About Me

My name is Ben Berke-Halperin. I'm in Tenth Grade, and I produce music. Mainly, I produce hip-hop beats, both in school and at home. However, I don't like to restrict myself to any particular genre. Additionally, I play jazz guitar. TO learn about some of my personal influences, look below:

Influences

The Clash- London Calling

This was a song that I listened to a lot in second or third grade. And while that was a long time ago, I can see how it has continued to influence me, even on an unconscious level. I have since developed a fascination with reversed sounds, such as is demonstrated in the guitar solo. I love the sheer simplicity of the two alternating chords. This song has showed me that a song can have simple chords and a catchy bass long, while in most music it is the opposite. Joe strummer's voice is very raw and and he does not hide his accent as some British singer's do. This gives the sound of the song, and the clash in general, a very authentic sound.

Linkin Park Live Show

Roy Ayers- Everybody Loves the Sunshine

Nas- The World Is Yours

I think this song gives a really good inside into the life of Nas, growing up in Queensbridge, New York. Not only does he express this through lyrics but the Ahmad Jamal sample does a really good job of conveying the same dark but optimistic mood of the song. Nas speaks of life in the hood, but he continues to say "the world is yours". I take this as a positive message, saying that even though he comes from a rough place, he still plans to take over the world. Musically, I really like some of the ways he raps his lines; it's clear that he has a real sense of rhythm. He doesn't just speak his lines, he really is in touch with the music.

Lil Ugly Mane- Prelude to Panopticon: On Doing An Evil Deed Blues

I think "On Doing An Evil Deed Blues" is a perfect example of a piece of music that not only influenced me, but really speaks to me. In many ways, this song is very genre defying; at it's root it's hip-hop, but looking deeper, elements of folk, country, jazz and electronic music can be found. What speaks to me about this song is it's ability to touch on so many different styles of music

My Music

Songs:

Raining Outside

Melody Project