The sun is out and the feel of the summer is slightly in the air. As I’m driving down I-4 into downtown Orlando I’m listening closely the music playing from the rear speakers. I hear the synth similar to an 80’s Scarface soundtrack layered by a smooth flow and delivery. The voice behind this 808 & synth infused record is sitting next to me. He goes by the artist Ben Q that is not far from his full name Benjamin Quintana. Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico Ben has made quite a name for himself in his region of the country. He began experimenting with music at the age of 5 and was recording himself by the age of 9. “It was nothing major it was the computer mic that came with the gateway computer back then hooked up to Magix studio” he laughs “ Its funny looking back at those recordings cause I hear the structure of the song. I knew I couldn’t make a record without a hook or verses. I’m glad I learned song writing basics early”. We began to discuss his childhood and how his past has influenced so much of who the artist he is today.

Real Eyes – First off, why did you choose the name Ben Q?

Ben Q – Well for this interview you can call me Benjamin (he laughs). It’s short for my full name. The music is me therefore the name is me.

Real Eyes –Tell me about your childhood. How was it growing up in New Mexico?

Ben Q – My childhood was hectic but fun, I was the youngest of 3 kids. My parents split when I was 4 so I moved with my dad. I loved both of my parents but I was always real close to my dad. I grew up and went to school on the Westside of town. It helped me grow up a lot honestly, I learned to be independent and hold my own. My parents were always off at work so I learned how to entertain myself through music. All those years throwing my first concerts for my friends in my living room turned out to be practice for my career.

Real Eyes – What inspired you to begin recording yourself and making your own music?

Ben Q – With all that time at home after school I would just dig through my dads CD collection to find songs that made me feel good. I was only 5 or 6 at the time I started doing this so I had no preference or a particular artist. One day I found the CD that changed me forever. It was U2 “The Joshua Tree” that album single handedly inspired me. Even at 6 years old I felt this overwhelming feeling when each record came on. Since then I’ve been looking to create that same feel and incorporate it into my own music.

Real Eyes – How does it feel to be Ben Q right now?

Ben Q – It feels great, it has been a long road but I’m eager to get my 2nd album out and show everyone I’m still creating feel good music.

Real Eyes – How was the 1st album “Black & White” in your opinion? How much have you grown since then?

Ben Q – The first album was good but no great in my opinion. I made a very costly decision to sign with a label, which I won’t disclose their name due to them receiving any type of promotion from me but they did set the stage for me. In the end I had successful singles, radio play and shows but I didn’t have the piece of mind I wanted.

Real Eyes – What do you mean by “piece of mind you wanted”?

Ben Q – I mean I recorded a lot of those records in their favor and without being heard. I walked in with 3 songs that I already had written along with the music. I showed the label the 3 songs, which we recorded immediately. The other 16 songs were recorded over a few months. When it came time to release singles my 3 songs clearly stood out from the 19 records we had. My most successful song to date “ Come Home “ was one of them. The radio loved it, Then I realized I really could’ve put this together myself.

Real Eyes – Did you leave the label after the song released?

Ben Q – I didn’t. I was really blind at the time and I thought I had really made a relationship with good business people. I honestly I just had mad respect for the engineer I was working with. He knew my sound, so we always made great sounding work. But when time came to get more albums pressed up we split ways.

Real Eyes – Did you end up pressing “Black & White” yourself?

Ben Q – I did and I took them on the road with me for a few months before heading into my senior year of high school. I booked shows and sold the records to prove I could still operate without a label behind me.

Real Eyes – I read an early biography of yours, which said you had recently signed to a pretty well known independent label Big Rich Records. They’re known for working with such artists like Tech N9ne, did you release an album with them?

Ben Q – I didn’t I worked on a project with them for a few months alongside there main producer J Biggs. We made some good music but it wasn’t ME. I was looking for my own sound so Biggs and I split ways on good terms.

Real Eyes – So what was your plan after leaving 2 independent labels with a regional buzz from your 1st record?

Ben Q – Well after some long and hard thinking I decided to move out here to Orlando. I knew Full Sail University was out here and I wanted to get my degree as well as perfect my craft. I knew if I could elevate the sound quality of the music it could really benefit my career in the long run.

Real Eyes – Lets talk about the new record. The Classic Life, explain to me what the Classic life is like?

Ben Q – It’s a lifestyle. The word Classic means something that’s distinguished and is known for putting out great quality of work. I feel that’s the life I’m living. I’ve distinguished myself as an artist and my quality of work has been exceptional. More importantly I titled it that because Classic has to be consistent. This 2nd album is exposing a new sound and showing I have consistency to make quality music.

Real Eyes – Your sound has matured from the last album. Are you looking to show off your lyrical skills this time around?

Ben Q – Defiantly the last album wasn’t in-depth it only scratched the surface of what I wanted to say. This album has rich content and topics that are more personal.

Real Eyes – What about your production? The music is different each song can you explain how you did this?

Ben Q – Yea, I mean people love diverse and simple. I incorporated both on this album. I have tracks like “My Everything” it straight grand piano , kick and snare. But I wanted to emphasize on the lyrics that’s the main instrument per say. On the other hand I have “Brand New” I must have dug up about 7 or 8 synths to blend putting it together. But it gave it that epic mellow yet retro dance sound. I really do this music thing on the fly. Whatever fits my emotion for the record is what I put down. I have a lot of respect for composers that came before me but I’m like fuck musical theory if that’s what your going through lay that shit down and make them feel it.

Real Eyes – Is “Brand New” a potential single for The Classic Life?

Ben Q – I won’t say that right now because there are a few records we are considering. BRAND NEW is a great record though. Be ready for September.

Real Eyes – What other projects are you currently working on?

Ben Q – I’m also recording the Trap Muzik album with a drummer who is also my good friend Ruben Olivares. He’s extremely talented and someone I enjoy being in the studio with. Were defiantly making something special. An Emcee and drummer combination its going be different but done right. Yall know!

Real Eyes – Well Ben Q we appreciate you taking the time to do this interview for Real Eyes Magazine.

Ben Q – I appreciate you having me! Duke City! 407! I’m worldwide this year! THE CLASSIC LIFE SEPTEMBER!