w/ The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
@ Hilbert Circle Theatre, Indianapolis
Wednesday, October 26
7:30 p.m.
All ages
It has been more than ten years since Ben Folds Five disbanded. But singer-songwriter Ben Folds will still be "rockin the suburbs\0xAD" tonight in Indianapolis - he found more than 80 musicians to replace his lost band members.
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will be performing with Folds at Indy's Hilbert Circle Theatre tonight at 7:30 p.m.
The sold-out, one-night only performance will feature music from Folds' 23-year music career.
Folds, now a judge on the NBC's "The Sing Off," recently released a compilation album, Best Imitation of Myself: A Retrospective.
Live Buzz had a chance to talk with Folds about the album, his performance with the I.S.O., and his career.
Live Buzz: What did you get out of making a retrospective album?
Ben Folds: I've had a long career, so it gave me a chance to sit back and reassess it. I really had to be dedicated to making it really good. Sometimes that required being very honest about things that I didn't get right and things that I did.
Live Buzz: What can we expect from your performance with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra?
BF: I love playing with symphony orchestras. There's nothing like having 80 people in my band. Also it hopefully contributes to the institution of the orchestra because they have to stay afloat. So that's half my mission.
Live Buzz: What is your advice for students pursuing careers in music?
BF: It's music first, like VH1 used to say. Everything about the distribution system is changing so fast. If you graduated two years ago it will all be different. What doesn't change is dedication to music. Self-promotion is necessary. But those hours would almost always be better spent delivering music.
Live Buzz: What is your view of the generation that is in college now? Are we too focused on entertainment?
BF: You have inherited an inferior education system and a lot of bills. People can say what they want, but entertainment and pop culture is a very powerful tool of expression and communicating. If you look at colleges with volunteer a capella groups, these people are working together. We'll turn on the television and see how many people you see working together. How about the old men in congress, how are they doing? The jury is still out for me, I think you guys are doing great.
Live Buzz: What's your next career move?
BF: The Ben Folds Five guys are going to get in the studio and make a record. We got together for the retrospective album and had a lot of new ideas. We did three songs for the album to signal the fact that we got together. And now were itching to get those other ideas together. We're shooting to make an album.
Live Buzz: Anything else you would like to add?
BF: Tell the college kids to make sure you floss. Once a week, twice a week at least. Just make sure you floss.
Post by Jessica Contrera
