I was at Winnetka Music Festival June 19-20, where I spoke to @benkweller, a multi-genre multi-instrumentalist, whose very personal and revealing songwriting has been his trademark throughout his more than 20-year career. This episode is Part 1 of a four-part series of in-person interviews from the Winnetka Music Fest, and I’ll be featuring these throughout this and the following week.Ben’s latest album, Cover the Mirrors, is not only a personal documentation of his life, but also a tribute to his son Dorian, who died tragically in 2023. Ben’s vulnerability and authenticity are on full display in this recent effort, and he talks to me about just how his songwriting plays a critical part in his life — and how it especially helped him during a time of unimaginable sorrow. This is a heartwrenching yet hopeful story of perseverance and grace. Ben’s humor and joyful spirit is on full display in this lively conversation, and I’m honored to have sat down with him just prior to his set. I can’t wait for you to give this one a listen!!=======================================Chapters:00:00 -- Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg06:30 — Intro and joking around about an apparent show mix-up07:10 — Ben’s vulnerability as a songwriter and communicator08:16 — Why plainspoken lyrics can still feel powerful09:50 — DIY instincts, business, and being direct11:31 — The loss of Dorian and how music stopped at home12:56 — Writing songs to communicate with Dorian14:38 — The story behind “Oh Dorian”16:56 — How the song shifted into a friend’s perspective18:02 — The emotional weight of the album Cover the Mirrors19:06 — Fiction, first person, and writing from lived truth20:56 — How tragedy changed the impact of Ben’s songwriting21:49 — Fans supporting Ben on tour through grief22:38 — Feeling Dorian’s presence on stage23:37 — Creative momentum and working on a new album24:48 — Showing up for the muse and the creative life25:29 — Songs as something received, not just written25:59 — The French phrase in a new song and checking the translation27:47 — Flow state, openness, and the idea of receiving songs29:28 — How listeners interpret Ben’s lyrics30:26 — Songs that took on new meaning after Dorian’s death31:19 — Ben’s musical beginnings as a kid33:49 — His music-first writing process and melodic math35:54 — Free will, destiny, and the shape of a life36:32 — Being Jewish, family traditions, and Shabbat38:15 — Shared cultural identity and appreciation for Jewish guests38:47 — Johnny/Modern Love Child and collaboration39:49 — Reissue news for On My Way40:37 — The next studio album, Agarita41:37 — Wanting a teleprompter for live shows42:30 — Thoughts on lyric stands and authenticity on stage43:22 — Daniel Johnston and outsider music43:53 — Roger Greenwald and producing a debut album45:45 — Artists as conduits and creating a unique path46:33 — Closing thanks and tribute46:50 -- Episode Wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg=======================================For more information on Roadcase:https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.comOr contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected] theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer