BEN & DELON

An Unstoppable Global Phenomena

When and why did you start playing?

Ben Anthony Lavoz: I sang in the church choir at a young age. As I entered production of my own material (urban music); I quickly hustled into Toronto’s Latin music scene. I handed out CD’s outside of clubs until I was finally picked up by key players in the scene. I was then given the opportunity to perform at club events at the ripe age of 16. Music has always called me and performing just came as a natural born talent.

Delon Om: I started playing the guitar when I was in high school. It was all for the love of my high school crush (lol). I heard “Wonderwall” and I was hooked. I practiced that song until my fingers went numb and tried to impress her - only to find out she was dating the high school bully :( don’t have the patience to be playing an instrument whilst giving my 100 on stage…yet.

What was the first tune(s) you learned?

Delon Om: “Wonderwall” by Oasis

Ben Anthony Lavoz: I always have been a huge advocate of learning and rehearsing my own music in addition to my renditions of songs. However, as a child I used to put on concerts for my family of Backstreet Boys, Eminem and limp bizkit.

Is your family musical?

Delon Om: My mother spontaneously bursts out into traditional Indo-Caribbean songs and my father idolizes Elvis Presley - so my upbringing was eclectic, at best.

Ben Anthony Lavoz: No, I am the black sheep, but my family on my mother’s side disciplined me and raised me on other key morals and values that play a major role in my work habits. My father did play the drums for a while and I do get a lot of my Salvadorian musical roots from listening to him growing up.

Which instruments do you play?

Delon Om: I play the guitar, piano, cello and bass.

Ben Anthony Lavoz: I focus more on vocals more than anything and creating the root melodies of the majority of my work. However, I do know how to play notes and chorus on the piano, guitar, ukulele, harmonica and most any instrument. I just personally

Describe your family member’s musical interests and abilities.

Delon Om: My father tried the guitar but prefers singing now - It was challenging for him to hold certain chords. His interests are anything up until the 1990s: Rock, Soul, R&B, Country, and Gospel.

Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?

Delon Om. That would have to be Bruno Mars - the man is a prodigy. He embodies soul and swagger. His vocal range is superb and his musical skills are unrivalled in my opinion - and what about that hella cool moustache he’s been rocking?

Ben Anthony Lavoz: Hector Lavoe, the king of salsa. I like him because he had a tough childhood. Despite that he was successful at his music. He claimed the salsa era. I love the sacrifices he made in his life. He sacrificed himself – his body, sanity and lack of conformity. His drug use took a great toll on his body but it empowered him create the great music he made. For me, that is an honourable thing to do. Even to this day, his music is still relevant and lives on in my heart of the Latino people.

Which famous musicians have you learned from?

Delon Om: I definitely learned range from Bruno Mars; songwriting from Coldplay; humility from Sam Smith; and style from Michael Jackson.

Ben Anthony Lavoz: I see my music as my own. I don’t do things the standard way. Every path is different. Generally, I’ve learned there is ups and downs in life based on family and you own perception. How can I learn from a musician if I don’t know the person personally?

Who was your first teacher? Other teachers?

Delon Om: My first teacher’s name was Mr. Loudfoot. He taught me the beauty of music and poetry and its potential to change hearts and minds.

Ben Anthony Lavoz: My mother because she showed me to sacrifice any cost for what you truly love. My vocals in elementary school. I could hit the angelic high notes that still to this day touches me.

Describe your first instrument. Other instruments.

Delon Om : My first instrument was a used guitar my father purchased at a pawn shop. I still own it because it has sentimental value. It helped me learn the ins and outs of songwriting and production.

Ben Anthony Lavoz: My personal writing session where I tap into my zone and it’s where I do a majority of my writing. It doesn’t have a timeline. It’s going on.

What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighborhood or town?

Delon Om: My fondest musical memories in my house would be my father playing musical classics at Christmas time. My favourite is Nat King Cole- A Christmas Song.

Ben Anthony Lavoz: Hotel California is one of my memories listening to my dad when my parents worked together. It has a strong depth to it that I love.

Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?

Delon Om: Anything by Sam Cook is special. It embodies the essence of musical artistry.

Ben Anthony Lavoz: Any music that was recorded live with the band in the studio. For example, The Beatles. Back then, people were playing off each other. There were no studio special effects. It was “oh natural”.