We were lucky to catch up with Jesse Bens recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jesse with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I developed my work ethic playing ice hockey as a kid. From an early age I also understood the importance of doing off ice training. By working hard on both of those things, they benefitted each other and elevated my physical and mental performance. I was around age twelve when this all first began clicking into place. I have to challenge myself physically and musically almost every day in order to feel I’m at my best. My best days consist of lifting weights, cardio (preferably in nature), and a few really solid hours of jamming, recording and learning songs. It’s all pretty regimented and does wonders for my mental health.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My main focus right now is to continue finding ways to get my music heard all around the world. So far Durt has been streamed in over 50 countries. There are 14 Albums & 5 EPs available on SoundCloud, I have a high output and like to blend and explore all genres. With that versatility, there’s something for everyone within that growing catalog. From ambient to meandering jazz to metal and everything between, it’s all there.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Consistency has been the most important thing for me and I would like to pass along Al Di Meola’s advice for guitar players on the topic. Pick up the guitar every day whether it’s for a few minutes or a few hours. You can apply this to anything you want to get better at in your life.
My creativity has been very impactful on my journey and I’m thankful for the flow in which I’m able to create. Frank Zappa said something about how your life is a space of time that you get to decorate and I think of that every time I plug in to jam or start a new recording. There are so many endless ways to put yourself out there nowadays so my advice for creative people is to create a lot and share a lot.
Persistence is also incredibly important. You’re going to get both good and bad criticism. I think it’s important to embrace the good critique without letting it go to your head. With the bad criticism, first and foremost consider the source. My grandma always said that. A lot of times it’s coming from people who are down and want to drag others down to feel bad like they do. Believe in yourself and stay persistent.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always looking for new people to jam with. By playing with others I think we learn a lot and it forces us to calibrate to a collective vibe in order for things to flow well. My approach is very inspired by Grateful Dead and Phish but also electronic elements as well If you’re a musician in southeastern Michigan that likes jamming to feel like an interstellar voyage, send me a message on my website or social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.durtmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/durt3113/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/durtmusic/videos
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/durt-music
