Hi Benson, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I was born and raised in Edmonton AB, Canada which is a moderate sized city of a million in Western Canada. My background is a professional pianist and composer for media. I have branched out and also became a singer/songwriter/producer over the years. I am a multi-instrumentalist playing guitar and sing as well.
Knowing that you received a degree in Biological Sciences. Is piano playing more so a hobby that you've turned into a part-time career? Do you plan on perusing music full time?
I actually went to Nursing school after I obtained my Science degree and became a Registered Nurse whereby I work full time during the day. I split my time through 3 musical endeavors. I have my own piano studio that I teach once a week, play piano gigs locally in the hospitality industry and run an audio production company writing music for a variety of projects in the film, television and video game industries. I currently just work on my music part time but eventually hope to transition to it as my primary career eventually. I love playing the piano but enjoy writing music more as my love is to emotionally enhance projects with my own compositions and songs.
Mind telling our readers a little bit about "SOCAN"?
SOCAN is the performing rights organization in Canada much like BMI and ASCAP is in the United States. 4. What has been your most memorable moment thus far in your career? The most memorable moment so far as a composer is having my music placed in a independent feature film based in San Francisco California called "The Minds of Men" directed by Sean Shing. A romantic comedy based from the perspective of men.
If you can compose music for any project in the world what would you choose and why?
I would love to work on Hollywood Film Trailers. Their epic sound is really exciting to hear so once I get the skill set for that it would be a dream to have my music in an official Hollywood campaign; in addition, I am a big fan of pop music so working on more singles from a songwriter/producer perspective be great as I predominately write instrumental music for media projects.
What has been your favorite moment so far in the production of music?
I think for me hearing the final piece is a great experience. With music technology now musicians can create professional sounding recording all from their home studios which is amazing as I get to have my music placed in projects around the world thanks to the advent of the internet.
How challenging is it for you to compose music?
At times it can be quite challenging trying to come up with ideas and turning them into finished pieces, but like all writers we love the process it entails.
Mind telling us a little bit about your new track you're planning on releasing?
I will be sending you guys one of my newer hybrid orchestral film trailer tracks. It blends modern sounds with the orchestra that you would hear in the latest movies and film trailers.
Any personal favorite maneuvers of yours?
Health is a big interest of mine as I am a Registered Nurse. I workout 4-5 x a week and taken up yoga recently to contrast the weight and strength training in the gym. I can do a mean child's pose during hot yoga which is just me in resting position lol. I have horrible flexibility so its quite humbling to me.
Connect with Benson Lai on social media:
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/bensonlaimusic
Piano Site: www.bensonspiano.com
Production Company: www.theaudiocoalition.com