We were lucky to catch up with Laura Benack recently and have shared our conversation below.
Laura, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
Looking back on my personal journey as a creative, there’s been a recurring feeling that the title of ‘professional musician’ hasn’t quite been earned, as I’ve never relied solely on my art to sustain me financially. Throughout my career, I’ve always maintained day jobs, dedicating evenings and weekends to my creative endeavors.
The backdrop of my upbringing played a significant role in shaping this perspective. My father, a talented jazz band leader, balanced his musical passion with a career in banking. His father, a professional trumpeter, discouraged his children from pursuing music as a primary career due to the unreliable nature of the work. Unlike my father’s parents, my parents did support our musical pursuits. However, I decided against a full-fledged music career due to the uncertain future I perceived.
The balance I’ve struck over the years between a traditional job and my artistic passion has brought me a sense of fulfillment, allowing me to straddle both worlds with purpose. Embracing the idea that my musical journey is not solely defined by financial sustenance has been liberating. It’s a fusion of passion, practicality, and personal growth. While I’ve navigated the complexity of self-identification as a musician, I’ve found that my creative pursuits continue to thrive and resonate.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Laura Benack, and I’m a singer and pianist, I am also one half of the musical duo, Bass Race, alongside my talented husband, Steven Mertens.
Born into a family of musicians, my passion for music ignited early in life. I grew up in Pittsburgh where I studied piano and spent my childhood singing in choirs. In my teens, I sang with my father’s jazz band and with a local blues project, The Ian Arthurs Band. The birth of Bass Race marked a pivotal moment in my creative journey. In 2021, we unveiled our debut album ‘Tender Vittles,’ a labor of love that encapsulates our musical spirit. Based in Altadena, CA, our home studio serves as the heart of our creative process.
This summer, we had the honor of performing at iconic venues, including London’s Roundhouse and Brooklyn Steel in New York. Sharing the bill with the legendary Moldy Peaches, a band with profound significance to my husband’s musical history, was a moment that underscored the power of creative connections.
Most recently, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with talented French artists Restone and Da Fire, adding my voice to songs in the boogie genre, a blend of 80s funk and RnB. As a solo artist, what sets me apart is the fusion of my diverse influences (70s soul, funk, 90s pop, classic rock) combined with an unwavering commitment to creating music that resonates on a soul-deep level.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist lies in that magical moment when an idea strikes and inspiration comes to life. In that instant when a simple thought transforms into a larger vision, anything feels possible.
Sometimes it feels like there’s an electric current flowing through me or like I’m channeling something greater than myself. Turning a specific moment, sound, or melody into something that resonates universally is a transcendent experience—one that makes all the struggles and uncertainties of the creative journey worthwhile.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Society should recognize and appreciate the value that artists and creatives bring to culture and the well-being of our communities. Through their work, artists give voice to unheard stories and different perspectives, reminding us that we’re all part of a larger narrative. Artists are pioneers of new ideas. They challenge conventions, push boundaries, and give us a sneak peek into what’s possible.
Supporting artists starts with acknowledging that the arts contribute to the overall health of society and should be valued accordingly. Encouraging arts education in schools and communities helps nurture a new generation of artists and creatives. Providing affordable and accessible workspaces for artists to create, rehearse, and collaborate can foster a sense of community and allow artists to thrive in their creative pursuits.
If you love an artist’s work, buy directly from them if possible. Show up at art shows, concerts, and performances. Your presence isn’t just a seat; it’s a sign that you value the artist and their effort to entertain and inspire.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurabenack/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bassraceband/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabenack/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/theraceofbass
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1dOrtfBUHGM5vrU1kNmHw
Image Credits
Rohanna Mertens