Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Benjamin Taggart

1. What is your earliest memory connected to music?

I grew up in the same village where The Beatles first became a band, so music always felt close to home. My earliest memory is riding in my grandma’s car while she played old cassette tapes. Her favourite song was “Crocodile Shoes” by Jimmy Nail, and I can still picture the countryside rolling by as it played. Every summer, our local park hosted a fair where bagpipe players performed, so between cassettes and bagpipes, music was woven into my childhood from the start.

2. How did your passion for creating music begin?

My passion really took off when I began travelling. I carried my guitar everywhere and wrote songs about the places I explored and the adventures I found myself in. The moment I finished my first song, I felt an instant pull to get into a studio. Even before other instruments were recorded, I could already hear them in my head. That’s when I fell in love with producing—layering sounds, experimenting, and collaborating with musicians who helped shape my ideas and bring extra funk and colour to my songs.

3. What’s the story behind your current music project?

My current project is a track called “Cookies and Cream.” It’s all about not taking life too seriously. I’m just waiting for the right female vocalist to complete it. The song has a jazzy, playful vibe, with a trippy mouth-trumpet solo that really captures its carefree spirit. Even though some lyrics carry deeper meaning, the whole track reminds us to relax, laugh, and enjoy the ride.

4. How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

My sound sits somewhere between folk-indie and jazzy swing, built on meaningful storytelling and uplifting energy. It’s the kind of music that can make you feel like you’re basking in the sun at the beach—or wandering through a big city chasing magic, adventure, and hidden moments. It’s warm, melodic, and full of movement.

5. What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

I’ve learned that the best songs come from real experiences. You can’t force the process—great music grows out of adventures, emotions, and those memorable moments that shift your life in some way. When I’m inspired by something genuine, the creativity flows naturally.

6. What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

Everything starts with my guitar and my voice. After that, I build the song in Logic Pro X, layering instruments, adding textures, and shaping the atmosphere. That’s where the magic really starts to take form.

7. Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

Even though I create mostly indie music, I actually spend a lot of time listening to world music and old cassette vibes from the 1950s to the 1980s. There’s something special about the rawness and warmth of that era that really inspires me.

8. How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

I live a very nomadic lifestyle, and every day brings new experiences that find their way into my songs. From travelling to street performing, I have a lot of open, creative time to absorb ideas. My music is basically a diary of the road—each track inspired by the places I’ve lived, the people I’ve met, and the adventures I’ve had.

9. What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

I want listeners to feel free. I hope my music inspires people to get creative, think positively, and take risks—whether that means travelling somewhere new, starting something fresh, or simply giving themselves permission to explore.

10. What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

Music has shown me that it’s not about the stereotypical rock-and-roll lifestyle. To create something true and lasting, you need focus, clarity, and a healthy mind. The better I feel, the better my ideas and songs become.

11. What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

I’d love to play at a big festival in Berlin, or perform at Paradiso in Amsterdam. Both places have a unique atmosphere and a strong cultural connection to music.

12. If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

I’ve already had the chance to collaborate with musicians from all around the world, and some of the most inspiring moments came from unexpected, hidden artists. You never know what magic will happen when you connect with someone unique, so I’m always open to discovering the next unexpected collaboration.

13. Where can our listeners follow and support your music?

My music is available on all major platforms—Spotify, Apple Music, and more. You can also find all my live reels, performances, and updates on Instagram and YouTube.

14. Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

My dream is to tour bigger festivals around the world each year, sharing my original music in different countries and connecting with people everywhere I go.

15. What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

I hope they discover the hard work and dedication I’ve put into music over the past 15 years. Every song carries a story from my life, and I want people to feel that authenticity—and stay with me as new chapters and new releases unfold.