Ten Benson
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Ten Benson: Tongue-in-Cheek Decadence
by David Chiu
Ten Benson is a group of contradictions.
On one hand, this British group's guise is that of a dark, metal
band in the tradition of Black Sabbath and Motorhead. They also
possess the irreverence of ZZ Top, Captain Beefheart, Zappa,
and Jon Spencer, and the cheeky sexual humor of AC/DC. And yet,
they also carry a danceable pop sheen a la ABBA (you read right).
Clearly after listening to their music, you really don't know
what to expect from them.
Ten Benson was founded by Chris Teckkam,
whose previous professional credits included several other bands
and working at a mental hospital. According to his press bio,
his sources of inspiration including chopping wood and robots.
With his other four bandmates, Teckham unleashes his assault
complete with heavy guitars and a sinister voice. That all can
be heard on their upcoming American release Benson Burner
(Jetset). The record is a celebration of the macabre and the
unusual ("Dark Forces," "Under Heavy Riffage"),
while representing a penchant for sci-fi fantasy ("Robot
Tourist") and sex (the riotously funny if juvenile "Tits").
Even Spinal Tap couldn't compete with these guys.
This band already has the UK press gushing
with praise ("tasty," describes MOJO) and causing some
excitement amongst their British fans. The group was also name
checked by of all people Eric Clapton. Now the band is looking
to make their mark in America with the release of their latest
album and future shows. Teckham and crew were recently in New
York City for a showcase gig this past June.
We spoke to Chris Teckkam when he was still
in New York catching on some sightseeing on a Saturday afternoon.
The affable and humorous founding member of Ten Benson offered
his views about the music and other weird things.
1. Chris, how would you describe Ten
Benson's sound?
The best thing we've come up so far is
prog metalbilly. We kind of thought, We have to come up with
some snappy description. Maybe heavy prog metalbilly. We'd can
probably do better.
2. You're music have been compared to
the likes of ZZ Top, Captain Beefheart, and the Jon Spencer Blues
Explosion. Are the critics right on the mark?
I think that's a very good start. I love
ZZ Top--I absolutely adore them. Captain Beefheart is plainly
a very important deity. I am not a huge fan of Jon Spencer but
I know what they are talking about.
3. Ten Benson's music has a heavy edge
to them but they are also very tuneful and sometimes melodic
and groove-oriented like on "One Way Ticket" and "Dark
Forces."
I want to do things that are tuneful and
almost easy to sing along to. There's nothing really complicated
going on in the melodies.
4. The songs have a sort of underground
sound to them, and the group's persona isn't exactly as warm
and fuzzy as say Ozzy Osbourne on TV. Still, do you disdain commercial
airplay or do you welcome it.
Absolutely. It would be very foolish if
you don't want people to hear what you do, and radio is the important
medium. I think for a rock band we appeal to a very wide section
of the community, especially in the UK. Bring it on daytime radio.
5. Tell me about "Tits"--that's
a very decadent song...
Musically, it's kind of ABBA. I've been
always affected by [ABBA's disco beat]. It needs to be decadent
because that's what the song is about. [he hums ABBA's "Gimme
Gimme Gimme a Man After Midnight"].
6. What are your favorite tracks on
the record?
I've got two favorites; one is "Tits,"
the other is "Nobody's Wife." I also like "Oh
General" because I spent ages getting that bagpipe sound
on the guitars, and I think we've done a reasonably good job.
7. In your bio, you worked at a mental
hospital, which accounted for some of the dark overtones in the
songs. What were your feelings about that moment in your life?
It was a great experience and I really
enjoyed working there. I spent two years there. It was a very
old school hospital and maybe 800 patients there. I was only
a domestic, and the people were great in there. Mad but in a
nice way. When they were violent, it was quite impressive really.
8. Chris, can you tell me how old you
are?
Do I have to reply? I maybe older than
you think. Here's a hint: When I was 13, I saw the Sensational
Alex Harvey Band when they were doing their Tomorrow Belongs
to Me tour. Some of your older readers can probably figure
that one out.
9. Who were some of your musical heroes?
Black Sabbath definitely. Led Zeppelin.
I used to like Roxy Music and David Bowie, the Groundhogs, Deep
Purple, many more really.
10. Did you wanted to become a rock
and roller from an early age?
I went through one stage once on being
an archaeologist. Archaeology and rock go together. But I always
liked heavy guitar music, and I'm glad I got to be in it.
11. As I am talking to you now, you
recently did a showcase in New York.
The trip now is a little reconnaissance
really. We're coming back in September and October to do a full
tour then.
12. Can you differentiate the audience
here in New York as compared to the one back in the UK?
In the UK, normally, the people would know
us there and they know what to expect. They come along and go
berserk at the front. The place is usually heaving with people,
chucking beer at each other. They were a little more subdued
in New York I think next time they come they realize it would
be kind of fun if they want to get licked.
13. How would you describe your stage
act?
I think we're kind of very good time. We
want to enjoy us being on stage. We're more of a family show,
depends on the family. But we're having a good time and the audience
should and will have a good time.
14. How do you explain the way you guys
in Ten Benson work together?
If there was some kind of rapport going
on, I can't quite explain it, but we know why we're cooking and
when to lock in. The chemistry is right somewhere along the line.
15. What is your future plans right
now?
I'm just looking forward to playing all
across the states. It's going to be great. So far everyone has
been good and friendly. And I want to go to play to funny places
where only a few people live, and I want to go to big cities.
We're enjoying ourselves.
16. This is your first visit to New
York. What are your impressions of our fine city?
It's very relaxed here compared to London.
It feels just a lot brighter here. In the UK, you still got dark
satanic mills. Really. It might be the 21st century on paper,
but when you're in London in the East End and it's 2 o'clock
in the country, you wouldn't know it.
http://www.tenbenson.com
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