Benjamin Marcus Ziakin
backed by trained lemurs:
Cameron Snyder and Kirk Nordby
Influences
Nick Drake, Big Bill Broonzy, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, the rocks on Dallas road, Leo Kottke (not his voice), Elephant Island, depending on mood: Crosby, Stills, Nash or Young, Slim Harpo, Karen Dalton, Van Morrison, Nina Simone, The Band, Dr. John, Bill Monroe, Elliott Smith, John Renbourn, Bert Jansch, WAR & Eric Burdon, Hank Williams, Woody, Doc Watson, Iron & Wine, Dave Brubeck & Paul Desmond, Charles Mingus, Joni Mitchell, Mose Allison...
Born in Victoria, BC, I was immediately smuggled on the MV Coho to the states where I grew most of my 6 feet and change. Started performing at age 15 in the cafe from which I received a paycheck monthly. I have consistently played inconsistent shows nearly twice a year since then. Travel in the summer of ’07 with Sam Doores and Cameron Snyder in the fabled trio The Broken Wing Routine learned me some real banjo chops and some hard knock song-writing fodder. From Washington to New Orleans we played every day on every sidewalk and club we could find. Since our return we have dissolved into independent writers and players traveling and sedentary depending on the weather. Cameron remains a close musical partner, singing and playing on most of the tracks you hear here. Of late, I have ended my formal education and am gearing up to write and sing on a full time basis.
Hey Benjamin, Glad I stopped by too! And thanks to your dad for making the connection. I'll keep you posted on upcoming shows- please do so likewise. Cheers.
still in New Orleans big ben, but I'll be Texas bound soon. (most probably). Then Tenessee... back here, maybe kansas, and then (drum roll.... ) singing with you! in Old Scrub oak, black jack sumac Oklahoma.
