Bounce & Flow: Ben Hixon In Conversation

On the eve of his new EP for NDATL, we caught up with him to talk origins, influences, creative instincts, and the unexpected paths that led him here.

Hello Ben. How are you?

Doing pretty well. Hope you are well.

We are talking to you on the eve of the launch of the new EP. How are you feeling about this record?

I’m feeling good. I love releasing music, feels good. Shout out to Kai for letting me be a part of an incredible catalogue.

Where were you born, where did you grow up?

I was born in Dallas, TX and grew up in Duncanville/Dallas, TX.

Where are you based now and what do you love about living there?

Currently living in Brooklyn, NY. Just happy to be here.

How long have you been in the production game?

Since I can remember. Started making stuff when I was like 10 or 11 on my mom’s computer. Or at least attempting, I can say.

Were you a DJ first? Where were you playing in your early days?

I was into music. I loved guitar, I loved piano. I loved all types of music.

But I didn’t get into DJing until I was in high school probably. I just wanted to always pick the music, even if no one wanted me to.

What was your first record release?

Honestly, I’ve released so much stuff for so long, dating back to early high school. I can’t remember what I would consider my first. The first Dolfin Records release was “FELIX – S/T.” That did pretty good. Sold out, and lots of people liked its weirdness.

My first release under my name was Ben Hixon – Body & Brain EP on 7” on New Math Records (JT Donaldson). I think that did good. It wasn’t immediately sold out but I think some people liked it. Was a fun experience.

Who were the artists and DJs that influenced you at that time?

I loved Chez n Ron records. All of them. Individually, together, whatever. That shit just had such an awesome bounce and flow and pace that I was obsessed with and still am. Really into Theo’s early 2000s stuff and Larry Heard’s late 2000s/early 2010s stuff.

Which release was it that you feel people really started to listen?

Probably my first full-length LP Living Quarters on New Math Records. There was this song “Candy Paint” that everyone liked. Virgil Abloh played it during the MET Gala livestream during COVID. A few songs off that record were received well, I think.

You seem to have a bit of a cult following growing with all the heads..

Maybe? I’m not sure… I like to do a lot of shit. People know me for different things in different spaces and places… but I just like to stay busy.

How did you connect with Kai?

Met through Stefan Ringer. Shout out Stefan Ringer, my musical brother.

I guess you’re a massive fan of the label NDATL..

How can you not be.

Tell us about this release.

I just wanted to send Kai things that sounded different but shit that I thought he would like. He picked them. I think there were like 8–9 tracks in the folder. He chose 6… not too bad I guess. I made all the songs at different times though.

What are you most proud of with this EP?

Hmm, I’m not sure. I’ll have to wait to see how it’s received. Hear it in the club a few more times I guess.

What was the most challenging part of bringing it together?

Nothing really. Maybe the anxiety of actually sending the folder to Kai. I just didn’t want him to hate all the tracks.

Who do you think is making great music right now?

Stefan Ringer (look out for his new album)
Rami
Stonie Blue
Liv.e (*GENA)
Stephen Carmona
Byron the Aquarius
Coflo
Dez Andrés
Many more.

What is the most recent record you purchased?

Finally got a copy of Shafiq Husayn – Shafiq En-A Free-Ka. Great album.

What inspires you to make music Ben?

I think it’s the reason I’m on earth.

Do things like art, current affairs, people you know have influence on the music that you make?

Yeah. It’s impossible to not be influenced by everything, no one lives in a bubble.

Is the feedback of others important to you?

Sometimes.

When you’re not making faultless music, what might we find you doing?

I work at the record store a few days a week. I like good food, love to cook. Walking around.

If the world was a giant Monopoly board, who would you send straight to jail, and who would get a get out of jail free card?

I don’t wanna send anyone to jail. And I’d wish for a lot of people to get out of jail.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about you?

New record out now on NDATL, go get that. New music coming from Dolfin Records, go get that too.Much love!!!!

Lovely to speak to you Ben.

Thanks for having me.

Buy the new release HERE.