Howard taught Ben how to play the drums when he was just a seven-year-old. For the next year, the father and son would jam together almost every night after Howard got home from work. With Howard singing and playing guitar and Ben keeping the beat, the duo would play songs by The Beatles, The Hollies, Jimi Hendrix, and other artists of the 60s. Howard also has been a long-time friend of Bruce Springsteen associate Nils Lofgren, the two having gone to high school together.
When Ben turned eight, someone showed him how to play the chestnut "Heart And Soul" on the piano. The youngster immediately began to create his own songs using the same chords. By the time he was 9 he had a dozen original compositions under his belt and entered a songwriting contest sponsored by Billboard magazine. Kweller won honorable mention.
In 1993, Kweller became friends with another young local musician, drummer John Kent, and the two formed the band Radish with bassist Ryan Green. The trio played locally in and around Greenville, Texas and recorded two independent releases, ''Hello'' (1994) and ''Dizzy'' (1995), with Martin Baird at Verge Music Works recording studio in Dallas, Texas. Around the time of ''Dizzy's'' release, Ryan Green decided to leave the band and focus his attention on school. Lorin Hamilton filled in for a few months until Bryan Bradford AKA Bryan Blur joined on for most of the band's career. Ben sent a copy of ''Dizzy'' to Nils Lofgren. Nils was impressed with Radish and recommended them to Roger Greenawalt who was producing Lofgren's album at the time, ''Damaged Goods''. Greenawalt took Radish into a studio where they recorded a demo tape which was subsequently shopped around to record labels nationwide, After an unexpected bidding war, Radish eventually signed to Mercury to release the album Restraining Bolt.
Radish made appearances on ''The Weird Al Show'', ''Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and ''Late Show with David Letterman'', but despite the much-hyped signing, the band failed to strike big success. Radish earned a large cult following in the United Kingdom with their top 40 hit "Little Pink Stars". The band toured several times in Europe including opening slots for Faith No More and Main Stage at Reading Festival '97. Radish released two singles. In 1998 Radish became a quartet featuring Joe Butcher (Polyphonic Spree, UFOFU) on lead guitar and Debbie Williams on bass. Radish went to Muscle Shoals Studio in Alabama to record the follow-up to ''Restraining Bolt'', provisionally titled ''Discount Fireworks''. The band recorded with record producer Bryce Goggin (Pavement, The Lemonheads). While mixing ''Discount Fireworks'' in NYC, Kweller and Kent met bassist Josh Lattanzi who would become Radish's 5th and final bass player. As a result of Polygram's merger with Universal Music Group, the 18-song album was never released and Radish soon secured a release from their contract with Mercury Records.
At age 19, Ben Kweller moved to New York with his girlfriend Liz Smith, where he began his solo career. He played acoustic shows and self-released four EP's, comprising some of the unreleased Radish ''Discount Fireworks'' recordings and other songs recorded in his apartment on a laptop computer. It was one of these EPs, ''Freak Out, It's Ben Kweller'', that caught the attention of Evan Dando of The Lemonheads, and Dando invited Kweller out on tour with him, playing across America and Europe. Jeff Tweedy, Juliana Hatfield and Guster also began to notice Kweller and took him on tour with them
In 2001 Ben Kweller became ATO Records's first worldwide signing and released a 5-track EP entitled ''EP Phone Home''. In March 2002, ''Sha Sha'', Kweller's first solo studio Album was released. ''Sha Sha'' included the very radio-friendly and popular single "Wasted & Ready". The album featured John Kent on drums, Josh Lattanzi on bass, and showcased a wide variety of sound from Quirky Pop music to Folk to Punk. The album grew in popularity with a grassroots effort based on his website and a promotion group called teamBK, which promoted via word-of-mouth advertising. To support the release of the album and EP, he put together a live band, initially comprising Lattanzi on bass, Fred Eltringham on drums, and Mike Stroud on guitar and keyboards. Towards the end of the ''Sha Sha'' album cycle, the four-piece performed on PBS's Austin City Limits
In 2003, Kweller toured Australia with Ben Folds and Ben Lee as The Bens. The trio produced an eponymous four-song EP, with each member taking lead vocals on one song, and a final song in which they all contributed vocals. In an interview on October 14 2006 Ben hinted that The Bens may do another album. Later in 2003, Kweller provided lead vocals on the song "I Hope Tomorrow is Like Today" from Guster's album ''Keep It Together''. Kweller and Guster co-wrote the song after a late night jam at Gusters' Brooklyn studio. The song is prominently featured in the movie The Wedding Crashers.
''On My Way'' (2004), Kweller's second album, went in a new direction. The album, produced by Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams, Kings of Leon), was recorded 'live' - there were limited overdubs and no use of headphones. After the release of On My Way, Kweller embarked on more touring, playing to his largest audiences ever, including a US tour co-headlining with Death Cab for Cutie. By this point, the lineup of his live band had changed to include John Kent on drums and Jason Roberts on guitar and keyboards, after Mike Stroud left to concentrate on his own band Ratatat and Fred Eltringham left to play drums in The Wallflowers.
In 2006 he recorded his third album, ''Ben Kweller'' with record producer, Gil Norton. Unlike the previous studio albums, Kweller played all the instruments on this record himself. Kweller continued to tour to support his self-titled album, and expanded his band into a five piece, which grew to include Dan Horne on bass, Mark Stepro on drums, Jay Barclay on guitar and organ, and Jason Roberts on lead guitar. Kweller continued to play guitar and piano on this tour, but it also gave him the opportunity to just sing on certain songs.
His tie-in "Trio on the Train Track Tour" included a new live band comprising Chris Morrissey on bass and Mark Stepro on drums. During the Australian leg of the tour, the band was composed of Jay Barclay on guitar, Dan Horne on bass and Mark Stepro continuing on drums.
As part of his 2006 tour, Kweller played the Austin City Limits Music Festival, where he was plagued by a severe nosebleed for the entirety of his set. After covering his guitar in blood, he attempted to stop the flow by inserting a travel-size tampon thrown onto the stage by a fan, which expanded painfully during a performance of "This Is War." After attempting to play "Falling" at the piano, which also became covered in blood, Kweller was forced to end the set early.
In the Spring of 2007, Kweller co-headlined with his label-mates Gomez. He continued through the summer with his own string of headlining dates which eventually ended at another appearance at ACL fest. This time no bloody nose, however, commemorative T-shirts were sold at the merch booth with fake blood stains that said "ACL 2007: The return of Ben Kweller".
Immediately following his performance at ACL, Kweller began recording his fourth full-length LP, ''Changing Horses'' in Austin, Texas on September 21, 2007. The album features the trio on the train tracks, and Pedal Steel/Dobro player Kitt Kitterman. In 2008, Kweller re-signed with ATO Records who released ''Changing Horses'' in early 2009.
Kweller's fifth studio album, entitled "Go Fly A Kite," was his first release produced solely by his own record label, The Noise Company. In earlier interviews, Kweller had stated that it would be released as early as March or April of 2011. However, after that the manager of The Noise Company stated that the album was now set to come out either late January or early February of 2012. Kweller confirmed on stage at Stubbs in Austin on 4/16/11 that the delay in release is a result of Kweller's parting ways with his former record label, ATO Records, and his desire to release the recording independently. Kweller had also stated the album would be very electric and energetic while dealing with some darker topics. It will be accompanied by a comprehensive world tour and several media appearances. The album was released in February of 2012.
In 2013 Kweller announced via facebook that he would be doing a "split" record with Waylon Jennings.
More info here: http://www.daytrotter.com/#!/content/nrn/vinyl-kweller-jennings.htm
Magic
Ben Kweller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Crossed eyes
Fear is disguised
She carries sadness in her lung
I can hear her
I can run
She'll never be in second place
I see it in her
I hear it in
I feel it in her
I know it's in her
She's magic
Always
Trusting
Everyone
In what they say
Walk down
Every road
I'm never sick
Of growing old
She'll never be in second place
She'll never be in second place
I see it in her
I hear it in her
I feel it in her
I know it's in her
She's magic
Magic
Always alright
She'll never be in second place
She'll never be in second place
I see it in her
I hear it in her
I feel it in her
I know it's in her
I see it in her
I hear it in her
I feel it in her
I know it's in her
I know it's in her
I know it's in her
I know it's in her
I know it's in her
She's magic
She's magic
The lyrics to Ben Kweller's song "Magic" showcase a deep admiration for someone special, someone who is magical in the singer's eyes. The opening lines paint a picture of someone who may seem odd or unconventional at first glance, with a half moon and crossed eyes, but who hides fear behind a mask. Despite these quirks, the singer can sense the sadness that the person carries within them, but also a sense of strength - "I can hear her, I can run."
The chorus emphasizes that this person will never be second best - they are unique and irreplaceable, with a magic that the singer feels and recognizes. The second verse delves deeper into the person's character, highlighting their trust in others and their willingness to embrace the journey of growing old. The final repetition of the chorus and the repeated affirmations of "I see it in her, I hear it in her, I feel it in her" drive home the singer's intense admiration for this magical person.
Overall, the lyrics of "Magic" celebrate individuality and uniqueness, while also acknowledging the pain and fear that can come with it. The singer sees through the surface oddities to recognize the true magic within this person, and wants to share that sense of wonder with the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Half moon
The phase of the moon where only half of it is visible from Earth.
Crossed eyes
A physical condition where the eyes are not aligned properly, resulting in a loss of depth perception.
Fear is disguised
Fear can manifest itself in many ways, often masquerading as other emotions or physical symptoms.
She carries sadness in her lung
The woman referred to in the song is burdened with deep sorrow, which feels as heavy as a physical weight inside her body.
I can hear her
The artist of the song can sense the woman's sadness and can empathize with her without her telling him about it.
I can run
The singer of the song has the ability to escape from his own sadness or problems, although he chooses not to, as he feels a connection to the woman's troubles.
She'll never be in second place
The woman is determined, strong, and will always be recognized as a top performer.
I see it in her
The artist of the song can sense the woman's inner strength and resolve through her outward behavior and attitude.
I hear it in her
The artist of the song can detect the woman's resolve and determination in the tone of her voice and the words she speaks.
I feel it in her
The artist of the song can sense the woman's inner strength and fortitude simply by being near her and interacting with her in various ways.
I know it's in her
The singer of the song is absolutely certain that the woman possesses an inner strength and resilience which will sustain her throughout her life.
She's magic
The woman possesses qualities that make her seem almost mystical or otherworldly, such as resilience, strength, and determination.
Always trusting
The woman is characteristically trusting of others and believes what people say, even if it goes against her instincts.
Everyone
The woman is open and friendly to all people she meets, regardless of their background or past interactions with her.
In what they say
The woman is willing to take people at their word, even if it might be better to be more cautious or skeptical.
Walk down
The artist of the song enjoys the process of aging, seeing it as a kind of journey with different phases to explore and learn from.
Every road
The artist of the song wants to see what life has to offer, even if it means facing new challenges or obstacles.
I'm never sick
The singer of the song is in good health and is never bedridden or incapacitated for long periods of time.
Of growing old
The singer of the song enjoys the process of aging and does not fear getting older or losing their youthful vigor.
Always alright
The woman is able to maintain her poise, confidence, and mental health in the face of hardships or challenges.
I see it in her
The artist reasserts his confidence in the woman's strength and resilience.
I hear it in her
The artist is again emphasizing that he can sense the woman's inner fortitude and resolve through her speech and tone of voice.
I feel it in her
The singer can sense the woman's unique qualities simply by being close to her and interacting with her.
I know it's in her
The artist is still absolutely certain that the woman has an inner strength which will sustain her throughout her life.
She's magic
The woman possesses qualities which make her seem like a magical or mystical presence in the singer's life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANTONIO ROSSI, VINCENZO CONSIGLIO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind