"Inside Out," the Ben Richter Band CD reviewed earlier by Suite, gives every indication that the prayers were not in vain.
Suite: Thanks, Ben, for the great sounds. I love the raw feel to your music, and it has me wondering about your musical backstory. How long have you been playing? When did you first know you wanted to sing for the Lord?
Ben: I wouldn’t stop beating on things as a kid, so my parents did the natural thing… bought me a snare drum. That quickly turned into a drum kit and I fell in love. I picked up a guitar at 13 and felt right at home. I didn’t really see the joy of using that for the Lord until I was thrust onto a stage leading worship at the age of 15. I had absolutely no clue what I was doing, but God always seems to have a way of using our weakness for his glory. My dad tells me the day I came home from the hospital after being born he prayed over me that I would be a worshipper. I’m blessed that through the power of prayer I get to use the gifts God’s given me to worship him every day!
Suite: I know worship music is your forte, but I wonder if the party vibe of your sound opens other doors for you as well? Where do you most enjoying playing?
Ben: My heart is certainly in leading people to worship, but I’ve recently had many more doors opening in concert settings as well. I never have seen myself as a “performer” but I’m growing to love that type of ministry more and more. I really began to have more of a passion in that area through doing mission concerts in Wales and England this past summer. I just try to genuinely let the joy of Christ spill out through music and it’s amazing to see that touch the souls of people. I look at every opportunity to step on a stage as a chance to point people to Christ, so I guess it's all worship…
Suite: What songwriter would you love to co-write with?
Ben: Wow… tough question – After spending a few years in the thriving metropolis of Waco, TX – I’d have to say David Crowder. He has a way of producing such depth and clarity in his lyrics while his sound is always evolving and never fits into a narrow mold. His creativity is inspiring.
Suite: What is the most encouraging thing you’ve experienced as an indie Christian artist? What’s been the toughest?
Ben: I always tell people the joy is in the journey. I love the journey God’s taken me on in crafting me to be a lead worshiper. He’s given me some great opportunities and relationships and I’m enjoying every moment of it. I believe the CCM industry is a great, God-honoring thing. There are many great labels and companies with visions I hugely resonate with, but I’m enjoying the freedom of being an independent artist. I love just getting to make music and dream big without some of the pressures that can coincide with the business and industry. The biggest challenge would have to be the ability to effectively spread and promote music. I’ve never been the biggest fan of self-promotion, so it can be challenging not having someone full-time doing it for you either. But ultimately I believe as God gives me songs he’ll have a way of getting them to those he wants to hear them.
Suite: An easy closer: You can’t make it through the day without… what?
Ben: Lately I’d have to say a good cup of hot tea… there’s something about it that just makes life greater. Sadly that “Lipton Orange Passionfruit & Jasmine” green tea just seems to give my day an extra layer of joy. I’m also highly addicted to Burts Bees, it’s quite the problem – I can’t seem to go 3 hours without it!
Click here to read the Suite review of "Inside Out."
