An Interview with Romantica’s Ben Kyle

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Minneapolis band Romantica takes the stage at Papa Charlie’s at Lutsen Mountains ski area on Saturday, April 4. Its richly-textured sound blends elements of folk, alt-country, rock and pop and features the compelling vocals of frontman and songwriter Ben Kyle. Lake Superior Magazine managing editor Bob Berg corresponded with Ben to ask about his musical influences and about playing at Papa Charlie’s.

LSM: I’ve read that you have played at Papa Charlie’s yourself. What about Romantica?

BK: No, Romantica has not played there yet. I’ve played Papa’s a few times on my own, but this will be really great to have the whole band there with me.

LSM: The venue at Lutsen Mountains has hosted so many talented musicians and songwriters over the years – from Richard Thompson and Little Feat to Jeremy Messersmith and Haley Bonar. What is it about this place, and its audience, that you appreciate as an artist?

BK: Well for one, the sound is always impeccable. They have a really talented in-house sound engineer by the name of Jerry LaVigne, who always makes the room and the stage sound great. The vibe is very relaxed, too. I don’t know if that’s a northwoods thing or if it’s because a lot of folks are on vacation and letting their hair down a bit. But whatever the reason, the room has a warm and welcoming feel about it. I think as artists, we often travel from city to city to perform, so the chance to get out into the “backcountry” for a bit is a welcome reprieve. Not to mention the chance to let your own hair down and get out on the slopes for a bit!

LSM: How does playing at Lutsen Mountains compare with a show at a Minneapolis club?

BK: In Minneapolis, perhaps people are catching a show amidst the 30 other things they’re thinking about or doing that day, whereas in Lutsen it feels like life is moving a bit slower, as though there’s something of a suspension in time. There’s more room to breathe, more air to breathe and more possibility for presence, which is very conducive to experiencing live music. Which for me is often about being in the moment and getting in touch with your heart, or your “true feeling,” if you will.

LSM: Whose albums did you listen to when you were a kid? These days, who would you say are your major influences?

BK: As a kid, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie among many, were on rotation. As a teen, it was mostly Brit-pop from the Beatles to Blur, Belle and Sebastian, World Party, The Waterboys and Primal Scream, and twang-pop from the Jayhawks, Matthew Sweet, Golden Smog and  Counting Crows. These days, I could point to Ryan Adams and Daniel Lanois as major musical influences, but I would also suggest that “experience” and “silence” are just as significant as any current musical inspiration.

LSM: Is it true that your mother played hockey, and that you talk about that in your song “The National Side?”

BK: Yes, she captained the Irish national field hockey team. It was a big sport in Ireland, and growing up I always aspired to play for the national side myself. But I had to give up that dream when my family moved to Minnesota when I was 13. That’s what that song’s about.

LSM: At Papa Charlie’s, will you be playing songs from your solo album, as well as songs from the Romantica albums? 

BK: Yes, most likely a good selection of both past and present, solo and Romantica stuff. I’m looking forward to it.

The April 4 concert in Lutsen, Minnesota, starts at 9:30 p.m. with an opening set by Timmy Haus. Romantica plays at 10:45 p.m. Tickets are $8 at the door. 218-663-7800. www.lutsen.com.