I haven’t lived in Naples for long, but the other night I got the chance to see the Ben Allen Band live at Tiburón Golf Club. They are a cover band, but I’ve heard they are working on some originals songs, too. They played a lot of hit songs, had people dancing on the lawn, and put on a really good show. I got the chance to meet Ben Allen before he went on stage, and requested an interview. It was fun learning more about them and seeing them perform live. They are a lot of fun and it is my pleasure to introduce you to Ben Allen Band.
I am new to Naples, but it looks like you guys play a lot of shows in the area. Do you guys travel much outside of SW Florida?
We’ve traveled as far as Washington, D.C. but play mostly right here in Southwest Florida.
What can fans expect to see at this free performance?
Tons of current, uptempo rockin country music performed by guys who love what they do and like to put on a show!
You are a country musician. There are a lot of big names in country music. Who are some of your biggest influences?
Current stars that influence what we do would be guys like Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, etc.
It looks like you guys have a lot of fun on stage. Do you ever make a mistake while performing?
We are certainly no garage band but we make mistakes every night just like all bands do. It’s part of what makes every performance different. You just laugh it off and keep moving forward.
It sounds like you do a lot of country cover songs. Do you play any originals?
We have a few originals and I’m in studio working right now on our first record.
What are you drinking on stage during a performance? Please say beer!
Water… And beer. (Laughs.)
Do you need permission from an artist to cover their song?
Nope.
Tell me about the other guys in the band.
Jeff Scheeler and Dan Shreve are on electric guitar, Rob Hannon plays bass and sings harmony vocals, and Jay Phoenix is on the drums. They are an awesome mix of pro level musicians and all around great people to work with.
How often do you add new songs to your set list? There are a lot of good country songs out there!
We try to rotate tunes all the time and add at least a couple new ones every month.
You are originally from Tennessee. What brought you to Naples? Do you get back to the Midwest very often?
Not music, lol. At the same time, I’m very happy to have become a musician here in SWFL. It’s a wonderful place full of opportunities for me!
There are a lot of country bands out there… Who are some of your favorites?
I love so many artists music it’s hard to narrow it down. Zac Brown Band and Little Big Town are a couple full bands that I truly admire for their artistry of craft. That meaning musicianship and vocal harmony.
You guys are active on Facebook and you share a lot of videos on YouTube. But I don’t see you on Twitter. Why haven’t you added that social network to your digital marketing efforts?
Other ways of marketing us would be great to add. It’s a time issue, actually a lack of time issue. (Laughs.) I’ll probably push that area of things much harder once we are ready to release this record.
You guys are active on ReverbNation. What is that and how do you use that to promote your efforts?
ReverbNation is a good tool for listing our schedule and mirroring it to the website and social media.
What’s next for the Ben Allen Band?
The record is definitely our next step. Then we have to see where that takes us.
In all of the interview I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Like current country music? Then you will love us! Don’t like current country? See us anyway so we can surprise you with quality, diversity and a rockin’ good night of music, happy crowds and an overall crazy fun night!
Connect with Ben Allen Band:
Website: https://www.benallenband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benallenband
ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/benallenband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/benallenband
[…] In a separate Q&A published around the same time, Ben, 40 at the time, said his major influences include Dierks […]
[…] Ben cites Luke Bryan, Eric Church, and Dierks Bentley among his musical […]
Ben mentioned he grew up in East Tennessee. Where exactly? He’s got my vote!
I am not sure. I will find out!