Dateup ////////////////////

There's a very good chance that Twitter has caused my lack of blogging. I feel bad about it. I don't blog much anymore, do I? Well, here's an update:

I've been recording a few new songs in Arizona and Utah. It's been fun. I'm working with my producer/engineer Scott Wiley again, and had the chance to track drums with Jimmy Eat World's drummer Zach Lind. Both are totally solid and great guys. We're working on vocals and acoustic guitars now, and then we'll be wrappin it up.
We might release these new songs as an EP. Maybe release just one of them as a single. Or we might hang on to them and release them a little later with a full-length album. But either way, you will hear them soon.
I've been traveling quite a bit recently. Performing in different cities, taking time to write new songs. It's been quite the adventure. I've been fortunate to meet some great musicians and industry workers over the past couple years and am very grateful to be able to do what I'm doing.

Thanks for the support, and have a great week everyone!

Stand By Me ////////////

Phoenix ///////////////////

One of my favorite bands.

Gigs ////////////////

Last week I was in Las Vegas and St. George attending and playing shows.
I had a really unique experience playing for some kids who have had a rough past.
They were extra receptive. And the scenery was something to behold.

I took these pics from my cell phone.
Next week, I get to hang in LA for a few days for some co-writing, meetings, and a show. I'm playing an intimate, acoustic venue called Genghis Cohen at 10pm on May 6th. I've played there before and the room is hardly big enough for the sound board. Which is why it'll be cool. Almost like a private show. I haven't done those in a while.

This morning I received a cartoon drawing of myself... ha.
Thanks Stephanie, for the gift.

Don't forget to grab tickets at www.JimBand.com if you want to see me perform with my whole band in Portland, OR on May 23rd. It's gonna be a really fun show.
See you soon.

iTunes ////////////////

Made it to the front page of iTunes this week.
Go check it out!

Segway Adventures //////////////

At the E //////////////////

Sound checking at the E Center, March 27th.

Meet the band. Brian Burke, Scott Reams, Joel Stevenett, and Mark Adkins.

Playing to the sold out crowd!

Chatting with David after my set. Generous gentleman.


Overwhelmingly wonderful line to sign my CD after the show.

Twitter ///////////////

...yeah...
after the many requests...
i decided to give into popular demand and jump on the twitter train.

http://twitter.com/bentonpaul

Fatigued but Content /////////////

I quite enjoyed my jaunt to South By Southwest this year.
It's amazing how so many people wearing plaid shirts can be in one place at one time. Even more amazing was the amount of venues/bars/hotels/cafes/whatever-corner-you-can-set-a-couple-speakers-on were there! Music everywhere. An artist's dream. Or nightmare... I guess it depends how competitive you are.

I played at The Belmont on 6th street a couple nights ago... here are some pics thanks to Tara:

Happened to stumble upon and chat with a favorite musician of mine, Matt Hales from Aqualung, which was pretty unique.
Ate at Rudy's BBQ... hello!
And then flew home over some snowy mountains...
...whoops, wasn't supposed to have my cell phone turned on was I?
All in all, a well worth while trip to Austin, TX.

Brilliant Music Video ///////////////