Real AF Instagram Q+A - Ben Levin

[@SigurorSyn]

"Q: Do me a solid. A: Depends on what I eat." That's the content I come to this channel for

[@Roxegold]

"29th Season of Life"...Ben Levin is canonically 7 years old.

[@joshuasanford]

Man, the end of this video impacted me hard. I appreciate that moment you created. It reminds me that for every person that "knows" another person, there is a standalone conception/construction of that identity. Even if 1,000 people know me, the individual they "know" is their own. Maybe some people construct their idea of me in a way that is most useful for them. Maybe some people give a lot of effort to try to keep their understanding of people in their lives flowing and evolving. The self isn't finalizable or concrete. It's an error to imagine it so. "Thinking to the core" is a difficult task. I'm constantly at risk of setting assumptions for my identity that function as memes from which I build an unsteady conception of self. Seeing myself accurately (as I constantly evolve) is just as difficult as seeing you (Ben Levin) accurately. But, in a world where shared experience may bring value to our lives, the end of this video goes some ways in helping me make a temporary idea of you that amounts to something more than a meme. I appreciate it and will continue to enjoy content that you provide in this space of sharing you've created.

[@boppopolis]

Neon Genesis Evangelion adresses this topic super well and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

[@MadisKukk]

Dang, that ender was pretty meta, Ben. I loved that you decided to portray your answer about curating images in its naked non-edited form.

[@DrizzleWoolf]

@@boppopolis that was totally ep26, with the loop, self reflection and congratulating applause at the end. I can't think this wasn't on purpose, or what ?

[@aidanoleary6514]

The best part is how the end WAS’NT curated and edited so we get to see a little more of what he’s really like. (As far as I know,) it’s not cut, that’s just him talking and saying the same thing many times so he can get the best take, but it’s awesome that he shows it like this, and also wonderfully ironic. It purposefully shows his mess-ups to support his point, and I think it was beautifully impactful. Thank you Ben Levin, we love you, whatever you are.

[@joshuasanford]

There are even minor differences in which we all perceive the end.

[@pajarovsky]

The "I love you" part was really really deep

[@shamsaliriaz5264]

It made me feel a really weird kind of sad.

[@adenrock2726]

felt like a trip

[@drpibisback7680]

I thought the video was skipping, it was startling.

[@Arycke]

I'm not real anymore

[@chrisraney1996]

The curated version of Ben Levin is precious.

[@dextrodemon]

the thing at the end was very cool

[@jemmykolb]

Ben Levin is precious, we have to protect him at any cost

[@marotteinc.766]

i really appreciate what you're saying at the end of the video because i would for sure say stuff like "i love you" without thinking about what it means for you to read it. it must be difficult to receive because, as you say, you're curating your own image and we don't know you as a person but as a youtuber. Anyway, I strongly relate to what you share with us here on youtube, the points you make about creativity, and i love your music. you're making me feel good about myself and confident in the future and i'd like to thank you a lot for that.

[@punksterbass]

Love you, Ben, even if it's just the curated version of you. Because not everyone in entertainment, in KZbin, puts out their best version. Or more importantly, their kindest version. So I, well, we love you for making this extra effort to be kind, and thoughtful, and engaging and helpful to everyone with questions.

[@sanny8716]

Did... Did he just manage to break the 4th wall in a freaking Q&A video? And I didn't even know there WAS a 4th wall, but he certanly broke something there

[@raindogred]

I love you ending was deep like an onion..at first I thought you just made an editing error and left all your takes in. Then it dawned on me that you were doing exactly what you talked about..showing how you curate yourself..how we all do it. impactfull

[@MichaelColombo]

"I love you" : proceeds to answer multiple times. I love you too Ben :)

[@dimitriid]

I think you should do a live stream for like 5 hours in which you do nothing but answer "I love you" comments

[@iansalinas412]

you are an extremely unique human being. thank you for your influence.

[@jermaineholland7108]

The ending is brilliant!

[@dlc435]

I love this dude - what a real-ass human being.

[@schiffwasright]

Ben you’re a gift to the world man. You’re making people happy. See you at the merch booth.

[@aaronkaufman6471]

The longer I watched this video I realized I saw you, and Bent Knee, in Chicago at Emporium Arcade Bar in 2016! My favs Woongi opened. The hints were you mentioning Bent Knee and your wife being in the band. Ultimately it was your body language hinting at your height + knowing what guitar you play, as you appear small on screen per the shot, but are actually tall and thin. It was a memorable show!

[@slendeaway7730]

"Why are you asking me all these drug questions?" "We're all kinda like peddling crack over here."

[@alexanderkonczal3908]

Even if you're giving us a curated image, the driving force that leads you to want to create the specific image that you serve us is indicative of someone with a lot of heart. Also, everyone deserves love.

[@russell_szabados]

You’re so right Ben, 29 is a sweet spot for the exact reasons you mentioned. For me it was 29-33, 40-42 and now. I recently turned 51 and I’m comfortable in my skin (finally), my music knowledge & skills match my muse and I’m still young enough to understand where I fit in the world. I sincerely hope you feel the same as you make your way through life. All the best!

[@stevonico]

They way you describe performance is so beautiful; you articulated the experience in a way that I’ve only felt before.

[@Popbot]

the "i love you" bit was a trip

[@misterscottintheway]

I was NOT prepared to be blown away by the ending of an Instagram q and a.

[@AntActApp]

i was really tired when i watched this and when he started the i love u part i almost broke

[@Seth-hc2bj]

Just watched Another Earth!! What a cool movie

[@kkingeling]

Your response to "I love you" was the sweetest thing!!! So lovely to watch :)

[@papanimes]

11:50 omg i loved that, nirvana was also my main inspiration for music

[@ericgill5069]

Your description of To Pimp A Butterfly was so spot on, and reallly resonates with me. I couldn’t agree with you more, and that album had the exact same affect on me as a musician. It’s also cool that you’re the only other guitar player that I’ve heard whose musical mind was impacted so greatly by that album. Anyway, sincerely thanks for everything that you do. I cannot begin to tell you just how much your outlook on the various aspects of music and musicianship has helped me, in small ways and big ways. From one Berklee alumni to another, cheers!

[@maxsturm3700]

hey ben, i really appreciate what you do! you inspire me and help me. YOu are a massive reason that i write music. THankyou ben

[@nathanielcohen3435]

That ending was so nice, and maybe I don’t know you but the fact that you put shit like this out is a testament to your honesty and why people (like myself) say that. Also you look sort of melancholy in this video , so I hope you feel better if that’s the case.

[@Popbot]

man, your videos make me so happy :)

[@Pinko_Band]

Ben “try not to climax in the middle” Levin

[@evanbanjo]

Thanks Ben! I'm coming to see you and the rest of the fabulous Bent Knee members in Austin in November. I'm driving from DFW just to see you guys. I don't even know the other two bands.

[@iancontreras7688]

Having enough sense to leave the last question essentially unedited. Perfect.

[@instinctbrosgaming9699]

There is a difference between being weird and being a madlad. You, sir, are a madlad. It's not every day that I see a channel that embraces obscure techniques to create something cool. Making a rap song with deodorant, writing music that is physically impossible for the sole purpose of "it might sound neat." You earned my respect.

[@kamkamkamkamkamkamkamkam]

11:11 somehow I predicted his answer, without ever seeing this video before in my life

[@Shnowz]

It's just the natural reaction

[@lostecho4394]

Same

[@petermcmaster6673]

yo Ben thank you for making this video, I feel like I got to know you and your style of humor better for hearing your responses to these random instagram questions, almost as if I had heard you play music live and improvise through a section freeform. The element of the unknown, and how you respond to it in the moment, is a delightful thing to be privy to.

[@eduardomedina5794]

Five bags of popcorn and two bags of soda for this video! Love your channel Ben, greetings from Paraguay!

[@a.s.4309]

I think even Greg would go ahead and give Ben Levin 6 tubs of popcorn, and maybe throw in a little FAKE guitar solo.

[@xFliox]

11:10 Hahahahahaha lmaoooo!!!

[@simonfivez2947]

Loved the end man! I could see an analogy with our current social climate of social media and fakeness (not that you meant it that way) keep up the good work

[@dacp1213]

i love the image of ideas you choose to present to us, and the clever manner in which you go about showing us such beautiful and authentic things.

[@umblapag]

11:14 you got me by surprise 😁

[@snowsurfer2512]

It's cool that you left all your takes in for the last "question" were the person wrote that they love you

[@Znernicus]

Ben! I was pleasantly surprised when I found out you/Bent Knee are playing with Haken on their tour! Really looking forward to seeing your show!

[@LeoPerantoni]

Great video, Ben! Really cool to get to know you a bit better

[@trapper9856]

See you in Atlanta!! Even though I'm a huge fan of both Haken and Leprous, I'm most stoked to see you perform with Bent Knee, as I've already seen both of those bands multiple times, but I've never once witnessed you bring your madness to the stage :)

[@adenrock2726]

thanks ben! im really enjoying your videos and i feel empowered to create. it feels awesome. hope you are doing well!

[@groboclone]

28:46 I would then ask myself, is my candor about the process of curating my image also a part of that contrived curation, as I anticipate that the audience will find said candor admirable? It can sometimes drive me a bit crazy trying to get to the absolute bottom of my motivations like that haha

[@rhysf.505]

That's the thought I had. While that was going I couldn't help but wonder whether or not the inclusion of that counts as a form of curation itself.

[@orphiccoma]

turtles all the way down

[@stevenschelling8452]

@@rhysf.505 yes

[@methyod]

Ben is definitely in the minority of people i would strongly discourage from trying psychedelics until they either really feel like it, or they're really old. I just don't think he'd get much out of a shroom trip the way, for instance, most of my coworkers would.

[@hakeemahmadjamal7403]

What

[@GizzyDillespee]

Well, it's all speculation until you try it... That being said, I have no idea if that would be good for Ben, or terrible. I'd literally be guessing.

[@xFliox]

20:30 Can you explain in more detail this other center thing? I can't stop thinking about this thing you mentioned

[@co_iso]

I thought that was a beautiful ending to a beautiful (curated) video. Whoever it is you are, Ben, creates a very positive image of himself. I don't know if I would love you if I met you like I love you now, but I like to think I would. The curated image of yourself you show the world is still, in a way, a reflection of yourself. I love the personality you bring forth, but above all (and I think that too defines an individual) I love the things you do for people such as myself. The things you share with the world can't be curated. You do amazing things, whoever you are. And that is that and I love it. Whatever your motivation is, whatever your intentions are, you shape people's lives positively. And that's what I love about you, stranger!

[@luisdavidgonzalezcarmona3805]

Man, I don't know you, but already love your personality!!!

[@xFliox]

The deadlines/external pressure thing is what I need the most, thank you!

[@fruitlessworship]

it took me a second to catch on at the end but that was a good insight and i related to it very much (though i get a lot more frustrated than you do) one thing i would like to note is that even in interpersonal interactions we only get a certain curated version of a person - less curated than the sheer deliberacy of a song or a youtube video but curated nonetheless - and i think one can love you in a similar way one can love a friend they dont know as well as others, you know? even in a relationship where people can see eachother at their absolute most authentic there is still not and never will be a full understanding between those two people and i think we need to learn to be ok with that

[@umblapag]

And thank you for being with us, Ben

[@edmorris6588]

👏👏👏 oh Ben your curations have touched a heart note

[@moshadj]

I love you, Ben. Curated or not or a fictional projection in my head or whatever. I love you.

[@dooshmagee2165]

i really enjoy your personality and videos

[@anttigeier3035]

Ben: what he says after 11:14 ::D *Adam Neely has left the chat :D

[@kay4x4]

Julian Lage!!! Whooo!! Seeing him and John Zorn next week in S'Hertogenbosch. :D

[@jonbanjovi99]

thank you Ben Levin! I know it was not necessarily intentional in this silly video, but still there were at least 5 moments of profound brilliance in this video that helped me today. I would like to jam with you some day. Come back to indianapolis!

[@j3llyman7]

I’ll be seeing you guys play at the Plaza! super pumped!

[@nathanlalify]

Is no one gonna mention the "portuguese cereals" were actually French ? lol

[@geoffstockton]

That was a brilliant way to end.

[@MurzMKII]

Elza Soares is a Brazilian samba singer whose recent output has boarded more on the side of experimental rock. Her two most recent albums are really cool.

[@andrademarianna]

18:10 it was very nice to hear that, thanks ben!

[@faheyisgod]

The ending here was extremely enjoyable.

[@GalleryOfChameleon]

I know you said you won't be able to make videos while on tour but if you put up a view vlogs of your travels and stuff, I'm sure we'd all enjoy that!

[@joallen5750]

Making music is like "a massage for your happiness"

[@micindir4213]

I kind of liked the ending. Sort of like when I'm recording a part into daw, each pass I try to emphisise different idea, explore different color in a way. And also the way each take is not more confident but only in specific part is very peculiar. It never crossed my mind to leave in a goof or a visible insecurity, some kind of sloppiness in the take.

[@Yerjckk]

Brazilian music? Chico Buearque Cotidiano o Construcao

[@Gnurklesquimp]

I forgot about both the do me a solid part as well as the ''if you were Adam for a day'' part, and laughed out loud all over again. And yeah, I remember getting hung up on the term ''non-functional'', I find it slightly weird since intervals in non-functional music still have a function/role, even if it takes some establishing. Maybe I'm missing the point, if not, it's still just semantics, I guess.

[@bassclarineteffects-carlki9219]

'Infant Eyes' is my fav Wayne tune. you must be cool!

[@1678felipe]

Regarding Brazilian music, you really really should check out Hermeto Pascoal. Could be your thing. Also, Milton Nascimento (who recorded an album with Wayne Shorter as far as I can remember)

[@giorgiooliviero8554]

Lovely. Thank you ben, I think we all love when you interact with us. ...that was kinda alienating, but the point holds

[@jonbanjovi99]

that answer to why do you perform, may be the best ever

[@2li678]

Forró music from NE Brazil is pretty cool. Kinda like Cajun music, but with zabumba drums and lydian dominant melodic lines.

[@hiqwertyhi]

man, having recently read paper towns that ending was especially powerful

[@Skipp376]

"two-sided sword coin that hurts when you touch it"

[@maxschnupp8187]

You should check out the album Stone flower by antonio carlos jobim.

[@ulfingvar1]

Nice video, you're a nice, smart dude, band/music is amazing. Do you consider yourself "prog" or do you, like Robert Fripp, throw up when placed in that category?

[@yvancluet8146]

The world would be so much better if people were more like you

[@ScttSt_vocals]

Hey, erm, in context of guitaists. What do you think of buckethead? Definetely not a jazz guy, but still kinda cool and absolutely outstnading. Maybe consider checking him out.

[@alexemery1016]

infant eyes is my favourite jazz tune also

That ending is legendary.

[@kevek42]

alright I know I'm a bit late here but a band from Brazil that I've been enjoying listening to recently is Abraskadabra

[@aidanoleary6514]

MINE WAS THE SECOND ONE!!!!! Woahhhhh that was epic

[@peterhughes9893]

tpab hit me that way to

[@MisterDoctorBaconman]

Do you consider your Instagram page as an extension of the “ecosystem of creativity” that you use to inspire your lyric writing? Great video Ben!

[@jacoblee3917]

Bout the only Brazilian band I know is Azymuth, but worthy of being brought up!!

[@VenomousCamel]

Loved you before, liked and subscribed for your response to "I love you".

[@joeltrawick9700]

No Ben :\......I want to see you in Denver, but I think I'm traveling for the holidays.

[@ezzbbj8]

Metá Metá is my first Brazilian music rec. for anyone who likes their rock music colorful and weird. If Ben Levin doesn't like the song Oyá after looking it up, then my whole world view will be broken.

[@jaredmeit6127]

I wish I could see your show tomorrow, but I made Halloween plans. Dang it! WHAT TIME DO YOU GO ON? Maybe I can make it.

[@whiteboyskittytv5840]

You definitely in the sweet spot. Enjoy it

[@mutably]

Really strange to see Rik&Rok cereals boxes in one of your video.

[@SoulStBlues]

I'll see you in Baltimore!

[@tomvesely4008]

"Q: Jazz? Ben: Yes!" Love that answer!

[@FinalCurve]

The end of the video reminded me of Brion Gysin's (and WS Burroughs's) cutups :)