Ben Sheehan

Some artists outsource their bio. Others use third-person and pretend someone else wrote it. But I enjoy narratives and interviews, so I've decided to interview myself. Who are your biggest influences? My earliest were Phil Collins and Billy Joel; I'd watch their music video VHS cassettes between episodes of Sesame Street. I loved Springsteen; in preschool I often accompanied myself on toy tennis racquet to ?Born in the U.S.A.' while my three-year-old classmates either fell asleep or soiled themselves. That's when I realized I wanted to be a performer.

Who are your biggest influences?
My earliest were Phil Collins and Billy Joel; I'd watch their music video VHS cassettes between episodes of Sesame Street. I loved Springsteen; in preschool I often accompanied myself on toy tennis racquet to ?Born in the U.S.A.' while my three-year-old classmates either fell asleep or soiled themselves. That's when I realized I wanted to be a performer.

Where have you played?
Atlanta, D.C., Dewey Beach, New York, and the Mid-Atlantic and Millennium Music Conferences in Charlotte and Harrisburg.

What are eleven random facts about you?
I was born in D.C. and raised in Maryland. I went to college in Atlanta and reside in New York. At a West Virginia hotel in '86 I fell asleep in Bill Cosby's lap and he used the top of my head to sign autographs at the meet-and-greet. I was once ranked 7th in the world at Oreo stacking. I'm 23, a Capricorn, and have yet to win an academy award.

When did songwriting become a passion?
Freshman year of college in the practice rooms. I'd arrive with my guitar and notebook around 11 pm, write, and suddenly it was 3 am. When four hours feel like five minutes, you know you've found something you love.

Can I meet you in person?
You sound friendly. Come to a show or text me with a time and place.