I’m so happy that the folks at NPR Music continue to provide a positive platform for the creative community through their Tiny Desk Contest.  For the 3rd straight year I wrote a new tune, twisted a few talented arms, and submitted a music video that I’m genuinely proud of. 

This year I did a tune called Dust and Gold with a haunting prepared-guitar part and beautiful horn arrangement by Chris Stevens (w/ Chris Stevens and Sam Greenfield accompanying).  The lyrics ponder the choices we make and how we strive for meaning in spite of oft-changing and frequently daunting circumstances.  I hope you enjoy it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2K-6-Yi3hI

It was a thrill to take my band into the Milkboy studio to cut basic tracks for the new EP.  Over the years I’ve been in that room dozens of times to work on music for others.  It was truly gratifying to be able to work there on my own project.  We had two-time Grammy winner Ryan Moys engineering, and the combination of talent, that beautiful live room, and all those vintage microphones and preamps did not disappoint.  Thanks to Tim Schilling, Erik Sayles, Shane Aaserud and Brett Baker for spending so much time crafting these performances.  I’m looking forward to bringing them to you next year!

It’s always fun to take the stage with my band and this Wednesday will be particularly rewarding as we close out a night of great songwriters with Ross Bellenoit and Natalie Bermudez.  7pm, $10 at Milkboy (1100 Chestnut).  I hope you can join us!

Related show

• Artist: Ben O’Neill
• Date: 10/12/16
• Time: 7:00pm
• Venue: Milkboy
• City: Philadelphia , PA
• Address: 1100 Chestnut St.
• Country: United States
• Add to Google Calendar | Download iCal

Well, we just got back from an incredibly productive summer of touring, performing and learning.  Not so much sleeping, but plenty of the other stuff.  It’s an honor to take the stage with Jill Scott.  She’s one of the greatest to ever do it.  She named her band The Band of Brothers and I’m humbled to be considered a colleague of these remarkably talented musicians.  On our journey we played North Sea Jazz, Ghent Jazz and a host of beautiful American theaters including the legendary Apollo.

Now we’re back in Philadelphia with a show at The Haverford Music Festival on 9/10 with a line up that includes Lisa Loeb and The Figgs!  We hit at 3pm.  Hope you can join us.