Written interview with pianist and organist Benjie Porecki․
Jazz Blues European Union: – Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with Jazz Blues EU. Tell us about your music. When did you start performing?
Benjie Porecki: – I began performing at a very young age and became a full time professional performing musician in 1990.
JBEU: – What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
BP: – My hometown is Washington, DC and I think coming up in DC has affected my music with a lot of diversity and joy in it. With the diversity and caliber of talent that is in DC I learned to adapt to many different styles, genres and feels of music.
JBEU: – What performers have been your inspiration?
BP: – MANY! Ray Charles, Joe Sample, Stevie Wonder, Bud Powell, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Billy Preston, George Duke, and MANY more!
JBEU: – What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
BP: – The most challenging thing about being an independent artist is convincing promoters, club owners, and festivals to give your project a shot, nine times out of ten they love once they do but it is easier for them to stick to established acts that have the backing of a big label.
JBEU: – What do you base your success on?
BP: – I base my success on if I’ve created music that moves people, if it is truly music from the soul that uplifts and touches people I consider that a success.
JBEU: – Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians?
BP: – Performing and collaborating with musicians live and in the studio is totally inspiring and one of my favorite things to do in music. Creating something from nothing collectively is incredibly fulfilling.
JBEU: – How does it influence your creative process?
BP: – Getting input from others that may think in a different way than you do opens one up to new ideas that you may not have thought of yourself.
JBEU: – What was your latest musical release?
BP: – My latest release is, “All That Matters”
JBEU: – Do you have any news to share? Could you share the story behind your latest new CD Benjie Porecki – All That Matters and what inspired its creation?
BP: – One great piece of news to share is that my current album, All That Matters is being received wonderfully here in the United States, currently it has been in the top 50 for national jazz radio airplay for the last 14 weeks and even broke the top 20 one week as reported by JazzWeek
All That Matters was recorded live in the studio with a trio, me on piano, Mark Prince on drums, Michael Bowie on bass. I did a few overdubs of Hammond B3 organ and pads.
The inspiration for All That Matters is that it is all about life experiences. The title track All That Matters basically means that through all of the ups and downs of life, the tedious things we have to deal with day to day, if you have people that love you, that you love, and you put love out into the world, that is All That Matters.
JBEU: – How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?
BP: – Some songs are written spontaneously, some I come up with an overall idea then build upon it. Most people find that the emotions in my music are happiness, sadness, peppered with blues and funk with some jazz sensibilities.
JBEU: – As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?
BP: – I try to give the people music that will feel good to their soul while at the same time I feel good about.
JBEU: – What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?
BP: – Social media has become such a prominent part of our society, especially when trying to share music and promote projects and gigs. I’m trying to utilize it in a way that the musical experience can still remain organic but reach as many people as possible with it.
JBEU: – Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on you and your music?
BP: – Having done countless tours with amazing artists I have to say that lately with All That Matters seeing my own songs come to life live and people enjoy them has given me the most positive musical experience thus far in my career.
JBEU: – In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?
BP: – It makes things harder for us independents, but that is the world we live in and you must stay on the ride or you get left behind!
JBEU: – Musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?
BP: – Through social media I try to connect with as many people as possible personally when they reach out to praise my music or thank me for a concert experience.
JBEU: – How can fans find you? Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
BP: – Best most comprehensive place to keep up with me is via my website: www.benjieporecki.com I am also on Facebook and Instagram.
Any fans enjoy my music and support me in any way, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. It means the world to me that I give people something that uplifts them. I am excited to build up my touring schedule and bring my music to Europe live and share it with you!
By Olivia Peevas
