San Francisco singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Said Sara, aka David Benson, is coming full-circle. Said Sara is a genuine extension of Benson’s essence. As a child of the 70’s, he grew up on the singer-songwriters of that era of emergence: Baez, Stevens, Croce, Taylor, Buckingham, Mitchell. But Benson was/is a metalhead and a punk (yes, both) in the 80s, 90s and beyond. In 2008, he joined crust punk-turned death metal warhorse Acephalix, of which he remains the drummer. He also currently sits behind the kit for post-hardcore vs. electronic noise denomination Plaguestate. There is a 2-way passage between the poppy, acoustic-rooted Said Sara and the aforementioned strains of sonic extremity: Transition.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
Being able to absorb many styles and never limiting myself to genre specifics.
Who inspired you to make music?
Records and early concerts. We’re talking 19702, 1980s. Rush, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Diamond.
Your latest track is 'Sea'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
It took a full year! It was a labor of love, but also quite exacting. Many many nights of paining over mixes.
What is your creative process like?
I sit down and see what comes out, usually on acoustic guitar. From there, it’s refining over and over - in rehearsal and in the recording studio.
What is the biggest decision you’ve had to make?
To give up regular touring for family.
What makes you different from others?
I’m old. I see almost nobody pitching a new single at my age. It’s a millennial’s game for sure, and I’m from the radio era.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Thank you for the consideration! Please keep giving Said Sara a chance.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
It’s impacted the business in every way. Some positive (like being able to create a wide release for virtually nothing), mostly negative. The saturation hurts struggling artists.
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?
“What day is this?”
What are your plans for the future?
Live appearances will be next - before any other releases.