Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ben Yen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ben, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome was definitely a process for me. As an artist who’s been making music for four years, putting out my first project was definitely the scariest experience because of the anticipation of how people would perceive me. However, I found that it gets easier with each project I released.
One of the things that helped me overcome imposter syndrome was having faith in myself and my abilities. I knew I enjoyed listening to the music I was creating, so I had to trust that other’s would enjoy it too. I try to approach everything with a carefree mindset, nothing is that serious. I also believe that it’s super important for new artists to put out as much music as possible, this helped me gain confidence in my skills and abilities & have a stronger understanding of what works.
Overall, I think the key to overcoming imposter syndrome is to have confidence in yourself and your work, and to keep pushing forward even when you feel uncertain or scared. Some of my most successful songs are ones that I almost didn’t release because I doubted whether or not people would like them.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hi there! My name is Ben Yen, and I’m a rapper hailing from San Diego. I grew up in LA, but I moved down here for college in 2013 and I’ve been living here ever since. Music has always been a big part of my life, and I started making my own music in 2019.
My music is a fusion of pop and alternative rap, but it’s hard to classify into one specific genre. I’m all about pushing the boundaries of what rap can be and exploring new sounds and influences. I’ve released 10 albums since 2019, and I record everything out of my bedroom. It’s a DIY approach that gives my music a raw, unfiltered quality that sets it apart from other artists in the genre.
When it comes to my own musical influences, I have a pretty eclectic taste. Some of my all-time favorite artists include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mac Miller, Dean Martin, and Lil Wayne. Each of them brings something unique to the table, and I’m always looking for new ways to incorporate different styles and sounds into my own music.
Overall, I’m just a guy who loves making music and connecting with fans through my art. I hope that my music can be a source of inspiration for other young artists that want to do it themselves. Welcome to Yenny’s!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
When I look back at my journey as a musician, there are three things that stand out to me as being incredibly impactful: learning how to record myself, learning how to mix my vocals, and putting out as much music as possible.
Learning how to record myself was a game-changer for me. It gave me the freedom to record whenever inspiration struck, whether that was in the middle of the night or during a lunch break. Being able to capture those moments of creativity and turn them into finished songs was a huge boost to my productivity and creative output.
Another key skill that I think is critical for any musician is learning how to mix your vocals. Only you can truly know how you want your voice to sound to your listeners, and being able to take control of that process is incredibly empowering. I spent countless hours tweaking and adjusting my mixes until I was completely satisfied with how they sounded. This gave me a level of confidence in my recording process that I never had before.
Finally, I would say that putting out as much music as possible is crucial. You never know which songs are going to resonate with your audience until you put them out there. Some of my biggest songs were ones that I almost didn’t release because I wasn’t sure if they were good enough. But I trusted myself and overcame that doubt, and I’m so glad I did. Putting out more music also helps you to refine your skills as a musician and hone in on what works best for you and your audience. Trust your instincts, don’t be too hard on yourself, and have fun with it!
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents have done for me is to create a safe space for me to pursue my passions. As a musician, it can be scary to share your art with others, especially with family members who may have different ideas about what you should be doing with your life. But, my parents have always encouraged me to practice what I’m passionate about, even if it’s something as crazy as wanting to be a rapper.
One of the earliest examples of this was when I was first starting out on the drums. My older cousin had an electric drum set that I loved to play around with, and my parents saw how much I enjoyed it. So, they went out and bought a used drum set from a family friend, and encouraged me to learn and practice. They’ve always encouraged me to explore my own interests and talents.
My parents are always excited to share my music with others. They tell their friends, coworkers, and even the waiters at the restaurant we’re eating at that I’m a rapper. They play my music for everyone. While this sometimes is embarrassing, I’m extremely grateful for their support and love them for it.
Looking back, I realize how fortunate my brothers and I are to have parents who believe in us and all our crazy dreams. Without their support and encouragement, I don’t think I would be where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heybenyen/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenYen
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/heybenyen
Image Credits
Andy Salinas
