Diandra Interviews: Benjamin Jaffe Faces The Fears And Wonders of Being A Solo Artist

Benjamin Jaffe has to have been one of the funnest interviews I have ever done. He is smart, funny, and beyond thoughtful. Yet, part of his charm, is that he has not fully realized just how powerful he is as a person/artist. Hence, why he discussed his new solo venture/ album, Oh. The Wild Ocean of Love as a journey to discover that power. As the other half of Honey Honey, for the past decade Ben has known success. Yet, success is a “growing” term, of which now Mr. Jaffe is determined to redefine it according to his own, solo creativity.

Diandra: How does it feel to go back to being a solo artist after 10 years?

Its’ wonderful in making me recognize the equal parts my partner played and valuing what we have done together. Of course, it is great to do what you want and not worry about someone disagreeing. Yet, its great to step back and see what I did with Honey Honey. A couple weeks ago we did a show, without promotion, and all these people showed up and were so supportive.

Diandra: I always say that music is like a fine wine; it does not age. So it is great that, no matter what, your music will always speak to them.

Ben: Well, in the music business, it is really tough to bridge the work with success. A lot of people do a lot with little affirmation. Yet, for us, after 10 years, it was great to see people come and see that the energy you gave is being received and given back.

Diandra: So are you discussing the idea of positive energy?

Ben: Well, I guess what I am trying to say is that it is kind of like building a house. If you build it thoughtfully, it can stand up and stay with you. Its such a frustrating career, in general, and its all about content and it is hard to not think about your work as an evaporative thing. It is cool to see all that you do in some way is returned when you really think about the effort you placed into it. It’s nice to see there is actually is a give and take in this business, and that people and fans really stick with you.

Diandra: Yeah, I call that idea the “grandma pace”, and I am not trying to be funny. Yet, its this classic notion of slow and steady wins the race.

Ben: Yeah, like, its best to cook eggs slowly.

Diandra: I did not know that.

Ben: Yeah, and you can put seltzer in them. I heard, its great!

Diandra: WHAT?! (laughs) Here I am just putting some cholesterol infused butter! Well, on that buttery note let’s talk about love. Your songs seem geared to finding a better grasp of love? Name your best, personal story that you feel is a testament to love?

Ben: Hmmmm. Well, I have been with my partner for so long, and it has been freaking wonderful and brutal in some stretches. And there were times, I have no idea why I did not bail, but it is kind of like what we were talking about with music. You have to ask yourself what am I investing in? And I have never regretted investing in this relationship, and it has taught me so much about love, how I love, and loyalty.

Diandra: Well, from the songs already released from Oh Wild Ocean of Love, like Dominator, it seems you want to infuse some jazz and Motown influences. What about these genres speaks to you compared to HoneyHoney’s folksy/ country sound?

Ben: Well, before Honey Honey, I was coming from the jazz world. It is what I heard and learned as a kid, and I always listened to Randy Newman or Paul Simon. He especially was a genre-splitter, and transcended genre. He was an idol, and I want to do the same.

Diandra: Overall, what is something new you have learned about yourself in making Oh, Wild Ocean of Love, and what is something you really want others to pick up?

Ben: Well, when it comes to others, I don’t focus on what they pick up. Yet, going through this process was about confronting the things that scared me. Being the face of your own music is terrifying, and it took me a long time to build the confidence for that. I was really lucky to have a partner that could take on the things that I was uncomfortable with and she was great at it. Now, doing it on my own, I’m getting more excited about that stuff. It is still the early stages of the project so it is still so much fun. I still get stressed out, but the more I practice my music, meditating, and just doing that every day, I find a sense of balance. Now that I am on my own, I do those things more to be easy about taking on things that I am uncomfortable with like, selling the music. As long as I keep grounded and curious about music, I know I can do this.

Isn’t he great! He was so honest and genuine, which made me feel like he cannot fail. Maybe, the reason he has and will continue to know success is because to be curious to life is to be humble to it. Your curiosity means you understand there is more to learn, and the more you know, the more you can achieve. On November 1, Ben Jaffe will hit the Union Pool NYC stage. Click Here For More Information On Mr. Jaffe Click Here.