More than six years ago, I wrote a review for ramtatta.de about the book by BENJAMIN ST. BABYLON. The book has the beautiful title "Gedankenjazz" and the review can be read here: https://www.ramtatta.de/s/reviews/f/details/id/8709/
At the mentioned link, there is also a brief summary of the artistic and creative life of BENJAMIN ST. BABYLON up to that point.
Six years is a long time.
Corona came and went.
The war between Ukraine and Russia began, as well as the ongoing one-sided war southeast of the Mediterranean. But is it a war if it is one-sided? Aren't there always two involved?
The right-wing conservative forces gained majorities, not just here but all over the world.
I could go on writing endlessly.
All the terrible things in this world could weigh us down more than one lifetime.
The events in the world have not passed by BENJAMIN ST. BABYLON without impact. However, he did not bury his head in the sand. He created music for all of us and called this work "Volksmusik".
The first song "Diese Maschine" clearly shows where the artist stands, as well as a machine that we all wish for. A machine that kills fascists!
Does this machine consist of knives, poison, or cannons?
No, this machine... is us! We humans!
Humanity, openness, human warmth, solidarity, hope, a pleasant life for everyone. That is what defines us. We can activate this machine every day, completely without money. We can make the world, our environment a little better every day. A strong, hopeful song. A song that gives courage in these dark times. A song that tells us "Start with yourself"!
"Under these circumstances," BENJAMIN ST. BABYLON takes another step further. Activism, reflection, questioning, false living in abundance. Here too, we can do something better every day. A start could be, for example,
Not buying from Amazon.
Not eating at McDonald's and
not calling an Uber.
Every action has its consequences. Let's reclaim life together, for now, for tomorrow, for forever!
After that, the musician unrealistically sings "Geht ein Musiker an´ner Kneipe vorbei".
Such a thing does not exist.
The song is about friendships that have existed for a long time and about the people you hold dear in your heart, even if you see each other far too rarely. It is the shared time, the beautiful time, the enjoyment of that time. That is so important. It gives strength, it gives courage, and it feels good.
As the last song, BENJAMIN ST. BABYLON chose a cover version. He plays "Eines Tages wird es passieren". The original version is by DIE MIMMIS.
The four songs on "Volksmusik" are not only sung by BENJAMIN ST. BABYLON. He also accompanies himself on his acoustic guitar.
His distinctive voice, the heart he wears on his sleeve, and the emotions that can be heard every second make this EP something special. The aura he creates in the four songs is captivating and intense, just like his songs.
To ensure that everything sounds really good, the Berlin-based BENJAMIN ST. BABYLON entrusted the production to Andy Laaf (Ghostmaker, known to some for playing with Mad Sin, Die Skeptiker, and Blind Passengers, among others).
On guitar, he was supported by Tex Morton (among others, Ex Mad Sin, Ex Nitro 17, Ex Die Suurbiers, Ex Lüde & die Astros). A trio of superlatives!
"Volksmusik" by BENJAMIN ST. BABYLON takes another step forward and deserves to be heard, both on CD and live, when he stands on stages that mean the world with Tex Morton.
