Recently, I had the chance to interview experimental Americana singer-songwriter Ben Weaver about his current projects and upcoming bike tour “It’s All the River” that will be coming to Fortunata’s Coffee in Fountain City, WI on Wednesday, October 22nd. For those that are not aware of Weaver, his music, or his published works of poems and fiction—let me illuminate you. He’s got 8 studio albums, some of which are critically acclaimed internationally. His short story “Humaneque” was included in the anthology Amplified: Fiction from Leading Alt-Country, Indie Rock and Folk Musicians alongside works by Jim White, Patty Larkin, Rhett Miller, Laura Veirs, Mary Gauthier and others. Ben is currently working on a third poetry collection, a book-length poem titled “Ragged Ass Joy”, a letterpress excerpt of which, will be available as a part of the It’s All the River tour. He’s played in the area before, but if you haven’t seen him yet—now’s your chance.
The Interview Part:
We don’t all have to believe the same things, but if we all care about the land we live on then I think some pretty profound experiences can be had
So Ben—you’re a songwriter, a poet, and a bike rider? Which one have you been doing the longest? Which one are you the best at? And which one are you most in to?
I believe we are all many things. I don’t view life in a way that would enable me to say what I am better at. I like diversity and I do different things to fulfill different needs. Of the many things I devote my time it is also difficult then to say which of them if any I find more interesting. I love them all, otherwise I wouldn’t do them. They all feed each other. They all work together to make life more interesting, and fulfilling.
Tell us about your new “I Would Rather Be A Buffalo” album and your new book-length poem titled “Ragged Ass Joy”. Are they at all related?
You can probably guess based on my previous statement that I see them as related. The poems inform the songs and the other way around. I am always writing things down and it just becomes a question of which form they will take in the end. And sometimes, they take multiple forms. There are lines in my poem that are also in my songs. The whole thing always takes on a life of its own. In the end, I just follow it the best I can. The songs from I Would Rather Be A Buffalo came from many walks in the woods, swims, meals and conversations. I wanted to write about a wilderness that I see remaining in our world. Not the wilderness in the picturesque national park sense, but the wilderness of the self-willed, uncontained sense. I think both the poem and the songs on the record very much deal with my relationship to this space.
Is there a greater purpose to the “It’s All the River” bike tour aside from promoting the album and your poem book?
I would say the tour is more about the greater purpose than promoting the record or book. The record and book are just an excuse to sing and read. What I am really interested in, is connecting with people, and connecting those people to the land. When I think about the world and the state of things, I think less about what we can save, and more about how we can live while we are here. How we can relearn the names of the people, plants, animals, season, and stories that matter, nurture and sustain us. I want music to be a cause for sharing these things. We don’t all have to believe the same things, but if we all care about the land we live on then I think some pretty profound experiences can be had.
How did you get in touch with all these environmental groups you’re meeting up with on the tour?
I had a lot of help from friends, and once I started reaching out to people then they connected me to other people. It’s a lot of farms and arts/nature organizations that I am working with.
Are the kinds of venues you’re playing on this bike tour different than the kinds of venues you’re used to playing?
Yes, I spent a long time on the folk/indie rock circuit—lots of bars and clubs—not picturesque. So, this is a welcome change. I want to give back to the places and things that are inside my music, rather than sit in a dark smelly room with no windows.
How many dates are on this thing and have you ever biked this far before?
There are about 12 shows scheduled at this point. This is the first time I will have been out on my bike for this long of a stretch at one time. I am very excited.
How many bikes do you own and does the one you’re using on this tour have a name?
I have too many bikes. For this tour, I was sponsored by Salsa Cycles which is a local company based in the cities. I am riding their touring bike. It’s called a Vaya 2.
Finally, Rad or Pee Wee’s Big Adventure?
Most Definitely Rad. I have some very close friends who once had a band called Crew Jones.
Upcoming local gigs:
Who: Ben Weaver with mike munson
When: Wednesday, October 22nd at 8:30pm
Where: Join a 6 mile group bicycle ride from The Bluff County Coop in Winona, MN to Fortunata’s Coffee in Fountain City, WI for the concert.
Tickets: $10 and can be purchased in advance at Fortunata’s and The Bluff County Coop in Winona. For more info email Iwillnotboreyou@gmail.com