Ben Folds

In this engaging conversation, Ben Folds, the iconic singer-songwriter and former frontman of Ben Folds Five, shares insights following his resignation as an artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra. He reflects on the recent wave of resignations at the Kennedy Center, viewing the board changes as an authoritarian threat to the arts. Folds underscores the necessity for artists to express truthfully in challenging times and draws historical parallels with renowned artists who sought refuge from oppression.

Ben Folds, a legendary musician and former artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra, discusses his resignation from the Kennedy Center amid Trump's controversial policies. He reveals how he seized the opportunity to record a surprise album with the orchestra while navigating the political landscape. Folds also reflects on the vital role of artists in activism and advocates for the importance of artistic expression. The conversation highlights the impact of budget cuts on both the arts and critical health research, stressing the need for change.

Singer/songwriter, pianist, alt-rocker Ben Folds has been releasing records since the 90s. Sometimes with his band Ben Folds Five, sometimes solo. In this episode of Broken Record, he connects with Bruce Headlam to discuss the origins of his biggest hit, "Brick," the time Kesha dove into a pool fully clothed to rescue his phone, and the time he unknowingly destroyed a priceless Steinway piano on Australian TV, plus other anecdotes from his memoir, A Dream About Lightning Bugs. Enjoy this episode—taped live in-studio, before the pandemic—and we'll be back to our weekly Tuesday release schedule next week.Subscribe to Broken Record’s YouTube channel to hear old and new interviews, often with bonus content: https://www.youtube.com/brokenrecordpodcastYou can also check out past episodes here: https://brokenrecordpodcast.com/You can find some of our favorite Ben Folds songs HERE — enjoy! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.