January, 2009


29
Jan 09

Deauxish

Okay,
I get a lot of grief for not listening to demos. But I hate listening to demos. Heck, I don’t even like Led Zeppelin all that much. How am I supposed to get rocked off the song you and your cousin made in his bedroom at 3:am last night? I mean, am I really a dick for this? It’s honestly how I feel. Kind of a no win situation. Anyways, I tried to break it down a little for someone on myspace today. Tell me if you think I’m a doosh. Oh, and tell me if you think I’m a doosh for this message too. But don’t tell me if you think I’m a doosh cause I wear white shoes.


Subject:RE: No Subject

I think it’s wrong that because I have a certain amount of success in music that I should be expected to listen to demos and work to push other artists. I have no problem promoting music I enjoy. I just don’t think it’s something that is required of me.

Quite frankly, I do not enjoy listening to demos. I never have. Given the choice I would never choose to do it. I may be missing out on some great music but that doesn’t matter to me. And if a band is truly great there will be plenty of people trying to help them move forward. It doesn’t have to be me and I don’t want that job. Great bands make great music and don’t need my help.

No one “found” me by listening to my demos. Everything I have came from practicing, playing and working with people face to face. The people that helped and continue to help me are friends and not people I’ve solicited.

Music is a personal thing that has more value to me when it’s discovered by chance. The music industry is something I am part of but not because I enjoy it. Sorry if this hurts you. I do not know you and I have no intention to cause you or anyone else pain. I only want to be honest and tell people the truth rather than have them waste their time.
I hope this paints a clearer picture for you.
-Ben

—————– Original Message —————–
From: XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Date: Jan 28, 2009 3:19 PM

in your about me, it says not to ask you to listem to our demos. why? did you not have someone else listen to your demos before you were found? if someone has the abilities and the means to help other artists, they should. when and if our time comes, i plan on doing everything and more to help struggling young acts get the job done, incubus is my favorite band and has been for like 7 years now.i always move your cds to the front of every rack in every music store i have gone in to. i cant help but feel hurt that you arent willing to help other bands when you obviously can. you probably wont even read this, but in the event that you do, i humbly ask you to reconsider listening to peoples demos. they listen to your music so its the least you can do.


28
Jan 09

Melvin’s Velvet Helmet

This post has been removed by 5 ounces of Kikusui Junmai Sake. Ask your doctor if Ben Kenney is right for you.


7
Jan 09

Uh, years…. pour me another.

I thought I’d come up for air and let you know I’m still alive. All sorts of cool stuff has been going on, to the point that bringing in the new year has taken the back seat. I’l sum it all up in less than 20 words:

• More work done on my DVD.

• Ashley finished his solo disc.

• Working on new Incubus tracks and they bang.

I’m psyched. So psyched that I want you to watch this video. I went to see these guys @ City Gardens a few months before this footage was filmed (yes, I’m old. And bald too, get over it).

 

 

Oh, 

And happy birthday to Ashley Mendel, my brother from another mother. Go blow up his facebook page!