This week on the show, Sara J. sits down with RoughGauge’s May 2025 Featured Artist, Ben Kays.
They dive into the guitarists who’ve shaped his sound, the pros and cons of being a left-handed player, and the rhythm guitarist he turns to for inspiration. Ben opens up about his songwriting process, the emotional and mental role music plays in his life, and what it means to be a well-rounded musician.
He shares how his dad influenced his journey into guitar playing and gigging, and reveals the first solo he ever learned. Ben also brings in “The Falcon,” a custom-built guitar by the Slovak company Magic Attic, and tells the story behind its creation.
The conversation turns to his band The Textures, their set at SummerCamp Music Festival (the very first festival he ever attended), and the seasonal energy woven through their new album Perennials—out now.
And yes, they get into the infamous Jake Blade—why he’ll never go back to a traditional whammy bar, and how it adds color to his playing.
It’s a thoughtful, dynamic, and deeply musical conversation you won’t want to miss.
Where you can find this week's guest:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetextures.official/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetexturesband
Webiste: https://www.thetexturesband.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetextures7474
You can read his Q&A mentioned in this episode and more here: https://www.roughgaugellc.com/featured-artists
Magic Attic Guitars: https://magicatticguitars.com
"How Music Works" - David Byrne: https://amzn.to/44p238F
Would you or someone you know like to be a RoughGauge Featured Artist? Send an email to saraj@roughgaugellc.com
All things RoughGauge and Jake Blade: roughgaugellc.com (use my promo code Saraj10 to get 10% off on your order)
Dropped Among This Crowd Podcast Episode 228: A Conversation with Austin Davey & Mark Benjamin from RoughGauge LLC: https://droppedamongthiscrowdpod.simplecast.com/episodes/a-conversation-with-austin-davey-mark-benjamin-from-roughgauge-llc
Find RoughGauge on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roughgaugellc/
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RoughGaugeLLC
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