Ben_Folds_Live says: hi.
DishDiva says: Let's get started, your fans have
loads of questions for you!
Ben_Folds_Live says: bring em
on
travrad in Onstage1 asks: What is the song "One
Down" about, and when and why was it written?
Ben_Folds_Live says: the song
one down i had a deadline
Ben_Folds_Live says: it was a
song i wrote for a publishing deadline
Ben_Folds_Live says: they told
me i had to write 4.6 songs to finish my contract before i got paid
Ben_Folds_Live says: and so i
wrote that one first in my basement.
Ben_Folds_Live says: but it's
about bastardizing what you do for money,, to a certain extent
PaleAndHungover in Onstage1 asks: Just got the new
EP today.. and if I may ask, who is that on the phone in "Dog", curiousity
abounds!
Ben_Folds_Live says: ah, that's
my wife frally. she called while i was doing my backup vocal. it's on tape exactly
as she rang
Ben_Folds_Live says: i put her
on speakerphone when i saw her name pop up on my cell phone.
HerbsDonuts in Onstage1 asks: Do you have a favorite
key you write in? How do you go about creating a song... an idea in your head,
then to the piano? Or does the piano inform your head?
Ben_Folds_Live says: i have songs
in my head, in their 'proper' key and then i get to a piano to pick them out.
i find out what key they're in at that point. i rarely concieve a song at the
piano.
Ben_Folds_Live says: so often
i have to learn to play something it a tough key
Ben_Folds_Live says: i have lots
of songs in F# and B. pains in the ass...
chiaotzufreak in Onstage1 asks: Hey Ben, how was the
Lottapianos tour hooked up? Are you a Tori fan?
Ben_Folds_Live says: yeah. i love
tori amos and i've always cited her as one of the best pop pianists. we've tried
to make this tour work out for a couple of years, but timing has always been
off. so i'm glad it's happening now.
coh_cam_indie in Onstage1 asks: Ben,you're an amazing
writer and put a whole scenario into someones head. Is the new EP anything about
your own life expierence or people you've met?
Ben_Folds_Live says: all my writing
is about what i know about. it means more to me that way. the songs on this
ep were written at different times, and actually,
Ben_Folds_Live says: speedgraphic
is full of collaborations with other people, which is unusual for me. but if
i can't relate directly to a song, it's hard for me to sing.
Ben_Folds_Live says: the next
EP, sunny 16 will be all songs that i've written alone, which is more normal
for me.
rutgers2332 in Onstage1 asks: Hey Ben is the phone
call in dog how you really answer the phone? its a pretty funny joke
Ben_Folds_Live says: yeah, well,
everyone around should know that if they call me in the studio, they could end
up on my record
Ben_Folds_Live says: i did that
to my father on
Ben_Folds_Live says: i answered,
Ben_Folds_Live says: you there?
Ben_Folds_Live says: because i
knew it'd push frally's buttons and she'd say something funny.
missing_the_war in Onstage1 asks: My enitre family
are your biggest fans in Oklahoma. We are totally pumped about your concert
in Stillwater, and I have been talking it up to all my friends. Are you going
to be issueing backstage passes, cause my whole family would love to meet you?
Ben_Folds_Live says: ah, well,
the nice thing about being the opening act is that i have no control over anything.
haha. so, i'd like to promise you that, but i'm a guest myself
travrad in Onstage1 asks: You recently played "Underground"
in CT, you stated you just stopped playing it for awhile. Are their songs you
DON'T like to play anymore?
Ben_Folds_Live says: well, it's
not that i don't like playing that song, it's just that it has a lot of parts
going on at once and i'm alone at a piano. i have so many songs which shine
as solo peices so it
Ben_Folds_Live says: doesn't make
sense to play underground usually. the crowd there were so kind and such a singing
crowd that it made sense.
Ben_Folds_Live says: there are
a couple of songs which i don't relate to anymore, so i just don't do em.
Louis_E_B in Onstage1 asks: My name is Louie, and I
know your son's name is Louie...why'd you pick the name Louie (it's not that
common of a name!)?
Ben_Folds_Live says: i don't know.
louis, it is. joe louis maybe? i don't know. i liked the sound of it cause it's
an old fashioned name.
Ben_Folds_Live says: i'm not as
nuts about new-ish names for kids. i like the old names. his sister's name is
gracie. old name.
DishDiva says: Some of your songs, Not the Same,
for example, touch on religious and/or spiritual topics. How does religion and/or
your own spiritual beliefs effect your music, and moreover, your life as a whole?
Ben_Folds_Live says: well, in
a way, i guess it's everything, and at the same time, it's not something i think
about much... i don't know. it's a very personal thing and i'm of the school
that you
Ben_Folds_Live says: should watch
out for any over-organized money based religion. no reason someone should burn
in hell for not sending money... or for not being born in the right country.
alleniveko21 in Onstage1 asks: ben i saw you at a show
in MA and you called someone on your cell phone while we sang the chorus to
dream on, was that your wife too?
Ben_Folds_Live says: yeah. haha.
i left a message. it sounds creepy on the machine too. like chanting. damn funny.
nice work MA
TrollingForNow in Onstage1 asks: I love the music,
thanks for all the years of musical enjoyment, (I got here late) will you and
Robert and Jessee record together again?
Ben_Folds_Live says: it sounds
like some kind of devil (beep), since we're on the subject of religion.
Ken_sears371 in Onstage1 asks: My wife and I were married
July 12, and we had the hardest time choosing a wedding song. We finally picked
"The Luckiest." Thank you. It was perfect.
Ben_Folds_Live says: i doubt we
will. that time passed and we've all got so many other things to do.
Ben_Folds_Live says: wow. cool.
thanks. i'm glad i could be there.
DishDiva says: My wife and I were married July 12,
and we had the hardest time choosing a wedding song. We finally picked "The
Luckiest." Thank you. It was perfect.
DishDiva says: From an audience member
Ben_Folds_Live says: wow. cool.
thanks. i'm glad i could be there.
sarableu in Onstage1 asks: My favorite show of your's
in Portland was at the Roseland - do you prefer the smaller venues?
Ben_Folds_Live says: i don't really
have a preference. i usually find good things about a place and the people in
it. i'm just there.
Ben_Folds_Live says: small is
good. big is good. too big sucks, but that's not something i have to deal with
often
-not-the-same- in Onstage1 asks: What couldd you say
in this chat that would prove to us that you are truly the legendary Ben Folds,
and not just some representative? (Be Creative)
Ben_Folds_Live says: be creative.
that's a lot of pressure.
Ben_Folds_Live says: that's why
i sucked in creative classes in school.
Ben_Folds_Live says: i couldn't
do that on call. so, shit, i can't tell you why i'm ben. i'd give you my mother's
maiden name,
Ben_Folds_Live says: but then
you could get free shit at Band H photo on my account, which would suck for
me...
Ben_Folds_Live says: actually,
i just stopped going to that place because they wouldn't ship film to my hotel.
bastards...
Ben_Folds_Live says: i'm still
trying to be creative and nothing's happening.
Ben_Folds_Live says: steam is
coming from my ears. still nothing.
DishDiva says: ok, ok, we'll let you off the hook.
.
DishDiva says: here's a question which may help
Ben_Folds_Live says: oh thank
you jesus
FranTarkington in Onstage1 asks: don't know if this
q. already went thru, but can you confirm that you have 10 pairs of the same
reddish brown pants?
Ben_Folds_Live says: haha. no.
sorry to say i only have one pair.
Ben_Folds_Live says: i had another
years ago, which was actually my favorite. the ones i have now are wearing pretty
thin,
Ben_Folds_Live says: but i don't
tour without them. i never wear them at home. they're my rock pants i guess.
Ben_Folds_Live says: normally
at home i wear a lot more pink fuzzy stuff. wigs etc
Ben_Folds_Live says: prance up
and down the street at midnight
alleniveko21 in Onstage1 asks: is it hard to play the
saem songs day in and day out and still maintain the same emotion and enthusiasm?
Ben_Folds_Live says: it's not
really because i'm hearing what i'm doing through the audience's ears
Ben_Folds_Live says: and i can
feel that it's not repetitive for the audience. and when it hits that point,
i can feel it.
Ben_Folds_Live says: there's always
something different at each show and i try to stay loose so something accidental
can happen. like,
Ben_Folds_Live says: rock this
bitch on the live cd. totally made that up on the spot and now it's on record..
the_not_so_important_ben in Onstage1 asks: BEN- i saw
one of your old highschool yearbooks from reynolds high on ebay, doesnt that
frighten you?
Ben_Folds_Live says: high school
frightens me yeah. high school's a tough period. my picture in that yearbook
is pretty damn awful too.
Ben_Folds_Live says: i had taken
my only good picture for the yearbook ever that year. and it got messed up.
Ben_Folds_Live says: so they called
me to the office on one of my terrible acne days and told me to sit down and
have another picture taken. i was bummed.
callender22 in Onstage1 asks: How does Elton feel about
your covery of Tiny Dancer?
Ben_Folds_Live says: he said he
thought it was disgraceful and a damn shame
Ben_Folds_Live says: actually,
no. he said he liked it and was flattered.
DishDiva says: ah, funny guy
DishDiva says: :)
Ben_Folds_Live says: some country
singer covered it and made it a hit the next month, so i felt kinda corny about
that.
The4thPwrPffGrl in Onstage1 asks: How did you get involved
with the Hedwig and the Angry Inch tribute album?
Ben_Folds_Live says: through ben
kweller. it was his gig and he just got ben lee and i to help him since we were
working on an EP together
Ben_Folds_Live says: this is the
year of EP's isn't it?
Ben_Folds_Live says: i will have
done 4 EP's, and two full length albums by the year's end.
ModernOpenheartsurgery in Onstage1 asks: Hey, your
my hero, but besides that, do you find any particular genre of music to be hideous?
Ben_Folds_Live says: not really.
there's usually something real somewhere in a musical genre, then a bunch of
people who jump on the bandwagon and give it a bad name.
Ben_Folds_Live says: genres based
on one emotion are usually suspicious
DishDiva says: Ben thanks for joining your fans
today from around the world to talk about your music and your tour with Tori,
Ben_Folds_Live says: final thoughts...
just that i'll have lots of short records coming out this year, with very limited
promotion.
Ben_Folds_Live says: more music
less talk... check out iTunes music store frequently. i record a song or two
and put it there usually.
DishDiva says: Thanks to Ben Folds for joining his
fans tonight on MSN Live!
DishDiva says: Thanks also to tonight's awesome team
of hosts --Trish, Budd and Josie. You guys are the best there is.
DishDiva says: BTW, to the person who got married
and had "luckiest" as your wedding song, let me know
DishDiva says: and I'll put your name up here
DishDiva says: for some reason your name didn't come
through with yoru question
DishDiva says: Do you have a comment you would like
to get onstage for Ben? Click the submit question button and enter your COMMENT
now.
DishDiva says: nickloveskyle:To Nickole, from all
of us here at MSN Live, congratulations on your recent wedding. Sorry your name
dropped off from the question earlier.
DishDiva says: "Luckiest" was a great song
to select for your wedding!
ModernOpenheartsurgery in Onstage1 asks: I have to
say that you're my hero, and that I hope you continue to put more new music
out there! You're Kick ass!
missing_the_war in Onstage1 asks: Your version of Tiny
Dancer is not only better than Tim McGraw, it is even better than Elton John's.
You should be world famous and a house hold name
chiaotzufreak in Onstage1 asks: Emaline is the best
song, like, ever. I hope to hear it on this tour!!
nickloveskyle in Onstage1 asks: this is nickole, i
wanted to let ben know that we played the luckiest for our wedding song at the
respetion
CapitalInjustice in Onstage1 asks: Ben, everyone in
Albany,NY wants you to come back, will you?
UseYourInsideVoice in Onstage1 asks: Ben, thanks for
writing such truthful songs. Ther'ye what give you your loyal fans. If radio
played more of your songs. the fans would multiply endlessly.
HerbsDonuts in Onstage1 asks: Ben... you are the man,
the myth and the legend. Thank you for all the inspiration and awe...
Windsweptbutt in Onstage1 asks: Thanks you so much
for being a cool guy and signing for your few true fans on that 10 degree night
@ Lee University this past April!!!
JoeCaparo in Onstage1 asks: Thanks for live "Emaline"
and "Selfless, Cold, and Composed." That is all.
teknoturtl in Onstage1 asks: Ben, I just wanted to
say that I have loved your music for years, there is nothing else like it! You
are my #1 favorite
missing_the_war in Onstage1 asks: Hi Mr. Folds, I know
tons of fans that love you here in the Oklahoma, but the closest you have come
is Denver, please do a full concert here!!!!!!!!
speedgraphics in Onstage1 asks: Ben man you rock.You
are my idol.This is coming from a fellow Ben.
a_pink_moon in Onstage1 asks: i think you should write
a song called "Sarah" and dedicate it to me...Sarah. I would promote
you even more than I already do (which would be hard to accomplish) but try
anyway...much love, me
TimDawks in Onstage1 asks: Ben...you are the rockingest
rocker of all time!! Thanks for always knowing what your fans are looking for!
rutgers2332 in Onstage1 asks: Ben I think you are fantastic
and so talented and keep it up we love everything you put out!
kohutek in Onstage1 asks: Thanks for the new studio
clips on the benfolds.com site! Very cool!
PaleAndHungover in Onstage1 asks: Ben we love you!
Cya in Orlando darlin!
AstralChanteuse7 in Onstage4 asks: You have given me
many magical moments in my life.
JacksonC_ in Onstage4 asks: Thanks for comming to Nebraska,
your the only band I like that does so I've seen you 3 times here
TheMorningBirdSings in Onstage1 asks: Come to Belgium,
NOW!
callender22 in Onstage1 asks: Ben FoShizzle, you're
my favorite!
JoeCaparo in Onstage1 asks: I have an awesome shrine
to all things Ben in my room. It's got two concert T-shirts tacked to the wall
with pictures and ticket stubs, along with a signed picture I got on ebay. Be
impressed.
iamzloo in Onstage1 asks: You are the reason I play
and write music today. Thanks for the inspiration.
Louis_E_B in Onstage1 asks: Ben I can't wait for you
to come to Seattle again...you've been awesome the last two times you played
there!
gumpylove in Onstage1 asks: Corny as it is, Ben- You
and your muisc have changed my life... thanks.
colecrankshaw in Onstage1 asks: ben everyone in kentucky
wants you to come here
RzezFoldsFanatica in Onstage1 asks: Hey Ben! I've been
a huge fan of yours for many years now and I want to thank you for all of your
wonderful music! You've gotten me through many hard times!
bobasfeet in Onstage1 asks: Ben your song "Smoke"
brought my wife and I back together.Thanks!
a_pink_moon in Onstage1 asks: you need to come to nashville
again soon and play an all ages show...or at least 18+ you would get soo many
people..we love you here!
Ben-Chuck in Onstage1 asks: Ben, I want to see you
play your Key-tar that you mentioned on VH1...please play it in MD when you
come in August!! Thanks, Benfoldsluva
missing_the_war in Onstage1 asks: I learned to play
the piano just so I could play your music. It is an inspiriation.
djoshbraun in Onstage1 asks: and thanks for all your
music - you say all the things we can't put into words...
JoeCaparo in Onstage1 asks: Leave more notes on the
.com.
allthestarsupinthesky in Onstage1 asks: Ben you should
come to the POCONOS (PA) i love your music...thank you for being so awesome
FresherKey in Onstage1 asks: Come back and do another
chat sooooon
Heffa63086 in Onstage1 asks: How can one person be
so melodic and so **** clever? If you're really Jewish, let me know...you can
come to our Passover seder. See you in Central Park you genius, you!!!
BlamedZender23 in Onstage1 asks: hi ben,im from israel
and you have a growing base fan here so come and visit some time
kas_652 in Onstage1 asks: ben stop by live oak florida!!!!!
allthestarsupinthesky in Onstage1 asks: Your music
is a HUGE inspiration to me. thank you
mariahmmmariah in Onstage4 asks: i greatly admire you
as a pianist, you amaze me in so many ways! i'm really excited to see you here
in Stillwater, but i'm sad you won't have the concert to yourself! hey, i'm
learning philosophy on the piano right now! it's awesome!
Silverst2 in Onstage1 asks: Ben, you rock! I loved
the Newport RI concert...especially when you sang "bon bon jovi" instead
of "jon bon jovi
REO_Supertramp in Onstage1 asks: Bon Jovi is my inspiriation,
You are my Man.
caats19 in Onstage1 asks: San Antonio!! come to San
Antonio!!
DishDiva says: And that is all the time we have for
today.
DishDiva says: Thank for you for joining this event
with Ben Folds.
DishDiva says: From all of us here at MSN Live--
Trish, Budd, Josie and myself, good night!