Ben Levin - Staying True to Yourself as an Artist

Ben Levin is a musician, visual artist, and educator. He runs the Ben Levin Music School where he hosts courses that help artists find their voice, finish music, and maintain and cultivate their love of music-making. Ben's YouTube Channel hosts his art, music, and educational content. His new album Heaven Heaven Heaven features indie, alternative rock music with 2 Fender Bass VIs at its core.

Ben and I explore the complexities of artistic identity, the challenges of navigating platforms like YouTube, and the importance of creativity in education. Ben explains the challenges of being artistically honest and following our passions while trying to create a consistent online presence that cooperates with the algorithms so we can actually make a living artistically. Ben even brings out his Fender Bass VI to demonstrate how he uses it on his new album Heaven Heaven Heaven.

This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, makers of incredible music software. Use the code MPP15 to save 15%! https://babyaud.io

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• Ben Levin discusses the duality of being a multifaceted artist.
• Navigating the YouTube landscape requires balancing creativity and marketability.
• Batch production of content can help manage audience expectations.
• The importance of creating space for endings in artistic work.
• Teaching creativity in schools can enhance student engagement.
• Understanding modes in music requires contextual learning.
• The arts provide essential emotional support during difficult times.
• Artistic expression can be a powerful healing tool.
• Personal growth in music production often involves collaboration and community.
• The creative process is often nonlinear and requires patience.
• The Fender Bass VI offers a unique sound that bridges bass and guitar.
• Authenticity in vocal performance resonates more than technical perfection.
• Finding one's voice is a journey that requires exploration and practice.
• The creative process is often more rewarding than the final product.
• Vulnerability in music can create a deeper connection with listeners.
• Teenage experiences and emotions can be effectively expressed through music.
• Balancing humor and seriousness in art can enhance emotional impact.

Links:

• Ben Levin Music School - https://benlevinmusicschool.com
• Ben's Courses - https://benlevinmusicschool.com/p/courses
• Heaven Heaven Heaven by Ben Levin - https://benlevingroup.bandcamp.com/album/heaven-heaven-heaven
• Ben's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BenLevin
• Ben's Art - https://benshow.horse
• Ben on the Fender Bass VI - https://youtu.be/G1DLpdFWrdM?si=gEvXLlRG6QzCKYIt
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

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Brian Funk