A Dirty Dozen with BEN BASILE – May 2025

According to a recent press release: “Acclaimed bassist Ben Basile (pronounced  “ba-sill-ee”), best known for his work with Big D and the Kids Table, is thrilled to announce the release of his new single, “Cacao Knibb” the third track from his debut solo album, Benergy, that dropped May 2nd via Sleep Walk Sounds. Ben Basile is a Hudson Valley-born musician who grew up in Wappingers Falls and now lives in Rosendale, NY. When not on the road, Basile performs with a variety of projects including In The Pocket, Eric Puente Jazz Quartet, Sheridan Rúitín, and Emo Night Karaoke. Basile remains a dedicated musician, composer, and educator, with deep ties to the ska, jazz, and punk communities. His debut album Benergy is a tribute to his roots, with songs like “Mountain Road,” “74 Leonard Street,” and “87 to 90″ drawing inspiration directly from his life in the Hudson Valley and beyond.” We get Ben to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

My new album Benergy is a fun instrumental Ska, Jazz, and Reggae record. It really is just a vibe from start to finish. We’ve been referring to it as “The Summer Spinner!” A secret or “hidden nugget” on the record is… right after the fastest track “Hot Drop” somewhat quietly and hidden at the end of the track I say “Benergy!” The album’s been out for three weeks and so far nobody has mentioned it to me yet!

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

My older sister burned me a stack of CDs in middle school, and that was it, I was hooked on Ska and Punk Rock! It wasn’t until MUCH later, my third or fourth year of college where I was like: “Music is so fun, this is more fun than any other job I’ve ever had. I think I’ll try to keep doing this.” I’m very grateful that I get to call music my career.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

It’s hard to recall the year, but I saw The Mighty Mighty Bosstones with The Pietasters, Voodoo Glow Skulls, and Catch 22 could’ve been 2002? I just remember leaving that show like “Whoah, okay, I get it.”

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Hollie Cook! I listen to her all the time, she’s fantastic! Also, can we be friends too?

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

Cooking. I love to cook. Whenever I’ve got a weekend off, I like to be in my kitchen listening to records or podcasts. I mostly like to try new Spanish, South American, or Caribbean recipes!

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Ten tracks of instrumental ska, jazz, and reggae. It’s mellow and fun. Honestly, anytime someone describes my music or any music as “Jazzy” it makes me cringe. There’s just something about that word… It just hurts a little.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

I’ll do all the cooking please. Just get out of the way.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

I walked past Pauline Black while at Slam Dunk last year in the UK. She’s an icon.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

To me, it’s all about sharing the music. One night at a time, bringing a night of joy and escape to people all around the world. If I wasn’t a musician, I’d likely get a job working for a chocolate company. Looking at you, Taza Chocolate or Fruition Chocolate…

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

The questioned would be: “Hey Ben, who is your biggest musical influence that you do not sound anything like at all?” The answer would be: “Marcus Miller! He’s a huge influence on me, but my music sounds almost nothing like his, and that’s okay!” Conversely, I’m tired of getting very general “When did you start playing music?” kinda questions. Oh, and I also dislike two-part questions.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I once quit a band in a not-so great way. I wish I had handled that better… If I went back I would’ve tried to have been more professional.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Probably Hank Mobley’s Soul Station. I would be standing there in the studio going. “You guys, this is so great. You have no idea. 65 years from now this will be one of my favorite records.” Whenever anybody asks me to recommend a jazz record I always start with Soul Station.

BEN BASILE LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

Category: Interviews