Sir Ben Marx. Singer, model, shmexy zombie.

By Jaymie Baxley

Sir Ben Marx had been a formidable live presence on the Fayetteville open mic circuit for several years before he decided to commit himself entirely to his burgeoning music career. He’s since released three albums worth of rambunctious funk and slow burning neo soul ballads and is currently recording a new project in London. We’ve been told that this “London” is several miles away from Fayetteville.

We recently sat a spell with a characteristically soft-spoken and cordial Marx (or as his mother refers to him when he hasn’t cleaned his room, Marc Benjamin) to talk about his new album and how certain artists ought to be a little more sensitive about how their music may affect our fat, impressionable youth.

Fayetteville Feed: Can you describe for us the kind of place you’re in now, career wise?

Sir Ben Marx

Sir Ben Marx: Well, I just finished recording an album in London, it’s actually being mixed now. I’m just hoping that the end product turns out awesome. I’m also searching for a committed touring band.

FF: You’ve spent a lot of time between the UK and Fayetteville. Do you find it difficult transitioning between countries? Have you collected any amusing anecdotes from across the pond?

SBM: Too many stories to tell but there’s a big culture change from city to city and country to country. I like how the more I travel I see how open minded different people are to different styles of music.

FF: If you could submit one and only one song to the world that best represents your style, personality or repertoire which song would it be?

SBM: That best describes my music and self? Wow, that’s a hard one. Not to pick favorites but …
“Do Your Duty.” It’s a song about empowering yourself every day to get closer to your goals.
I’ve preformed that so many times for so many different people and everyone seems to really connect with it.

FF: … So people connect … with your dootie?

SBM: (laughs) What?

FF: Nothing … Name three artists you admire and three you despise.

SBM: I admire Nina Simone, her delivery and piano playing was very … down to earth. I just very recently started listening to Rufus Wainwright. Very unique. Also, um … Beyonce. (laughs) She’s a good singer and she makes good career choices. She’s made a lot of the right moves.
As for an artist I dislike, well, I don’t want to say any names but I really don’t like artists that put out a negative message for the youth.

FF: So, do you feel like artists should be held accountable for the perception of their content?

SBM: Oh, absolutely. Music has a big influence on kids.

FF: What would you consider your dream venue?

SBM: Any place that’s being syndicated to several different countries simultaneously.

Experience Ben Marx here. But be warned, boots may get knocked and babies may get made.