“Exist in the moment.”
Named after a state capital in Nigeria, London based trio Benin City take in a range of disparate influences from Grizzly Bear to Philip Glass, delivering a ferocious blend of electro-brass, dance and jazz funk. We caught up with Joshua from the band to chat about reaching out to friends and being in the moment.
What are you listening to, reading and watching at the moment?
I’ve been on a jazz pilgrimage courtesy of Spotify so it’s all Gogo Penguin, Joe Armon Jones, Tangents and Y-OTIS. Also: AK/DK and Rival Consoles.
What has been your biggest life challenge so far and what did you do to overcome it?
Dealing with career success whilst going through personal turmoil, my artist goals on the up while my everything else is being drawn and quartered so daily I feel happy and terrible at the same time: the pressure can feel eternal and unrelenting. Reaching out to friends has been the best salvation.
What would constitute a ‘perfect’ day for you?
Honestly? A summer in the shade with an endless playlist and no email reply obligations.
For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
90% of my worries are painfully first world problems.
Complete this sentence: “Ace mental health for me means…”
Being able to cherish and exist in the moment
What do you eat to stay healthy?
At the moment my diet is a war zone. I’m trying to eat healthy but being allergic to a lot of things makes any progress difficult.
Do you have a daily routine of exercise or do you make it up as you go along?
Walking mostly.
Here at The Mind Map we remember playing football and ‘tag’ – running around the playground everyday and loving it – can you share a similar memory?
Late night gaming sessions with my brother. We’d play a single player game, swapping pads until we unconsciously decided who was better and one of us would watch and backseat drive. I watched my brother finish final fantasy 8 over the course of a several late nights in a week.
What three songs lift your spirits?
Gnarls Barley – GoGo Gadget Gospel
Melt Yourself Down – Fix My Life
Wildbirds And Peacedrums – There Is No Light
What is your favourite self-help book, or motivational quote?
Not Today, Satan
What advice do you offer to friends when they are feeling overwhelmed?
Call a friend, have a break, call a friend.