“This album shows me wearing many hats. Rapping, singing and playing saxophone among other things. This is my “Demonstration” of those things for you.”
“Demonstration” will include me rapping, singing, and playing saxophone among other things. This album is a collection of songs I’ve done over the past few years. Coming toBandCampvery soon! Check it out!
In early July actor Benny James allowed me to interview him. We talk about life, inspiration and his most recent work in the play “SOIL.” PeeP this!
Jus Buckingham: Where are you from?
Benny: I was born and bred in the infamous Rochester aka ROC-CITY, New York
Jus: What do you do?
Benny: Presently I am working at Clear doing Tech Support. Not my job of choice but is providing the financial means for me to pursue my Acting and other True Career endeavors. If all goes according to plan though I’ll be On-Air and doing Voice-Over Work for Power 88 (Heart & Soul/ People’s Station of Las Vegas) within the next month. Keep your prayers up and fingers crossed. Thankfully there is a shift happening in my life where I’ll soon be able to go All in and just really be making my income doing what I love
Jus: When did you decide to become an actor?
Benny: The day I decided to become an Actor is ironically the day I tried to shrug off Acting and put my Acting Dreams under a Rug. I began dreaming and thinking about it everyday vividly I might add. My serious pursuit began at age 20, Now there is no more tugging because I’ve embraced what I’m supposed to be doing.
Jus: What is your background as an actor?
Benny: I started acting in church doing small plays. I remember being afraid to act in high school so I shied away from it. Came out here to Vegas and after tussling with self-doubt got into the theatre program at UNLV, I’ve done a few short films like “After Sex Sandwich”, and “Meeting People” but first major shot came with SOIL. I’ve got a role as actor and writer in the full length feature “Travesty” which is forthcoming
Jus: How did you end up in Las Vegas?
Benny: Going back to the year 04 which is when I graduated. I intended to go to Cornell. A phenomenal Ivy League school I fell in love with at first sight. I was planning to study Culinary Arts, Broadcast Journalism and Theatre. They declined my admission and I was accepted to Morgan State with a scholarship for their Honors program, out-of-state tuition though was too high. My Rock, My foundation aka My mother said she was moving to Vegas to get into real estate. I at the last-minute peep some schools out here and came across UNLV which had everything I was looking at a much cheaper cost than Morgan lol thus the rest is history.
Jus: Do you prefer Film, TV, or Theater?
Benny: Film is where I shall be, TV occasionally but Like Denzel Washington I will stay active in theatre to maintain my craft and keep my knife sharp. I’ve got to do Top Dog Under Dog someday along with Othello. There is nothing like the Theatre High…NOTHING.
Jus: Who are your main influences as an artist?
Benny: Denzel Washington, Tom Cruise & Salvador Dali. Yes Salvador Dali. His Surrealism to me is the ultimate form of Art & Creativity. I’m going to say Sade and Erykah Badu as well for being in “Their Own LANE” All of my influences are Hard Working, Highly Successful, Highly Creative and Brilliant as well as in a League of their own.
Jus: Tell me about your experience in the play “SOIL”
Benny: SOIL has been an awesome experience. I’ve worked with a great group of people and been able to form a brotherhood with them. Even the Female Warden played by Sherida Devine lol. The whole journey, the spiritual journey I took with my character Keith was powerful and is still on going haha We both went through an uncomfortable period of Refinement. But I’ve seen new strength maturity and growth as a result. Being in front of that stage and feeling the energy is an amazing High that you gotta be a performer to understand. My character Keith wanted a rebirth and his wings but when all was said and done realized he didn’t “have it” in him. I get chills thinking about what the future holds for SOIL, we are taking this world-wide and plan on further destroying the negative stereotypical views of inmates. I want to see a thousand new Meditation programs in prisons nation wide. Thank you to the Dhamma Brothers whom are story is based upon. Full Length version of SOIL is coming Fall/Winter of 2010. Gets ready to Fly Back to Africa with Us.
Jus: Tell me a little about the F’n artist movement.
Benny: FN ARTIST Movement is a collective of a young and upcoming crop of Actors, Film Makers and Artists who are set to Take Hollywood by storm within the next 5 years. Our First Project is Travesty which is presently being made into a Full Length feature, the short film found on YouTube and Facebook is getting a lot of Love. We are Coming y’all!!!! FNARTIST ENTERTAINMENT ~Where Brilliant Art Meets Brilliant Entertainment~
Jus: Who are your favorite actors?
Benny: Denzel, Clifton Powell, Will Smith, Tom Cruise and Wesley Snipes
Jus: Favorite Movie?
Benny: Jus I have too many, it usually changes every 3 years. I’m going to give you my top 3 which presently is Mo Betta Blues, Dark Knight, Brown Sugar
Jus: What music are you listening to?
Benny: Jus we will be here forever talking about music haha. One song I am playing on repeat right now is Swizz Beatz “Part of the Plan” which features Chris Martin. The record is sampled from ColdPlay’s “X & Y”. I love old school Harlem Renaissance Jazz like the Duke and Ella, gospel music. Hip hop like Rakim. 80′s Rnb like Alexander O’Neal & Cherelle, Patrice Rushen. My iPod has Nickleback and Goo Goo Dolls so I’m into almost everything. I also love new school rap like Kanye and Jay-Z. I love Maxwell, Eryka Badu and Sade. Slap me if Left out MJ and Prince.
Jus: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Benny: Aaah lets look into the crystal ball. A decade from now I see an Oscar for Best Actor and one for Supporting Actor. I see myself regarded as one of the best actors in the game. I see My self married to the love of my life, a son a daughter. Ive got a clothing line entitled “So Suave So Dapper”, A Soul Food Restaurant, Jazz Lounge and Performing Arts Center entitled “Milk and Honey Soul Spot” and of course FNARTIST ENTERTAINMENT Running Hollywood. That is all but the tip of iceberg though …AMEN!
Jus: When it’s all said and done what would you like for people to have said about you?
Benny: I want people to say that I overcame all my demons including myself and made it…MADE IT. The boy who was a slave became a Man and King after finally taking hold of his Most Wildest Dreams & Destiny. I want to be known as someone who used all their God-Given Gifts and abilities to the up most and Fullest Potential and was a blessing and inspiration to others. Lastly although presented with shortcuts, I chose the hard way, the baptism through fire and although it may not have been a quick process made it and was better for having done so.
Jus: Is there anything you want to plug? Any shout outs?
Benny: Thank You to the Most High for where I’ve come from and where I’m going. My mission and journey are still ongoing. Be on the lookout for me in the play “Mendacity” which is coming this fall. Thank you to my acting coach and director of “SOIL”, Lalanya Abner. Shoutout to FNARTIST Entertainment and Absolute Theatre Compant. Much Love to all those that support me and special thanks to my haters. I owe my present and future success to you. Haha Mom I’m retiring you in the next 1-3 years!!!! Special Thank you to you Jus for the support and love brother, I appreciate it. Im down for your movement for life sir. ~Peace and 1 Love~
Both my beat tapes “Chloë Sevigny” & “Money” are now available for immediate download! If you don’t have both you are slipping! Both are albums full of hip hop instrumentals. Made as stand alone albums for your listening pleasure, but especially made with rappers and song-writers in mind. There are three planned beat tapes that will be released. I also plan on releasing a compilation album featuring people that have recorded to the beats. Don’t get left out on this one! Download today, and pay if you can! I am a 100% independent artist. KEEP ME IN BUSINESS!!!
