The Episodes (Official)
Agoura Hills, California, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2009 | SELF
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Five years after emerging onto the Southern California music scene, singer/songwriter Ben Babylon has reinvented his former Ben Babylon Band, renaming it The Episodes and adding a new member. The now 17-year-old alternative rocker hopes audiences will enjoy the stories, or "episodes," he tells in songs, as if watching reruns of a favorite TV series, discovering different nuances each time.
"The name The Episodes could have any number of meanings," Babylon explained. "It could mean a period of time or a show, or it could be a mental breakdown type of episode. I think we, as The Episodes, will have many 'episodes' or chapters, as we continue to develop and try new things, musically."
Babylon describes The Episodes as a high-energy, piano-based alternatie rock band that experiments with other musical genres. That musical versatility will be on display for the first time under the band's new name on Saturday, November 22, when The Episodes open for Grammy-winning R&B artist Macy Gray at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California.
With six studio albums behind her, Gray has been nominated for five GRAMMY Awards, winning one for the megahit "I Try," from her multi-platinum debut album "On How Life Is." In addition to her music, Gray is an accomplished actress, having appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including "Training Day," "Spider-Man," "Lackawanna Blues" and more.
"A lot of our musical influences are R&B," Babylon said. "Although we are not an R&B band, we try to capture the soul that so many R&B singers and bands have, in our rock music."
Babylon, whose late father, Guy Babylon, was Elton John's keyboardist and arranger for 21 years, has been working on an album with members of the Elton John Band and Grammy-winning producer Matt Still, among others. The first single by The Episodes, with Still as producer, is titled "Never Stop." It is available on Bandcamp at https://theepisodesmusic.bandcamp.com/releases.
The newest member of The Episodes is Jacob Staben, who plays rhythm guitar, keyboards and percussion. The rest of the band is comprised of Ben Babylon (lead singer and keyboardist), Alex Arnaout (bassist), Jagger Krusen (drummer), Brian Schwartz (lead guitarist) and Joshua Barish (artist and creative consultant).
"Everybody in The Episodes contributes creatively, in different ways," Babylon said. "We still play some of the songs we used to perform as the Ben Babylon Band, but reimagined. We are also doing a lot of new material that our fans have never heard. I can't wait for people to hear our new music."
Ben Babylon and The Episodes will open for Macy Gray at The Canyon Club, 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills, CA 91301-3304, on November 22. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. - Broadway World — MusicWorld
Ben Babylon is changing channels. The son of Elton’s late keyboardist and arranger, Guy Babylon, has renamed his band “The Episodes”. But don’t expect to see a lot of reruns. The former Ben Babylon Band is developing new material.
“The name The Episodes could have any number of meanings,” Ben explained. “It could mean a period of time or a show, or it could be a mental breakdown type of episode. I think we, as The Episodes, will have many ‘episodes’ or chapters, as we continue to develop and try new things, musically.”
The Episodes’ new member, Jacob Staben, plays rhythm guitar, keyboards and percussion. He joins long-time band members Alex Arnaout (bassist), Jagger Krusen (drummer), Brian Schwartz (lead guitarist), and, of course, lead singer and keyboard player Ben Babylon.
“Everybody in The Episodes contributes creatively, in different ways,” Ben says. “We still play some of the songs we used to perform as the Ben Babylon Band, but reimagined. We are also doing a lot of new material that our fans have never heard. I can’t wait for people to hear our new music.”
Ben describes The Episodes as a high-energy, piano-based alternative rock band that experiments with other musical genres. That musical versatility will be on display for the first time under the band’s new name on Saturday, November 22, 2014, when The Episodes open for GRAMMY-winning R&B artist Macy Gray at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California.
Meanwhile, Ben has been working on an album with members of the Elton John Band and Grammy-winning producer Matt Still, among others. The first single by The Episodes, with Still as producer, is titled “Never Stop.” It is available on Bandcamp at https://theepisodesmusic.bandcamp.com/releases.
“Matt Still did an amazing job and we look forward to hopefully working with him again,” Ben says. “We recorded four songs with him, and ‘Never Stop’ is the first one we released. The second song, ‘Jack’s Hit’, is actually available to download now when you sign up for our mailing list.”
Ben Babylon and The Episodes will open for Macy Gray at The Canyon Club, 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills, CA 91301-3304, on November 22, 2014. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. - EltonFan.net
2014 has been a succesful year, full of new projects. The Ben Babylon Band were selected by Sonic Bids to play Sunset Sessions 2014. We could see tham opening for Marshall Tucker Band at the Canyon Club. Also working with producer Matt Still in the Studio on 4 new songs: first of them, "Never Stop" released free the past 03 September, the official day of changing their band name to "The Episodes". As you know, Ben released his new Single, "Burning Man", off his EP "Further Interpretations of Real life", and another single, "Contradiction", which features the Elton John Band. We invited Ben to chat a little about all these projects, and asking about all those things. So Ben, welcome again to your fan site, a joy to have you here. So let's start. Jack Rabbit, it's your turn.
Thanks, well, the BBB develop to The Episodes. You define this as an Alternative Rock band. Why the need of this development? What could The Episodes gives you that the BBB not did?
Yes, we are a high-energy, piano-based alternative rock band. We put ourselves in that genre because a lot of the bands that influence us are in that genre as well. The reason we changed our band name to The Episodes was to form a sense of unity, and also to introduce a new “start.” We are starting to branch out, listen to different genres, and also write very differently. Our songwriting process is beginning to develop and transform as well — both individually and collectively. We just sound different. You can definitely hear our Ben Babylon Band “roots", but we just sound different. We also wanted to institute a fresh and unique “image” that we just didn’t think the Ben Babylon Band could boast. To establish this image, we added Joshua Barish to the band. Now, you will never see Joshua on stage, but you will see his art. Soon we will unveil our new beautiful kick drum head. Joshua is going to be performing all of the art for The Episodes.
Art and music, good combination. Amazing idea! And why the choosing of the name? What's the reason behind this?
That, I have to say, is a little bit of a mystery. Somebody just suggested it — I believe it was Alex. We all got together and started suggesting band names, and The Episodes just came up. I can’t tell you why we all liked it so much, but I think we realized it just fit. I think we liked the sort of double meaning behind the word “episode.” It could mean an episode as in a period of time or a show, or it could be a mental breakdown type of episode. I think it will prove to be a good band name in the future as well. I think we, as The Episodes, will have many “episodes” — or chapters. I think we will continue to develop, and I think the name really allows for us to branch out and try new things as our career develops with time.
Sure! Perfect! Influences from Ben Folds Five to Randy Newman, from Elton John to Radiohead, from Queen to Cage the Elephant... a wide range of styles. What do you pick from those different artists?
Yes, all of these artists are major influences on our music. Elton John has been an influence on our music from our beginnings as the Ben Babylon Band. But as we developed, we all began to listen to all different kinds of music. One of my favorite singers/songwriters/performers of all time is Freddie Mercury. I have listened to him, watched his performances (my favorite being Wembley ’86), and even researched him and his life. He is a major influence on me, and subsequently also an influence on the rest of the band. We all listen to different bands however, and fusing all of our influences together really creates, what we think, quite a unique sound.
Yes! Then could you present the members of the band? One of those members is Jacob Staben, the one you write: "What will he be playing, you ask? We don't really know to be honest . . . just a bunch of . . . things".
Alex Arnaout — Alex is the bassist of the band, and also sings background vocals.
Ben Babylon — That’s me. I am the lead singer and keyboardist.
Joshua Barish — Yes, we count him as a band member. He creates all of the artwork for The Episodes, and has creative input.
Jagger Krusen — Jagger is the drummer, and sings background vocals.
Brian Schwartz — Brian is the lead guitarist and occasionally sings background vocals.
Jacob Staben — Jacob plays all sorts of stuff! He will play rhythm guitar, keyboards, percussion, etc. Whatever the song calls for. He adds texture to the band.
Thanks! "Never Stop", mixed by the greatest Matt Still, is the brand first new single. This is the first step to release an entire album? I love the lines: "Look at all these people are they even here for me? Look at all these people — why don’t they shout, why don’t they scream?”.
Yes, that is our first single, available on Bandcamp for $1+ (https://theepisodesmusic.bandcamp.com/releases). Matt Still did an amazing job and we look forward to hopefully working with him again. He is amazing. We recorded four songs with him, and “Never Stop” is the first one we released. The second song, “Jack’s Hit” is actually available to download now when you sign up for our mailing list (https://www.facebook.com/theepisodesmusic/app_306495682738302). To answer your question about an album — yes! We are trying to complete an album right now. Unfortunately, making an album takes a lot of time and money, so it is a slow process. That’s why every dollar that comes from Bandcamp goes to funding our album. But we are definitely in the process, and we have high hopes for it!
Wow! People, we have to be there, we must be there. Next coming shows are in the making, I suppose. Anything to explain about this?
Our next show will be November 22nd at the Canyon Club, opening for Macy Gray. Tickets and more details are on Bandsintown (https://www.facebook.com/theepisodesmusic/app_123966167614127).
Which songs we could hear on your live performances? Something from the BBB days? New songs by The Episodes? Covers as you did by Fun or Ben Folds?
You will definitely here a few of our BBB songs, but reimagined. We will also have a lot of new songs that we have never played before. We will play a few covers, but a majority of the show will be original.
Finally, I would love you explain something bit about the experience on the Berklee School of Music. What does it means to you to be in one of the most priviledged schools of music?
My experience at Berklee School of Music was one of the coolest experiences in my life. I had so much fun, met so many talented people, and I learned so much. What I learned there is definitely being incorporated in my new songs — and I can’t wait to show them to everybody!
Thanks so much Ben for being here. Today it's your birthday, so me and Rabbit wish you a HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, wishing all the best this year and years in become. You are a genuine person and I wish you fullfill all your dreams because you deserve it. Next, we've got a few people, few fans, that would like to send their wishes to you. You are so much loved and you are the best. Thanks so much Ben, God Bless you.
Fans, we have the opportunity to help Ben and the boys to get funds for their coming album, so it could be a nice gift to download one of their tracks, for just one dollar. So my suggestion, and I will, it's to help in there. Thanks. - BenBabylonNumber1
If alternative rock musician Ben Babylon was a household product, he might have a TV commercial advertising his band as “new and improved.”
The 17-year-old from Agoura Hills recently changed the name of the former Ben Babylon Band to The Episodes, reflecting a desire to shift the focus to the band as a whole, even though he remains the lead vocalist, keyboard player and vocalist.
There are other differences in the band, besides the name, including the addition of Jacob Staben, who plays rhythm guitar, keyboards and percussion.
He joins long-time band members Alex Arnaout on bass, Jagger Krusen on drums and Brian Schwartz as lead guitarist.
“The name The Episodes could have any number of meanings,” Babylon said. “It could mean a period of time or a show, or it could be a mental breakdown type of episode. I think we, as The Episodes, will have many ‘episodes’ or chapters, as we continue to develop and try new things, musically.”
Babylon describes The Episodes as a high-energy, pianobased alternative rock band that experiments with other musical genres.
That musical versatility will be on display for the first time under the band’s new name on Sat., Nov. 22, when The Episodes open for Grammy-winning R&B artist Macy Gray at The Canyon club in Agoura Hills.
With six studio albums behind her, Gray has been nominated for five Grammy Awards, winning one for “I Try,” from her multiplatinum debut album “On How Life Is.”
Gray is also an actress, having appeared in TV shows and movies, including “Training Day,” “Spider- Man” and “Lackawanna Blues.”
“A lot of our musical influences are R&B,” Babylon said. “Although we are not an R&B band, we try to capture the soul that so many R&B singers and bands have, in our rock music.”
Babylon, whose late father Guy Babylon was Elton John’s keyboardist and arranger for 21 years, has been working on an album with members of the Elton John Band and Grammy-winning producer Matt Still.
The first single by The Episodes, with Still as producer, is titled “Never Stop.”
“Everybody in The Episodes contributes creatively, in different ways,” Babylon said. “We still play some of the songs we used to perform as the Ben Babylon Band, but reimagined. We are also doing a lot of new material that our fans have never heard. I can’t wait for people to hear our new music.”
Doors open at 6 p.m. for the Nov. 22 show. Sayed Sabrina also performs. Gray goes on at 9 p.m. - The Acorn
As previously announced via this Web site, the 17-year-old son of Elton's late keyboardist and arranger, Guy Babylon, recently changed the name of his Ben Babylon Band to The Episodes.
The name change reflects Ben's desire to shift the focus to the whole ensemble, even though he remains front and center as lead vocalist, keyboard player and vocalist.
There are other differences in the band, besides the new name, including the addition of Jacob Staben, who plays rhythm guitar, keyboards and percussion. He joins long-time band members Alex Arnaout (bassist), Jagger Krusen (drummer) and Brian Schwartz (lead guitarist).
“The name The Episodes could have any number of meanings,” Ben explained. “It could mean a period of time or a show, or it could be a mental breakdown type of episode. I think we, as The Episodes, will have many ‘episodes’ or chapters, as we continue to develop and try new things, musically.”
Ben describes The Episodes as a high-energy, piano-based alternative rock band which experiments with other musical genres. That musical versatility will be on display for the first time under the band’s new name on Saturday, November 22, when The Episodes open for Grammy-winning R&B artist Macy Gray at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California.
With six studio albums behind her, Gray has been nominated for five Grammy awards, winning one for I Try, from her multi-platinum debut album On How Life Is. In addition to her music, Gray is an accomplished actress, having appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including Training Day, Spider-Man, Lackawanna Blues and more.
“A lot of our musical influences are R&B,” Ben said. “Although we are not an R&B band, we try to capture the soul that so many R&B singers and bands have, in our rock music.”
Ben has been working on an album with members of Elton's group and Grammy-winning producer Matt Still, among others. The first single by The Episodes, with Still as producer, is titled Never Stop. It is available on Bandcamp at-- https://theepisodesmusic.bandcamp.com/releases
“Everybody in The Episodes contributes creatively, in different ways,” Ben remarked. “We still play some of the songs we used to perform as the Ben Babylon Band, but reimagined. We are also doing a lot of new material that our fans have never heard. I can’t wait for people to hear our new music.”
Ben Babylon and The Episodes will open for Macy Gray at the Canyon Club, 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills, CA, on November 22. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Also performing will be Sayed Sabrina. The show starts at 7:15, with Macy Gray going on at 9:00 p.m. - EltonJohnWorld
Rising teen singer/songwriter Ben Babylon and his band, the Ben Babylon Band, have been added to the lineup at Michele Clark's Sunset Sessions, which will take place February 20-22 at the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort in Carlsbad, California. Babylon will perform on February 21.
Sunset Sessions is one of the music industry's most prestigious events, bringing together industry representatives and leading up-and-coming talent. Babylon, 16, was invited to appear, after winning a competition sponsored by SonicBids, a digital platform that helps venues find musical talent.
Babylon has been steadily gaining a following throughout the Los Angeles area, and is presently working on an album with help from his band and members of the Elton John Band. He also recently released an EP, "Further Interpretations of Real Life," which is available at concerts and through his website.
"It's an honor to be invited to perform at Sunset Sessions," Babylon said. "The standards are really high, so the pressure is on for us to do a great job. I can't wait to see how the audience responds to my music."
Sunset Sessions is viewed as a stepping stone for new artists, as it provides an opportunity to meet high-level industry professionals who can help move their careers forward. Sunset Sessions as been instrumental in launching artists such as Jason Mraz, fun., Black Keys, Zac Brown Band, Colbie Caillat and many more.
Guest speakers and panel moderators will include Erik Logan, president of Oprah Winfrey Network & HARPO Studios; Marc Geiger, head of music at the William Morris Endeavor agency and co-founder of Lollapalooza; Michelle Wolfe of KMMS in Bozeman, Montana; Alexandra Patsavas of Chop Shop; Alicen Schneider, vice president of Music Creative Services at NBC Universal; and more.
Sunset Sessions is a private event. For information about attending, details are available at www.sunsetsessions.org.
The Ben Babylon Band's next public concert will take place on May 23, when the BBB opens for the Marshall Tucker Band at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California. Tickets and information are available at www.BabylonMusic.biz. - bwwmusicworld.com
One of the South's original alternative-country bands will share the stage with one of Southern California's most exciting up-and-coming alternative rock groups, when LA's Ben Babylon Band opens for the Marshall Tucker Band at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills on May 23.
Fronted by multi-award-winning keyboard player, singer and songwriter Ben Babylon, the Ben Babylon Band fuses rock with blues, jazz and insightful lyrics. Babylon, who is 16, is backed by Brian Schwartz (lead guitar), Alex Arnaout (bass) and Jagger Krusen (drums).
"I am excited to be opening for the Marshall Tucker Band," Babylon said. "I love how they incorporated rock, R&B and jazz into country music."
With roots dating to the mid-1960s, the Marshall Tucker Band was named after a blind piano tuner in South Carolina, who was not associated with the group. Their debut album, which was released in 1973 and was certified Gold in 1975, included the classic song "Can't You See." The band is also known for such hits as "Heard It In a Love Song" and "Fire On the Mountain."
Meanwhile, the Ben Babylon Band has been working on an album with members of the Elton John Band and GRAMMY-winning producer Matt Still. An EP, "Further Interpretations of Real Life," is available at Babylon's concerts, and two singles "Contradiction" and "Burning Man," are available through iTunes and other online retailers.
The Ben Babylon Band and the Marshall Tucker Band will perform at The Canyon Club, 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills, CA 91301-3304, on May 23. LA-based guitarist Sean Callero will also perform. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The Ben Babylon Band will go on at 8:00 p.m. and the Marshall Tucker Band will start at 9:00. Tickets are $35 / $60 and can be ordered through www.BabylonMusic.biz or by calling The Canyon Club at 818-879-5016.
5 - broadwayworld.com
Ben Babylon, the 15-year-old son of the late Guy Babylon, who was Elton John's Grammy-winning keyboardist and arranger, is among special guests scheduled to perform at The Elton Expo in Las Vegas in October.
The three-day fan fest will feature musical performances and panel discussions by artists who have worked with Elton John, including members of his band, and a silent auction to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Fans will also have an opportunity to sell and purchase Elton John collectibles.
"The thing I enjoy most about Elton Expo is meeting other fans who are as passionate as I am about the man and the music," said promoter Kevin Bell, editor of the fan magazine East End Lights. "These are people who know every detail about Elton, (lyricist) Bernie Taupin, and the band. Elton and Bernie have written the soundtracks of their lives, and the fans want to know more about them."
Bell, who has been organizing The Elton Expo since 2006, said this year's lineup is the best ever. Thus far, guests include:
The Elton John Band
Elton Rohn (EJ tribute band will perform at EJ Expo and at Hard Rock Café)
Keith Hayward, author of "Tin Pan Alley-The Rise of Elton John"
Record producer Matt Still ("Captain and the Kid," "Peachtree Road")
Performances by the Ben Babylon Band
"Behind the Music" panel discussion with Elton's crew members
Relatives and friends of Elton and his band
A special mystery guest
"It's very exciting, to be invited to perform at the show," said Babylon, an award-winning pianist who grew up around the Elton John Band. "Elton has influenced my music more than almost anybody else. You can find his influence in almost everything in the modern piano rock/pop genre, if you really listen."
"I am thrilled to have Ben coming to Elton Expo," Bell said. "His father was a big supporter of East End Lights. It's exciting to see how the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
Guy Babylon was a member of the Elton John Band for 21 years. When he passed away in 2009, Elton eulogized him as "one of the most brilliant musicians" he had ever known. The younger Babylon has remained close to Elton and his musicians, and is now working on an album of his own songs, with help from the Elton John Band. At least one member of the band, percussionist John Mahon, plans to sit in with Babylon at the Expo.
"It is very special to see Guy's son so determined about music," Mahon said. "Ben is obviously blessed with talent."
Mahon added that he is looking forward to meeting fans at the Expo, because they often give him a different perspective on the music he has spent years performing.
"Fans from outside the USA have way different musical tastes, and Elton songs that are popular in America are not necessarily hits in other parts of the world," Mahon said. "Someone might ask me specifics about a percussion instrument that I'm playing on a particular song. I didn't know they were listening that close!"
The Elton Expo will take place October 4-6, 2013, at the Tuscany Suites Hotel, 255 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89169. Registration is $160 per person, excluding hotel. For reservations, call 877-887-2263 or702-947-5925. For information, email EastEndLights0@gmail.com or visitwww.EastEndLightsMagazine.com.
Read more about Ben Babylon Band to Perform at 'Elton Expo' in Las Vegas, 10/5 and 10/6 by lasvegas.broadwayworld.com - Broadway World
Two cutting-edge rock bands, one classic and one new, will grace the stage at The Canyon Club near Los Angeles, when the teenaged Ben Babylon Band (BBB) opens for the legendary group Ambrosia on Friday, March 1.
Despite a brief recording history, Ambrosia skyrocketed to fame in the 1970s, with five Grammy nominations and numerous hit songs, including "Holdin' On To Yesterday," "Somewhere I've Never Traveled," "Can't Let A Woman," "The Biggest Part of Me" and their first Gold single, "How Much I Feel." Known for their progressive blend of classical, world-music, blues and R&B, Ambrosia was widely regarded as America's answer to such cutting-edge British artists at the time as Yes and King Crimson.
"Ambrosia definitely helped pave the way for more musical experimentation," said Babylon, lead singer and keyboardist of the BBB. "Ambrosia was one of the first bands I listened to as a kid."
As the son of the late Guy Babylon, Elton John's long-time Grammy award-winning keyboardist and arranger, Ben Babylon grew up listening to a wide variety of music, and counts several classic rock artists among his many influences. A multi-award-winning pianist and keyboard player himself, Ben is currently working on his first album of original songs, with help from members of the Elton John Band as well as his own band. His first single from the album, "Contradiction," is now available through iTunes and Amazon.
In addition to Babylon, the Ben Babylon Band is comprised of Brian Schwartz on lead guitar, Alex Arnaout on bass and background vocals, and Jagger Krusen on drums.
Read more about Ben Babylon Band to Open for Ambrosia at The Canyon Club, 3/1 - BWWMusicWorld by music.broadwayworld.com - BWW MusicWorld.com
When the Ben Babylon Band (BBB) performs at The Canyon Club near Los Angeles on November 10, 2012, it will mark the third time the son of the late Guy Babylon has opened for a top headliner at the renowned club.
The BBB is set to open for Australia's legendary Little River Band (LRB) on November 10, 2012. LRB has sold more than 30 million albums since the mid 1970s, and is responsible for many hits including "It's a Long Way There," "Help Is on Its Way," "Reminiscing," "Lady," "Cool Change," "Lonesome Loser" and many more.
"I have always admired Little River Band," Ben said. "Their song structures are simple but powerful, with amazing melodies. One my favorite songs of theirs is 'Reminiscing.' I am looking forward to opening for them."
Previously, the Ben Babylon Band opened at the Canyon Club on separate occasions for two other top bands -- Air Supply and The JAZZMATICS. In 2010, he joined guitarist Davey Johnstone, drummer Nigel Olsson and percussionist John Mahon on stage at The Canyon Club for an Elton John tribute show, which also honored Ben's late father, Guy Babylon, who was Elton's Grammy Award-winning keyboardist and arranger for 21 years.
Ben has been following in his dad's footsteps, writing songs and performing with increasing regularity at venues throughout Southern California. He is currently working on his first album with help from Davey, Nigel and John. One single, "Contradiction," is available through iTunes and Amazon. In addition to Ben, the Ben Babylon Band is comprised of guitarist Brian Schwartz, drummer Alex Andrews and bass player Robben Bixler.
Little River Band with the Ben Babylon Band will perform November 10, 2012 at The Canyon Club, 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills, CA 91301-3304. Ticket info at www.canyonclub.net. More information about the Ben Babylon Band is available at www.BabylonMusic.biz. - Elton Fan. net
A standing-room crowd packed the famed Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California on Saturday, November 10, to reminisce with the legendary Little River Band. Opening for LRB was the Ben Babylon Band, fronted by singer/songwriter Ben Babylon. Check out photos from the concert below!
The 15-year-old son of the late Guy Babylon, Elton John's keyboardist and arranger for 21 years, has enjoyed growing popularity as a result of his many performances around Los Angeles. He is working on his first album in collaboration with the Elton John Band and other artists, and has already released a single, "Contradiction," on iTunes.
Among those in attendance at the LRB concert were television producer/director Charlie Bowyer and long-time record producer and audio engineer Ken Scott, whose book “Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust” recounts his work with some of the most famous rock artists in history, including The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Elton John and David Bowie. - Music.Broadway World
The Ben Babylon Band (BBB) will help kick off the 2011 Malibu Music Festival with an opening night performance on Monday, September 19, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at The Sunset Restaurant, one of several venues participating in the week-long celebration of emerging musical talent. The band will perform again on Tuesday, September 20 from noon-2:00 p.m. at the Malibu Country Mart, and on Wednesday, September 21 from 8:00-10:00 p.m. at the Malibu Inn, which has played host to such stars as Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Kid Rock and others.
Babylon, 13, is the son of the late Guy Babylon, who was Elton John's keyboardist and arranger for 21 years. The younger Babylon, an award-winning keyboardist and pianist, is working on his first album, titled "Dreams for Sale," in collaboration with members of the Elton John Band: Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olsson, John Mahon and Bob Birch. The album is expected to be released early in 2012, with a single, "Contradiction," to be released this fall.
"We'll be playing songs from the new album at the festival, as well as some great cover tunes," Babylon said."I can't wait to introduce my new band and hear what people think of the music."
The Ben Babylon Band consists of Babylon on keyboards and lead vocals, Alex Arnaout on bass and background vocals, and Jagger Krusen on drums. Joining BBB as a special guest on Monday and Wednesday is singer/songwriter Chasen Hampton, who has performed with Babylon at other venues, including the Ventura County Fair, The Mint, House of Blues, and The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. HoneyHeart, a folk duo, will appear with Babylon on Tuesday. Malibu-based musician Pamela Duke-Van Ierland will perform between Babylon's sets on Monday.
Read more: http://losangeles.broadwayworld.com/article/Ben-Babylon-Band-to-Play-Malibu-Music-Festival-919-20110913#ixzz1ibhL6BPE - Broadway World
Contradiction, which features 14-year-old Ben on lead vocals, piano and clavinet with Castlebar, was produced by Davey's son, Jesse Johnstone, and by Greg Penny, who produced Elton's 1995 album, Made in England.
Two years after the passing of Elton's Grammy-winning keyboard player, Guy Babylon, fellow band members are helping Guy's son, Ben, with his first album, Dreams for Sale. The first single, Contradiction, has just been released, with Davey Johnstone on guitar, Nigel Olsson on drums, Bob Birch on bass, and also with Martin Tillman on electric cello. - Eltonjohn.com
Discography
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Bio
The Episodes (formerly known as the Ben Babylon Band) are an independent rock band with influences ranging from Elton John and The Beatles to Radiohead and Ben Folds Five. Their energetic live set consists of melodic tunes, trancing soundscapes, and electrifying rock roots. Ben Babylon's piano outlines the song while Alex Arnaout's jolting bass cuts through with melodic inflection. Brian Shwartz's guitar’s counter-melodies often set the mood of the song while Jagger Krusen creatively adds the dynamic grooves of the song. The Episodes have opened for Ambrosia, Marshal Tucker Band, Air Supply, Little River Band, and most recently, Macy Gray. They have played at prestigious music festivals and events like Warped Tour and NAMM.
The Episodes formed in December of 2009, originally called the Ben Babylon Band (BBB), as a piano rock trio — Alex Arnaout (bass), Ben Babylon (keyboards), and Jagger Krusen (drums). They played many shows around the Los Angeles, Malibu, and Santa Barbara areas, playing mostly original songs written by Ben Babylon, the son of the late Guy Babylon, who was the keyboardist for the Elton John Band. Near the end of 2010, the BBB added Brian Schwartz (guitarist) to their line-up.
While under the name "Ben Babylon," they released the digital single "Contradiction" in October 2011 in collaboration with three Elton John Band members — Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olsson, and Bob Birch — and Martin Tillman (cellist who collaborated with many greats like Elton John and Hans Zimmer), and produced and mixed by Grammy award-winning Greg Penny (k.d. lang, Elton John) and Jesse Johnstone. They promoted this single by playing all around Los Angeles, at places like the House of Blues on Sunset Strip and the Canyon Club. Shortly after, in October 2013, they released another digital single, "Burning Man," in collaboration with Elton John Band member, John Mahon, and vocalist Ken Stacey (Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Elton John). They promoted this single by playing in Los Vegas with Davey Johnstone and John Mahon near Caesar's Palace.
In the fall of 2014, the Ben Babylon Band officially changed their name to The Episodes. At this time, Joshua Barish became their official artist for t-shirts, posters, albums, etc. The Episodes have reinvented their sound, with almost everybody contributing songs and song ideas. Ben experiments with playful melodies with jazz roots and textural songs with haunting lyrics, and Alex contributes catchy synth rock songs. Brian writes pulsing rock guitar lines, and Jagger contributes melodic drum beats. The band has released a digital single, "Never Stop," available exclusively through Bandcamp (https://theepisodesmusic.bandcamp.com/releases). This song is a piano-based catchy rock song written by Ben Babylon. The song is engineered and mixed by Grammy award winning producer/engineer/mixer Matt Still (Outkast, Elton John, Jewel). Matt Still is working on the rest of The Episodes' debut album, to be finished in 2015.
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