A Glimpse into the World of

Rhian Benson

Interview by jianda johnson

Introducing Rhian (pronounced Ree-Ann) Benson: singer, songwriter, musician. With the release of her debut album expected early next year, Rhian is putting the pieces together-completing the recording, performing in and around California, New York and New England, with an extensive tour to follow, and preparing to share what'sbeen, until now, a private voyage of expression. Let's explore.

Q: Who writes most of your songs? Music? Lyrics?

Rhian: I write all of my songs. I have loved writing since I was a child and over time I began to use it as an outlet, a way of working out my feelings and solving my problems. Much of my lyrical work begins life as poetry, some I do keep as poems, and others I fashion into songs when I have a strong idea for a melody and musical arrangement.

I began studying piano when I was 9 years old and later I took up the guitar. I now use both instruments for songwriting, but I prefer the keyboard probably because I can play it better than the fret board! I compose most of my music on a very basic Technics keyboard at home. After that I either play it for my band and between all of us we work out an arrangement that works for the stage or I work out and sequence a demo arrangement in Logic (a MIDI program) with Dapo Torimiro (a very talented keyboardist and a label-mate). I consider Dapo a musical partner; we work closely together and bounce ideas off each other all the time.

Q: We heard you had an exclusive recording session recently with a top-notch producer. Can you tell us more about this?

Rhian: Actually I have been working very extensively over the last few weeks with two wonderful producers that I have long admired. I am co-producing the album along with James Poyser (who has worked with Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill) and The Roots among others). He came down to LA from Philly a month ago and we recorded 10 songs live with some amazing musicians including Pino Palladino, Spanky and Brian Frasier-Moore. I was amazed at the level of musicianship I was witnessing; the non-verbal communication between gifted players is a special thing, and the vibe that we all had going between us comes across on the record

The other producer that I am collaborating with is Bob Power (India.Arie, Erykah Badu, A Tribe Called Quest) last week. I spent a week in New York with him, and he is coming out to Los Angeles next week. His approach is very different in that he prefers to start working out the "bones" of the tracks in the studio in a more gradual way. We work out all the details in his office studio before stepping into a recording studio. He is, like James a very talented musician, and I am learning so much more about production from these great talents.