His perseverance in the industry over the years without complaining that "Nashville doesn't know good music" or that certain artists or songs "aren't country" are things that reflect on the kind of person he is and what he's about ... he's content to just play the music and if the industry catches on, great, if they don't, he seems to be ok with that too. He's not about being the "next big thing" even though the industry FINALLY paid attention this year and now he really is the "next big thing". It hasn't changed who he is or how he behaves in the public eye. While the world is talking about how good he is, Chris remains the quiet, humble and appreciative guy he's always been. You won't see his face on every magazine cover. You won't see his shows crammed full of extra props and antics he doesn't need to distract from his talent .. what you'll see at a Chris Stapleton show is simply Chris, his guitar and a voice that was obviously one that God saw fit for the right person with the right heart.
Having dealt with a devastating blow a few years ago when his record label closed without warning just before the radio release of his first single, Benton Blount didn't let that hold him back or make him bitter. What it did do is make him more determined to do things HIS way and do them the way that felt right for him. He also realized that what it did for him was give him time with his family, to be a present husband and father to his wife and young son (and new daughter that's on the way). This year, his second chance came in the form of "America's Got Talent" where he auditioned and was cut just before the Top 5 finals. This second chance has put Benton back in the game with a fan base that has grown exponentially and he released a single, "God Talks to Me". God talked to Benton in a big way this year and that talk has put him back on the path to success and he's proven that even the toughest obstacles are put in your way to see just how hard you are willing to fight to get past them. He fought and he won. The best of the rest is yet to come.
These two outspoken young women virtually came out of nowhere and shook up the "bro country" world with their retort that women are more than a pair of cut off shorts and a tank top, that they're more than the typical description of a "Girl in a Country Song" and opened the door wide open for a female movement in country music. They followed up their smash debut with a song about spreading your wings and believing in your dreams with the inspirational tune, "Fly". Maddie and Tae are showing young girls and women alike that it's ok to stand tall and do your own thing, to just fly.
It was a rough year for Miranda, full of ups but also full of more downs than anyone should have to deal with - intrusions by the media and Internet trolls speculating and pointing fingers about her divorce from Blake Shelton, photos of Blake and Gwen's new "relationship" plastered all over social media and television every time she batted an eye and she's handled the entire situation with class, grace and dignity, never saying a negative word in the press (at least not that I've seen or heard), keeping her social media timeline above board and showing the world that she's getting through this just fine and that it's not keeping her down. She may be quiet for the time being, but that certainly doesn't mean she's down for the count. Expect Miranda to come back like a champ in 2016 and to keep reminding us why we love her.
Randy Rogers went through an emotional roller coaster this year with the excitement of the birth of a dark haired beautiful baby girl named Rumer Rain, posting his family's joy on his social media timeline with a photo and announcement, only to be shattered by her death six days later. Rumer was diagnosed with Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia (NKH), which is a rare genetic disorder affecting only about 1 in 66,000 newborns each year in the United States and unfortunately has no cure. The condition impairs the brain and leads to seizures, limpness in the muscles, breathing and difficulties with feeding and lethargy. Instead of retreating, Randy continued forward armed with the information he now had on this disease to help other parents suffering from the same situation by joining with Seton Medical Center Austin to fund "nesting suites" for families of babies who have been assigned to neonatal intensive care. These suites allow families to remain with their child around the clock, to talk to doctors and nurses, and be part of their child's care system even if the mother has been discharged. He's making a positive difference out of his own personal loss for so many people.
Rusty Golden, the son of Oak Ridge Boys member, William Lee Golden, has been dependent on pain medication since health issues back in 2002. This addiction was a struggle for Rusty and eventually took him to Rob's Ranch in Oklahoma where he began his fight against the demons to regain his inner strength and become sober again. During his stay at the ranch, Rusty began to write and perform songs for others in ranch fighting this difficult battle. These songs began his road to personal healing and lead him to "Sober", his emotional and personal album of these songs that inspired and motivated him to put the struggle behind him and move forward. Rusty wants his music to matter, to make a difference in someones life. This album is his way of making that happen.
Wade Hayes was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in 2011 which went into remission in 2012. Since then Wade has been a positive and inspiring voice for those suffering from this life threatening disease. Shortly after finding out he had cancer, he wrote and released a single about the realization that his time was limited called "Is It Already Time". His faith has never wavered and his hope led him to his 2015 album with a message, "Go Live Your Life". He also talks about his battle and participates in cancer awareness events to spread his words of hope and to remind people that we all have an expiration date and none of us know when that date is and until your time comes, you just have to believe and get out and live with the best of your abilities, be the best person you can and love as much as you can.
Mark may not have new music out right now, but if you pay attention to his social media feeds, there is nothing this guy posts that isn't positive. Whether it be the regular posts about his love of country, the personal photos of he and his family, his belief and support of our military and it's veterans, or his funny selfies and "Dubsmash" videos, Mark always keeps it real and keeps us entertained in a positive way. Look for new music on the way from Mark in 2016, we'll be talking A LOT about it!
Saturday, August 8, 2015
EXCLUSIVE ARTIST INTERVIEW: AMERICA'S GOT TALENT FINALIST BENTON BLOUNT
If you've been watching this season of America's Got Talent, then you've seen the bald guy with the beard, tennis shoes and the huge voice who took America by storm last week with his kick ass rendition of "Jolene" by country music legend, Dolly Parton. Don't let the appearance fool you, there is some serious depth and talent behind those tattoos and those tennis shoes have stood on many famous stages across the country. This week, he will perform on one of the biggest and most famous stages on America, Radio City Music Hall in his fight to the #1 spot.
While the name and music is new to most of America, we've been blessed to know him for about 7 years now and absolutely love him. Benton is a stay at home dad to the world's cutest kid, he was an artist on the now defunct Golden Records label in Nashville which shut down a few years ago with no notice, and he is a loving husband who is now getting a second chance at his dreams on the successful NBC talent show featuring judges radio shock jock Howard Stern, Mel B of the Spice Girls, comedian Howie Mandel and supermodel Heidi Klum. The show airs on Tuesday nights at 8pm ET and starting next week, the live shows will begin where fans actually vote for their favorites. Our vote lies with Benton and we hope yours will as well once you listen to his amazing voice and take the time to get to know what a wonderful and humble person he is. Benton Blount is what second chances were made for.
Benton called me last week during his dinner break and was more than happy to answer some questions and talk to me about the show, his back story and what music means to him. Check out what he had to say.
Lovin Lyrics: Hey Benton! How are ya?
Benton Blount: Doin' good, just on a little dinner break trying to eat a little bit before I go back to work. It's a lot of work to do this show, more than I thought it would be, in a good way.
Lovin' Lyrics: Is it tiring you out just a little?
Benton Blount: Yeahhhhhh ... it's a little tiring but I'm refueling and getting back to it, definitely worth it.
Lovin' Lyrics: You've come a long way man, I mean after all the time we've waited for your audition to be shown then you come out as a pretty big presence on the show.
Benton Blount: Well, I think a lot of it is, it's funny when you go on TV, people tend to think you're just new. I am new obviously, nobody knows who I am, but I've been doing this for a long time and have had the good fortune to work in Nashville, doing the label thing and the radio tour thing so I know how to talk on the radio, camera angles, not standing where you're not supposed to be on camera, the stuff that many people don't know how to do yet doesn't mean that there's anything wrong with that, it's just they haven't had the opportunity to do it so it shows in my footage and they liked my style of music. It's been cool to see how much they've put into putting me on some of these episodes.
Lovin' Lyrics: It was kinda funny what Howard Stern said about you having your tennis shoes on and his remark about your "putting a lot of effort into dressing" for the show and then you completely blew him away, tennis shoes and all. Is that going to influence you, are you gonna change anything about your dress or are you just gonna keep being Benton?
Benton Blount: Yeah, the next round, I think I am gonna change it up and try something a little different. I've had different outfits in the past that I've been comfortable in. I think more than anything, I just wear what I'm comfortable going out on the road in. They asked me if I was OK with trying something different and I said I'd have to see it first. They laid it out and I liked the way it looked. It will definitely be a little more cleaned up, but it's not like I'm gonna be in a suit and tie or anything but I'm not gonna be in a t-shirt and tennis shoes kinda thing either. I think the show has been so successful because they know what they're doing and what needs to be done so when they give me advice, I try to take it. I'm not opposed to trying something different. I won't change who I am but I'm willing to try what they recommend if I feel like it still fits in with who I am.
Lovin' Lyrics: So not everyone knows your back story, I'm lucky enough to know it since connecting with you several years back. There are those who don't know about the problems you've had in the past, your record label unexpectedly shutting down with no warning just a few days shy of your debut single release. You've obviously gotten past that, but do you think it held you back or did it give you even more motivation to keep moving forward?
Benton Blount: Um, there was a period for about a month where I really just took time to look at the situation and do some reflecting. I wasn't angry. I went through a couple of moments where I wanted to get angry but I have such a strong friend and fan base that it's hard to really get angry because they motivated me to keep pushing on, more than that it was more about time to reflect on myself as an artist and figure out what kind of artist I wanted to be and what direction I wanted to take. It was really hard to get my bearings to move forward. Even though I couldn't see it then, now that I look at it, it was really the best thing that could have happened because it propelled me to where I am now.
Lovin' Lyrics: It's been so wonderful to see you come as far as you have. We've seen you at the top of your game and we've seen you at the bottom of your game now here you are, you're at the highest point in your career since we've known you and for you to be on this kind of stage and now, like we were talking about earlier, you've kind of stepped outside the Nashville circle and the country music circle of those who knew you.
Benton Blount: Yeah, um. I love Nashville, I love everything about Nashville, the good and the bad. I just got so tired of the politics and the way that things worked. I mean, I love my country radio friends and I know they wouldn't mind me saying this because I know they'd agree but the way the industry works, even if you're really talented they won't play you on the radio without the perfect combination and I just got tired of that and decided to do something different and go a different direction, praying one day that maybe my favorite country stations would play my music. I love playing music in general and I love country, so it's not like I completely turned my back on it or anything but I figured I would try it my way, a different way.
Lovin' Lyrics: That's great. You know how I feel about radio play. (*laughs*)
Benton Blount: Mmmmm hmmm (*laughs*)
Lovin' Lyrics: I don't think it all comes down to radio play and once you hit your stride, I think everything will eventually fall into place and be where it needs to be and you can be just as successful without being a Top 40 player. This is your chance to do it, you're an example of a second chance. You literally are a poster boy for second chances and how if you don't let them keep you down, you'll get that chance you've worked so hard for and believed in. Here's that chance.
Benton Blount: Yeah, and that's another reason I went the way I did. In Nashville, the other thing they don't like to talk about that I'll talk about is that there are super talented people out there that are one top of the world one day and if your label closes or your next song isn't as big as the one before, you become a virtual unknown again. Record labels won't touch them, radio won't play them, and they're kinda left out there in the wind. This was my way of dealing with all of that and giving myself a shot at a second chance.
Lovin' Lyrics: How was it when you got to the auditions and you made it through? Was it intimidating at all? Was it like, "OK, this is a pretty eclectic group of people. How am I gonna blend and even more important, how am I going to stand out?"
Benton Blount: Well, I've kinda always been a stand out, even when I was in Nashville country music. I mean the songs that I wrote, I think we even talked about this, I'm not the kind of guy that's gonna write about a John Deere tractor, cowboy hats, cowboy boots, tailgating, tan lines and all that. There's nothing wrong with that, it's just not me. So coming into something like this, at first, you think people are gonna see you as the country guy, can I fit in with all of this and can I do this in the middle of the largest city in the country with all of this hip, current stuff going on when the reality of it is I've always been an outcast, stand out kind of person to begin with so it's perfect. I was already home before I even walked out to audition.
Lovin' Lyrics: Yeah and you said it best when we talked earlier, you said you're just doing what you've always done, you're just on a much bigger stage and playing to a much wider, much larger audience. Well, I took some questions from a few fans online and wanted to make this about them as well ....
Lovin' Lyrics: Darlene Louf wants to know who or what influenced you?
Benton Blount: I grew up listening to a lot of different music. Of course there are my country favorites like Keith Whitley, Travis Tritt, Garth Brooks and I did listen to a lot of outlaw country like Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash. I didn't listen to it to the point where I felt like I was a product of it, because I'm the product of a lot of different musical influences. I didn't have a lot of money to be able to go out and buy a lot of music so whatever they played on the radio was pretty much what I had to listen to. I listen to rock and roll, I listen to rap, Motown, I listen to everything pretty much. I guess it all kinda influenced me. It's hard to narrow it down to a certain influence when there were so many different ones. Where I grew up that's kinda how it was. A country music fan didn't meant that you had to wear a cowboy hat and cowboy boots. Country music was about who we were. Travis Tritt was a super big influence of mine but at the same time Hootie and the Blowfish, Edwin McCain and alot of these, at the time, college bands told stories. They just got up with their guitars and told a story. I love that so any of those groups that just got up and told a good story, I consider them my main influences.
Lovin' Lyrics: Anyone that watches you sing can tell you do it because you love it. It really comes across in your performances that you do it for the love of the music and I think that's why people love you so much. You're so humble. Thank you for that.
Benton Blount: Thank you for saying that. I've literally lived my music life just loving the music and it's nice to know that people can see that when I'm performing. At the end of the day, it's the fans I'm trying to please and no one else.
Lovin' Lyrics: Emily Arnold wants to know what the biggest lesson is that you've learned as an artist?
Benton Blount: Hmmm ... I would say just be yourself. There are alot of artists who change who they are and that's not me. What I mean by that is stick to what you are comfortable with. You can try different things but if it's not something you're comfortable with, you don't have to do it. Find what it is that you can do and make a career out of it. Don't be hard headed, don't think "your way or the highway." Sometimes thinking that way comes as the expense of your career. Don't feel like you have to change who you are just because the musical environment around you is changing. Find what works best for you and works well for the industry at the same time.
Lovin' Lyrics: Oooh good answer! OK I have a couple from John Lisa before we let you go finish your sushi. With all the ups and downs with your career, what gives you the drive to not give up?
Benton Blount: Right now, it's my family. It's always really been my family. It was my mother growing up, it was just me and her. She worked three jobs to make sure I had everything I could ever need and want. When she allowed me to pursue music, I knew I was gonna do what I could to make her proud of me. A lot of people thought I was just gonna goof off with this thing and have fun but I was determined to take it seriously. I wanted her to be proud of her son and what she sacrificed for me. Of course that moved into when I got married and had my own family. I'm doing it for the people that I'm supposed to be taking care of, those who depend on me. Just the fact knowing that I was doing it for them pushed me through the hardest times. When people in the industry, not everyone, who called me their friend when I was on top of the mountain and then they forgot who I was as soon as I started to fall down. I'll never forget that. I remember watching them turn away when I was falling and that was a horrible feeling. I do it now for family, friends and those fans who didn't turn away, who stuck by me at the bottom and every day since then to where I am now. I also do it for the tradition of country music, it's what I love, the telling of stories. I do it for all those reasons, the reasons that last and aren't temporary. By that I mean a record deal is temporary, a hit single is temporary, a person in the business who is going to promise you the world is very temporary. Those things are at the bottom of my priority list where are they're at the top of other people's lists. That way I won't be disappointed. I already know there's a good chance that they're gonna go away so I focus on things and people who are gonna still be here.
Lovin' Lyrics: Wow, you're just full of great answers tonight. I love you more and more every time you open your mouth. What's the one thing that you want people to get or feel from your music?
Benton Blount: I talked about this a little bit on the show. I want people to have an experience when they come to see a show and not an experience like, and I say things sometimes that I don't mean to sound like I'm talking bad about someone, but you go see some big name artists play, you get fireballs, smoke, things going on behind them on a big screen and all this stuff going on. That's not the kind of experience I'm talking about, I think it's cool and I wish I could have all of that but I want to be able to walk out on stage and engage the audience to where when they leave, they feel like they were part of the concert, not that they just went to one. Playing songs they can sing along to, playing songs that mean something to them, performing to a level where someone would want to come see me also play acoustic, just me and a guitar, something that's going to mean something to a fan twenty years from now and stay with them. I want to create an atmosphere of everyone being part of something more than just a show. That's how I've always done it, regardless of the size stage I'm on.
Lovin Lyrics: So you're on the live shows starting this Tuesday, August 11. Are you nervous?
Benton Blount: Ya know, I'm really not as nervous as I thought I would be. I enjoy being on stage so when I'm doing all this behind the scenes camera stuff, that's what I'm least comfortable with. So when I get on that stage, that's where I'm most comfortable.
Lovin' Lyrics: Who are your favorite competitors? There are some characters out there this year.
Benton Blount: Well, the funny part about it is that there are a lot of great people that I like that are one the show. The funny part is that the really good ones and the ones I've become good friends with are in my round on Tuesday. Honestly feel like I have one of the hardest rounds out of all the quarterfinal shows. We have Piff the Magic Dragon who is amazingly funny. He's already got a large fan base and already has a Vegas show. I have the band Triple Threat who have the One Direction fan base and the teenage girls and that's dangerous. Every one of the acts I'm going up against are amazingly talented and they're good friends. It's gonna be intense so I really have to step up my game.
Lovin' Lyrics: Which judge do you find the most intimidating?
Benton Blount: At first it was Howard Stern because he's Howard Stern, he says just what he thinks and is to the point but then I saw that he liked what I was doing so now I have to say Mel B. She's not easily impressed. She said a lot of nice things about me but wasn't overly impressed so I really have to step up my game this week and impress her.
Lovin' Lyrics: Well, thank you for giving us some of your very limited free time. I know you have sushi to eat and phone calls to make so I won't ask you the million other questions I could. We really appreciate your time and wish you all the luck next week. We'll be here with the rest of #TeamBenton.
Benton Blount: Thank you so much. It was nice to actually talk to you instead of just online all the time. We'll talk again soon. Don't forget to watch and vote on Tuesday.
So there ya have it, tune in on Tuesday, August 11, at 8pm ET and cheer on Benton on America's Got Talent. Download the free app and be sure to get your votes in there and via the other methods they'll provide at the end of the show. Join #TeamBenton and stand behind Benton all the way to the top!
Connect with Benton online at www.bentonblount.com, Twitter at @BentonBlount, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Jenn
Follow Jenn on Twitter at @lovinlyrics
Benton called me last week during his dinner break and was more than happy to answer some questions and talk to me about the show, his back story and what music means to him. Check out what he had to say.
Lovin Lyrics: Hey Benton! How are ya?
Benton Blount: Doin' good, just on a little dinner break trying to eat a little bit before I go back to work. It's a lot of work to do this show, more than I thought it would be, in a good way.
Lovin' Lyrics: Is it tiring you out just a little?
Benton Blount: Yeahhhhhh ... it's a little tiring but I'm refueling and getting back to it, definitely worth it.
Lovin' Lyrics: You've come a long way man, I mean after all the time we've waited for your audition to be shown then you come out as a pretty big presence on the show.
Benton Blount: Well, I think a lot of it is, it's funny when you go on TV, people tend to think you're just new. I am new obviously, nobody knows who I am, but I've been doing this for a long time and have had the good fortune to work in Nashville, doing the label thing and the radio tour thing so I know how to talk on the radio, camera angles, not standing where you're not supposed to be on camera, the stuff that many people don't know how to do yet doesn't mean that there's anything wrong with that, it's just they haven't had the opportunity to do it so it shows in my footage and they liked my style of music. It's been cool to see how much they've put into putting me on some of these episodes.
Lovin' Lyrics: It was kinda funny what Howard Stern said about you having your tennis shoes on and his remark about your "putting a lot of effort into dressing" for the show and then you completely blew him away, tennis shoes and all. Is that going to influence you, are you gonna change anything about your dress or are you just gonna keep being Benton?
Benton Blount: Yeah, the next round, I think I am gonna change it up and try something a little different. I've had different outfits in the past that I've been comfortable in. I think more than anything, I just wear what I'm comfortable going out on the road in. They asked me if I was OK with trying something different and I said I'd have to see it first. They laid it out and I liked the way it looked. It will definitely be a little more cleaned up, but it's not like I'm gonna be in a suit and tie or anything but I'm not gonna be in a t-shirt and tennis shoes kinda thing either. I think the show has been so successful because they know what they're doing and what needs to be done so when they give me advice, I try to take it. I'm not opposed to trying something different. I won't change who I am but I'm willing to try what they recommend if I feel like it still fits in with who I am.
Lovin' Lyrics: So not everyone knows your back story, I'm lucky enough to know it since connecting with you several years back. There are those who don't know about the problems you've had in the past, your record label unexpectedly shutting down with no warning just a few days shy of your debut single release. You've obviously gotten past that, but do you think it held you back or did it give you even more motivation to keep moving forward?
Benton Blount: Um, there was a period for about a month where I really just took time to look at the situation and do some reflecting. I wasn't angry. I went through a couple of moments where I wanted to get angry but I have such a strong friend and fan base that it's hard to really get angry because they motivated me to keep pushing on, more than that it was more about time to reflect on myself as an artist and figure out what kind of artist I wanted to be and what direction I wanted to take. It was really hard to get my bearings to move forward. Even though I couldn't see it then, now that I look at it, it was really the best thing that could have happened because it propelled me to where I am now.
Lovin' Lyrics: It's been so wonderful to see you come as far as you have. We've seen you at the top of your game and we've seen you at the bottom of your game now here you are, you're at the highest point in your career since we've known you and for you to be on this kind of stage and now, like we were talking about earlier, you've kind of stepped outside the Nashville circle and the country music circle of those who knew you.
Benton Blount: Yeah, um. I love Nashville, I love everything about Nashville, the good and the bad. I just got so tired of the politics and the way that things worked. I mean, I love my country radio friends and I know they wouldn't mind me saying this because I know they'd agree but the way the industry works, even if you're really talented they won't play you on the radio without the perfect combination and I just got tired of that and decided to do something different and go a different direction, praying one day that maybe my favorite country stations would play my music. I love playing music in general and I love country, so it's not like I completely turned my back on it or anything but I figured I would try it my way, a different way.
Lovin' Lyrics: That's great. You know how I feel about radio play. (*laughs*)
Benton Blount: Mmmmm hmmm (*laughs*)
Lovin' Lyrics: I don't think it all comes down to radio play and once you hit your stride, I think everything will eventually fall into place and be where it needs to be and you can be just as successful without being a Top 40 player. This is your chance to do it, you're an example of a second chance. You literally are a poster boy for second chances and how if you don't let them keep you down, you'll get that chance you've worked so hard for and believed in. Here's that chance.
Benton Blount: Yeah, and that's another reason I went the way I did. In Nashville, the other thing they don't like to talk about that I'll talk about is that there are super talented people out there that are one top of the world one day and if your label closes or your next song isn't as big as the one before, you become a virtual unknown again. Record labels won't touch them, radio won't play them, and they're kinda left out there in the wind. This was my way of dealing with all of that and giving myself a shot at a second chance.
Lovin' Lyrics: How was it when you got to the auditions and you made it through? Was it intimidating at all? Was it like, "OK, this is a pretty eclectic group of people. How am I gonna blend and even more important, how am I going to stand out?"
Benton Blount: Well, I've kinda always been a stand out, even when I was in Nashville country music. I mean the songs that I wrote, I think we even talked about this, I'm not the kind of guy that's gonna write about a John Deere tractor, cowboy hats, cowboy boots, tailgating, tan lines and all that. There's nothing wrong with that, it's just not me. So coming into something like this, at first, you think people are gonna see you as the country guy, can I fit in with all of this and can I do this in the middle of the largest city in the country with all of this hip, current stuff going on when the reality of it is I've always been an outcast, stand out kind of person to begin with so it's perfect. I was already home before I even walked out to audition.
Lovin' Lyrics: Yeah and you said it best when we talked earlier, you said you're just doing what you've always done, you're just on a much bigger stage and playing to a much wider, much larger audience. Well, I took some questions from a few fans online and wanted to make this about them as well ....
Lovin' Lyrics: Darlene Louf wants to know who or what influenced you?
Benton Blount: I grew up listening to a lot of different music. Of course there are my country favorites like Keith Whitley, Travis Tritt, Garth Brooks and I did listen to a lot of outlaw country like Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash. I didn't listen to it to the point where I felt like I was a product of it, because I'm the product of a lot of different musical influences. I didn't have a lot of money to be able to go out and buy a lot of music so whatever they played on the radio was pretty much what I had to listen to. I listen to rock and roll, I listen to rap, Motown, I listen to everything pretty much. I guess it all kinda influenced me. It's hard to narrow it down to a certain influence when there were so many different ones. Where I grew up that's kinda how it was. A country music fan didn't meant that you had to wear a cowboy hat and cowboy boots. Country music was about who we were. Travis Tritt was a super big influence of mine but at the same time Hootie and the Blowfish, Edwin McCain and alot of these, at the time, college bands told stories. They just got up with their guitars and told a story. I love that so any of those groups that just got up and told a good story, I consider them my main influences.
Lovin' Lyrics: Anyone that watches you sing can tell you do it because you love it. It really comes across in your performances that you do it for the love of the music and I think that's why people love you so much. You're so humble. Thank you for that.
Benton Blount: Thank you for saying that. I've literally lived my music life just loving the music and it's nice to know that people can see that when I'm performing. At the end of the day, it's the fans I'm trying to please and no one else.
Lovin' Lyrics: Emily Arnold wants to know what the biggest lesson is that you've learned as an artist?
Benton Blount: Hmmm ... I would say just be yourself. There are alot of artists who change who they are and that's not me. What I mean by that is stick to what you are comfortable with. You can try different things but if it's not something you're comfortable with, you don't have to do it. Find what it is that you can do and make a career out of it. Don't be hard headed, don't think "your way or the highway." Sometimes thinking that way comes as the expense of your career. Don't feel like you have to change who you are just because the musical environment around you is changing. Find what works best for you and works well for the industry at the same time.
Lovin' Lyrics: Oooh good answer! OK I have a couple from John Lisa before we let you go finish your sushi. With all the ups and downs with your career, what gives you the drive to not give up?
Benton Blount: Right now, it's my family. It's always really been my family. It was my mother growing up, it was just me and her. She worked three jobs to make sure I had everything I could ever need and want. When she allowed me to pursue music, I knew I was gonna do what I could to make her proud of me. A lot of people thought I was just gonna goof off with this thing and have fun but I was determined to take it seriously. I wanted her to be proud of her son and what she sacrificed for me. Of course that moved into when I got married and had my own family. I'm doing it for the people that I'm supposed to be taking care of, those who depend on me. Just the fact knowing that I was doing it for them pushed me through the hardest times. When people in the industry, not everyone, who called me their friend when I was on top of the mountain and then they forgot who I was as soon as I started to fall down. I'll never forget that. I remember watching them turn away when I was falling and that was a horrible feeling. I do it now for family, friends and those fans who didn't turn away, who stuck by me at the bottom and every day since then to where I am now. I also do it for the tradition of country music, it's what I love, the telling of stories. I do it for all those reasons, the reasons that last and aren't temporary. By that I mean a record deal is temporary, a hit single is temporary, a person in the business who is going to promise you the world is very temporary. Those things are at the bottom of my priority list where are they're at the top of other people's lists. That way I won't be disappointed. I already know there's a good chance that they're gonna go away so I focus on things and people who are gonna still be here.
Lovin' Lyrics: Wow, you're just full of great answers tonight. I love you more and more every time you open your mouth. What's the one thing that you want people to get or feel from your music?
Benton Blount: I talked about this a little bit on the show. I want people to have an experience when they come to see a show and not an experience like, and I say things sometimes that I don't mean to sound like I'm talking bad about someone, but you go see some big name artists play, you get fireballs, smoke, things going on behind them on a big screen and all this stuff going on. That's not the kind of experience I'm talking about, I think it's cool and I wish I could have all of that but I want to be able to walk out on stage and engage the audience to where when they leave, they feel like they were part of the concert, not that they just went to one. Playing songs they can sing along to, playing songs that mean something to them, performing to a level where someone would want to come see me also play acoustic, just me and a guitar, something that's going to mean something to a fan twenty years from now and stay with them. I want to create an atmosphere of everyone being part of something more than just a show. That's how I've always done it, regardless of the size stage I'm on.
Lovin Lyrics: So you're on the live shows starting this Tuesday, August 11. Are you nervous?
Benton Blount: Ya know, I'm really not as nervous as I thought I would be. I enjoy being on stage so when I'm doing all this behind the scenes camera stuff, that's what I'm least comfortable with. So when I get on that stage, that's where I'm most comfortable.
Lovin' Lyrics: Who are your favorite competitors? There are some characters out there this year.
Benton Blount: Well, the funny part about it is that there are a lot of great people that I like that are one the show. The funny part is that the really good ones and the ones I've become good friends with are in my round on Tuesday. Honestly feel like I have one of the hardest rounds out of all the quarterfinal shows. We have Piff the Magic Dragon who is amazingly funny. He's already got a large fan base and already has a Vegas show. I have the band Triple Threat who have the One Direction fan base and the teenage girls and that's dangerous. Every one of the acts I'm going up against are amazingly talented and they're good friends. It's gonna be intense so I really have to step up my game.
Lovin' Lyrics: Which judge do you find the most intimidating?
Benton Blount: At first it was Howard Stern because he's Howard Stern, he says just what he thinks and is to the point but then I saw that he liked what I was doing so now I have to say Mel B. She's not easily impressed. She said a lot of nice things about me but wasn't overly impressed so I really have to step up my game this week and impress her.
Lovin' Lyrics: Well, thank you for giving us some of your very limited free time. I know you have sushi to eat and phone calls to make so I won't ask you the million other questions I could. We really appreciate your time and wish you all the luck next week. We'll be here with the rest of #TeamBenton.
Benton Blount: Thank you so much. It was nice to actually talk to you instead of just online all the time. We'll talk again soon. Don't forget to watch and vote on Tuesday.
So there ya have it, tune in on Tuesday, August 11, at 8pm ET and cheer on Benton on America's Got Talent. Download the free app and be sure to get your votes in there and via the other methods they'll provide at the end of the show. Join #TeamBenton and stand behind Benton all the way to the top!
Connect with Benton online at www.bentonblount.com, Twitter at @BentonBlount, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Jenn
Follow Jenn on Twitter at @lovinlyrics
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Monday, November 26, 2012
VIDEO: "CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU" - BENTON BLOUNT
If you haven't checked out Benton Blount yet, you've been missing out on a great artist. We've been backing him for awhile and think he is wonderful. He has a Christmas song out that you should add to your holiday playlists, "Christmas Without You". Check out the video below. The song is available on iTunes for download.
Monday, October 8, 2012
EVENT (HICKORY, NC): THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2012 - BENTON BLOUNT OFFICIAL CD RELEASE PARTY FEATURING THE JAMES YOUNGER GANG
THURSDAY OCTOBER 11, 2012
BENTON BLOUNT OFFICIAL CD RELEASE PARTY
SPECIAL GUESTS: THE JAMES YOUNGER GANG
MAIN CELLAR CITY CLUB
332 First Ave SW
Hickory, NC 28602
Showtime: 8:00pm ET
Tickets: $10.00- CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ONLINE
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
START YOUR MORNINGS WITH COFFEE AND FREE MUSIC FROM BENTON BLOUNT WHILE SHARING HOPE
Response has been so great for the coffee in bulk that Benton is offering a special valid now through August 3. Buy a case of coffee (6 - 12oz. bags) and get a second bag FREE as well as a FREE copy of his new cd. $90 for the "COUNTYCRUNK" blend and $102 for the "HOPE" blend! Remember, $5 from every Hope bag goes to Project HOPE Foundation, Inc.!
There will be a purchase link on Benton's website soon but it's so new that he hasn't had a chance to put it up yet! If you or someone you know loves coffee, send an email to promotebenton@gmail.com to order your bag or your CASE today!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
VOTE VOTE VOTE FOR BENTON BLOUNT TO WIN THE 2012 CHARTER CENTER STAGE BATTLE OF THE BANDS
https://connect.charter.com/C
Good Morning!
If you have a second, Benton needs our help! He has enter for a chance to win this year's Charter Center Stage battle of the bands. The winner will open for a national act at this year's featured Charter Center Stage concert on September 29th at the Charter Presents Taste of St. Louis festival in St. Louis, MO.
Along with various other prizes, Benton would get the chance to play for thousands and be recognized as this year's Charter Center Stage contest winner.
It only takes a few minutes to register, and you are allowed to VOTE DAILY! Just click on the link above and it should take you directly to the correct site! First round voting ends August 20! Thank you so much for your continued help and support!
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MYSPACETuesday, June 26, 2012
EVENT (ONLINE CD RELEASE): FRIDAY, JUNE 29 - BENTON BLOUNT
THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 29!!!!
Go to www.bentonblount.com/music and buy your copy of Benton Blount's long awaited new album! We have an advance copy of the cd and it is FANTASTIC!
If you go to Benton's Facebook event page and say you ARE GOING to the event after you order the cd, you will be entered to win $200 worth of Benton Blount Merch! Exclusive acoustic CD, Shirt, Hat, plus more!
The more people who that order the CD means the more people that can win the prize! So invite your friends!
If you go to Benton's Facebook event page and say you ARE GOING to the event after you order the cd, you will be entered to win $200 worth of Benton Blount Merch! Exclusive acoustic CD, Shirt, Hat, plus more!
The more people who that order the CD means the more people that can win the prize! So invite your friends!
Friday, May 25, 2012
EVENT (SIMPSONVILLE, SC): MAY 28 - FREEDOM WEEKEND ALOFT WITH DUSTIN LYNCH, BENTON BLOUNT AND LOVE AND THEFT
GREENVILLE HOSPITAL SYSTEM FREEDOM WEEKEND ALOFT
ANNOUNCES NEW FREE ADMISSION OFFER!
GREENVILLE, S.C. – It was announced today that the 31st annual Freedom Weekend Aloft festival (FWA) will return to Heritage Park in Simpsonville, S.C., over Memorial Day weekend. The festival will paint the Upstate’s skyline with majestic, multicolored hot air balloons from May 25 – 28, 2012, thanks to a continued partnership with Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center (GHS).
Organizers announced that the 2012 event will offer more opportunities for individuals to enjoy free admission than anytime in the event’s 31 year history. This year individuals and families will enjoy Free Admission for the First 100 Minutes on Saturday and Sunday (May 26 & 27) from 12 Noon until 1:40 PM. Jerry Howard, FWA Chairman stated; “this is exciting to FWA’s volunteer leadership in that this will afford more families the opportunity to come and enjoy the event and event organizers also see this as a great opportunity to recognize and celebrate Greenville Hospital System’s Centennial Celebration”. Details on the First 100 Minutes Free offer can be found at www.freedomweekend.org
Free Admission will continue all day or 450 minutes on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28th as BI-LO Day returns. Memorial Day will be a time to celebrate our service men and women and organizers announced the theme of the day will be “We Love Our Country” and country music will fill the amphitheater as hot new country artist Dustin Lynch headline the day.
FWA is recognized for its signature hot air balloons and the four day concert series with previously announced concerts for 2012 including Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, Jake Owen, Eddie Money and more.
Those keeping an “eye to the sky” will enjoy more special shaped hot air balloons during the 2012 flights then any previous year as the Purple People Eater will be joined by whimsical balloons from the animal kingdom as a flying elephant, zebra and Spunky the Skunk will fly daily.
As in previous years, FWA will be tobacco-free between noon and 5 p.m. daily, and Hillcrest Memorial Hospital will be onsite to provide first aid. The 2012 event will continue an all-inclusive general admission policy including all amphitheater concerts, viewing of hot air balloon ascensions, disc dogs, acoustic stage, Family Fun Zone and more. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets are available at all BI-LO locations and can be purchased for $8 from April 27 through May 24. For more information, please visit www.freedomweekend.org.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
NEW MUSIC NOW AVAILABLE: "I DON'T HAVE TO PROVE I'M COUNTRY" - BENTON BLOUNT
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
EVENT (GREENVILLE, SC): SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 2012 AT 9:30PM - BENTON BLOUNT AT WILD WING CAFE
WHO: BENTON BLOUNT
WHEN: SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 2012
WHERE: WILD WING CAFE
15 W. Washington St.
Greenville, SC 29601
Don't miss this one!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
EVENT (MT. PLEASANT, SC): FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012 AT 10:00PM - BENTON BLOUNT AT WILD WING CAFE
WHO: BENTON BLOUNT
WHEN: FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012
WHERE: WILD WING CAFE
644 COLEMAN BLVD
MT. PLEASANT, SC 29464
Don't miss this one!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
New Music: "I'm Long Gone" - Benton Blount
There's a new long awaited album from Benton Blount on the way and it's gonna kick some major ass. This is pure, in your face, hard rockin' country music and we can't wait for the entire cd. Here's a sneak peek, check out this unmixed version of "I'm Long Gone".
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
LIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO: "Carolina" Benton Blount
Check out this great live performance of "Carolina" by Benton Blount. I'm tellin' ya, this guy's crazy good. The new cd is gonna be amazing.
VIDEO SHOUT OUT: BENTON BLOUNT
Thanks to one of our favorite new artists, Benton Blount, for the kind words and the video endorsement! We love this guy, he's a Carolina boy so he's definitely one we're pulling for. His second cd is in the process of being recorded and I can assure you, it's gonna be great! Check out his music (love his song, Carolina) on Facebook by clicking here --> LISTEN NOW
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Feature Artist: Benton Blount
Growing up in the mountains of North Carolina, Benton Blount never picked up a guitar or a microphone, much less played a tune. At age 18, his music pastor put a microphone up to his mouth and this beautiful voice was what came out and ever since Benton's had a burning passion for singing and writing songs. Signed with Golden Music who unfortunately closed it's doors unexpectedly in June 2010, this has left this incredible talent without a permanent home. He may be a big strong hulk of a guy with tattoos but don't let that throw you, his voice is even stronger than you might think from first glance. Benton is a prime example of why you shouldn't judge books by their covers, it's what's on the inside that counts the most. Tell everyone you know about Benton and his music, he's one of the rare natural, quality voices out there.
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