QRD – How old were you when you first realized you wanted to be a professional musician?

Benjamin – I never really wanted to be a “professional musician,” but it’s always been the most important in my life as a kid apart from “drawing.”  Little by little I decided to create my own songs.  Music is more of a contemporary art media.  Photography, graphic design, video, & music processes are linked in my mind.

QRD – What are a few highlights of your musical career?

Benjamin – Singing Beatles’ songs to my daughter when she was still in her mother’s belly.  My first CD trilogy.  The very first solo show in Toronto in front of 6 people.  Playing the first time at Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona at 4 AM in front of 3000 drunk people.  Meeting Vic Chesnutt & Daniel Johnston.

QRD – At what age did you decide you wanted to become a father?

Benjamin – Not sure I really “decided” it, but I accepted “the idea I could be a father” around my 30th year.  & I never regretted it once.

QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your family has had on your career?

Benjamin – The most important thing is to leave on tour.  It’s both good & bad.  Good because it’s great to realize how much you miss the people you love.  & bad because sometimes you miss them too much.

QRD – Have your children effected the music you make &/or listen to?

Benjamin – She’s linked to the project coz I started this solo project because of her.
I couldn’t make as much noise as before during her naps & I started to write a few acoustic lullabies, so let’s say she’s the “muse” & founder of Løzninger.

QRD – Have you had problems with the lack of steady money from a musical career providing the security you feel necessary in your household?

Benjamin – Well, it’s still quite complicated for now.…  Any rich patron around?

QRD – Given the limitations having a family has on being a touring musician, would you have toured more earlier in life if you’d known?

Benjamin – I think so, but in a way, there’s nothing to regret.  I guess I wasn’t ready before...  & I still manage quite well.

QRD – Do you think being a father or a musician has a greater impact on your community?

Benjamin – I really don’t know.  I hope so.… Ask the community!

QRD – Would you rather see your daughter eventually become musicians or parents?

Benjamin – I just want her to be happy & find her own way.

QRD – Both family & music seem like things that will take up as much of your time as you’re willing to put in.  How do you end up dividing your time?

Benjamin – It’s a secret & mysterious alchemy….  I keep my tips for myself :)

QRD – What does your daughter think of your music?

Benjamin – Mmmh it depends!  She can immediately recognize my music, but she’s sometimes more into the music of some other bands I was touring with.  I guess my music equals “great & boring feelings” for her, like = pride, happiness but also sadness, absence.…

QRD – Do you think you could ever do a musical project with your daughter?

Benjamin – She already sang on a couple of songs & I’m often using some samples of her voice.  She also appears in one of my videos = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NycNWSYpw2Q

QRD – Any words of advice to young people?

Benjamin – + + + Stay young forever + + +

Links:
Official Løzninger Website
Løzninger on MySpace