Daily Inspiration: Meet Benjamin “Silky” Johnson

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin “Silky” Johnson.

Hi Benjamin, I’m so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. I picked up my first bass guitar at the age of 14. From there, I started my first garage band and was involved in the Jazz Ensemble at school, as well as the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra. I later studied Jazz Performance at Capital University’s Conservatory of Music under the direction of Roger Hines, former road bassist for Ray Charles and musical director for Diane Schuur. 

In my twenties, I took a slew of gigs ranging from jazz, rock, blues, hip-hop, covers, and Latin, you name it. I lost my mother to a very long and painful battle with cancer in 2023, which put a lot of things in perspective. One of those things is that life is too short to not be doing exactly what you want to be doing exactly where you want to do it. I was unhappy with Columbus for a number of reasons, namely its clear lack of the music industry. Columbus is a great small music community with world-class players, and it’s a shame to me that it lacks opportunity. 

With the encouragement of very good friends Drummer Jake Levy and guitarist/mix/master engineer Adam Leeds, I decided to take the gamble and move down here. I’ve been here about four months now. When I was down here apartment hunting, I randomly ran into my hands-down favorite songwriter/lyricist, Dylan Wilson, aka King Lazy Eye. 

A few months later, he made a post about being in need of a bass player. I managed to track him down at a gig at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge and asked for an audition. I ended up landing the gig, and I could not be more thrilled to be playing with an artist whose music I love and respect so much, not to mention all the big things on the horizon in terms of touring, recordings, and so on. 

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road. I’m not sure the non-creatives really understand how much we sacrifice to create art. I’ve sacrificed my finances, my relationships, my mental health, you name it. 

My mother fought cancer on and off from the time I was in 3rd grade up until her passing in 2023. My father was a borderline abusive narcissist. I lived well below the poverty line for all of my adult life. My mental health has suffered. I’ve abused alcohol. I’ve lashed out at friends and family. I’ve pissed off people, hell I’ve pissed on people. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a bass player first and foremost, but I also produce hip-hop beats. You can find my beats on all streaming platforms under Silky Johnson. 

King Lazy Eye full-band recordings are being worked on and should be done by the end of the year. In Columbus being well rounded was a means for survival so I quite honestly have no idea what I specialize in, I just do my best to play my role regardless of the situation. 

What would you say was one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
You’ve got to go through it to get to it. 

Nothing worth it is ever easy. Life will present its hardships, but these hardships are what mold you as not only a human but as an artist. If you’ve never suffered hardships, you are quite simply attempting to pour from an empty vessel. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kinglazyeye.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silkyj4000/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinglazyeyemusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ2aju4QHGNgjOCqo-xzJrA
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0TbWvjxBrX84C8QWAU6UxM

Image Credits
Stephen Takacs