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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 21, 2017)
SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 // 17 Benyaro returns to Astoria with new tunes Indie band takes the stage at Voodoo Room, Brew Cup By JANAE EASLON FOR COAST WEEKEND H e plays a kick drum, a high hat, a shaker, a guitar and sings — all at the same time. Frontman Ben Musser from Benyaro brings his indie roots and punk-Ameri- cana sound to Astoria 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at The Voodoo Room, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at The Pa- cific Northwest Brew Cup. “A lot of calories are burned on stage,” Musser said. Based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Musser began Benyaro in 2006. Benyaro has played in Astoria before at venues such as Fort George Brewery. Musser is joined by Leif Routman, an upright bassist and co-vocalist. This month, they released their new album and fourth studio recording, “One Step Ahead of Your Past,” which includes 13 tracks written by Musser. “It’s about moving forward and forging ahead. Hopefully this is something everyone can relate to,” Musser said. “For me, it is about embracing my past and building on it.” Musser wrote the songs during the time he became a husband and father, he said. Over the band’s exis- tence, Benyaro has moved from a folk sound to rock and blues. “I am influenced by several musicians and genres, but I don’t try to emulate anyone when songwriting or performing,” Musser said. “I come from a background of doo-wop, FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. Member FINRA/SIPC SUBMITTED PHOTOS Benyaro’s Ben Musser, right, and Leif Routman Jamey Hendricks African-American soul and classic rock.” Humor drives Musser’s songwriting. A song of their new album titled “Pimp Wife” is Musser’s favorite to play because it gives people a good laugh if they understand it, he said. “Some people get con- fused about the title and get worked up,” Musser said. “But it is actually a song about strong women, and them having the power.” Benyaro’s music videos can be found on YouTube, with their song “Dogs,” which has racked up 6,900 views. Their recent music video release for the song “Is It Worth It” premiered on Relix’s website, a promi- nent music magazine out of New York City. “The song is about in this day and age with social media,” Musser said. “There are repercussions to speaking out, and this is about speaking out despite backlash of saying some- thing outside the herd.” Danny Kadar, who has worked with artists such as Iggy Pop, co-produced the album. They recorded in both Musser’s home studio and Echo Mountain Recording in Asheville, North Carolina. Bands such as Grammy-nominated The Avett Brothers and Celtic punk band Flogging Molly have recorded at Echo Mountain. Other Oregon tour dates include Portland on Sept. 30, Bend on Oct. 1 and Eugene on Oct. 3. Other musicians touring with Ben- yaro include Brian Geltner on drums and Jacob Rodri- guez on tenor and baritone saxophone. Benyaro’s music can be found on Apple Music and Spotify, as well as their website. CW Mark Hedeen Financial Advisor Financial Advisor Registered Representative Registered Representative Stocks Bonds Mutual Funds Retirement Accounts FDIC Insured CDS Financial Planning Annuities #1 12TH STREET, SUITE 7 · ASTORIA, OR 503.325.0677 Securities offered through R AYMOND J AMES F INANCIAL S ERVICES , I NC . Investment Advisory Services are offered through R AYMOND J AMES F INANCIAL S ERVICES A DVISORS , I NC .
