Justin Bennett - Vocals/Guitar
Breanna Paletta BG Vox/Guitar
Steve Dexheimer - Bass
Ian Knowland - Keys/BG Vox
Jared Knowland - Drums
Influences
the byrds, aerosmith, deathcab, dylan, john mayer, damien rice, the beatles, john lennon, neil young, wilco, the jayhawks, eagles, fleetwood mac, rilo kiley, van morrison, allison krauss, cat stevens, the doors, pink floyd, sufjan stevens, bob marley, allman brothers, queen, ccr, pedro the lion, steve miller band, the who, doobie brothers, rod stewart, the stones, nickel creek, sarah mclachlan, pickwick, bon iver, ray charles, bill mallonee, bowie, tom petty, stevie wonder, nirvana, the king, simon and garfunkel, the cars, radiohead, james taylor, sinatra, patty griffin, heart, chili peppers, elton john, over the rhine, jackson browne, the beach boys, james brown, the band, jackson 5, skynyrd, dire straits, ryan adams, prince, r.e.m., u2,
"I play music because I have to. I aim to speak to people through my songs the same way I would in a deep, personal conversation. To change the way people think about themselves and others." - Portland artist Justin Bennett.
Born in a small town in Oregon, Justin grew up singing along to Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty and the Eagles. Big sound and layered harmonies did something to his heart. With lyrical heros like Bill Mallonee and John Lennon, Justin was inspired to take a personal and honest approach to songwriting. Faith, affliction, prevailing; his songs touch on things he's dealt with in his own life.
With sincerity and emotive texture, intricate guitar and stick-in-your-head melodies Justin Bennett sounds at home in his songs and hopes the listener will too find a home in his art.
"Wanting More is the debut long player from Portlander Justin Bennett, a singer/songwriter who likes a big sound and gentle harmonies. Crisp, clean production highlights the lyrical straightforwardness and honest sentiment expressed in Bennett’s sincere vocals. Musically, the album recalls early 90’s REM as well as some of Death Cab’s gentler moments. Fans of Damien Rice or Nick Drake will enjoy the sparse strings and guitar of “Another Untitled Love Song”. “Time” is another standout track, featuring a Keith Richards-y slide guitar, lending the song a classic/country rock vibe. Breanna Paletta’s cool, close harmonies are an integral element of Wanting More, and her and Bennett’s tightly interwoven voices are one of the many charms of the album. The rest of the band (Steve Dexheimer – Bass, Jared Knowland – Drums, Ian Knowland – Keyboards) do a rock-solid job of keeping the tunes interesting and rocking, without getting in the way of Bennett’s soulfully raspy melodies. Overall, the album has bit of a 70s folk rock vibe, with an Elliott Smith twist. Wanting More is a personal, engaging release from one of Portland’s dazzling up-and-comers."
Hey buddy long time no see. I heard this guy named Kevin Devine and he made me think of you. You should check him out and the song "Another Bag of Bones" Peace bro
Whether you sing professionally, sing Karaoke, or just for fun, YOU could be walking away with $500 cash from PORTLAND IDOL!!! It happens EVERY Wednesday night at The Refectory Nightclub. Sign-up's are @ 8pm so don't be late! Sing acappella or bring your own backing track on CD if you'd like. See you there and bring your friends to cheer you on! ..
Sing Acappella or bring your own backing track (on CD) if desired. NO RAPPERS PLEASE this is a singing contest Rappers that sing are fine.
hey you !! hope alls well with you .I love listening to your cd now you need to put out another one! Anyway i will try to see you on the 17of Jan...best to you and your little songbird . love Dawn
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