Benjamin Tod, 'Beautiful Curse,' // GemsOnVHS™

Ben came down to Old Hickory, Tennessee to play a new tune for us, just before the pandemic swept the nation. In some sort of premonition of events to come, we talked a little bit about how it is the duty of an artist to go into the darkness and come out with something people can use. That's why songwriting is important; it pieces together all our desires, fears, ambitions, hopes, dreams, failures and victories into a little package we can appreciate, and grow from. Fitting for a moment like now, when the songs are helping us all get through isolation, quarantine and financial woe.

Indeed, as I stare at an empty calendar running into the summer, I owe a lot to the artists who spend their whole life writing these feelings I can't adequately deal with on my own. Teaching me, letting me lean on their sweet melodies and stories. So thanks to them, cheers. Buy your favorite songwriter a drink next you see them, and for now buy their music online so they can survive long enough to share the tunes they're writing even today, cooped up at home. Drop in on a livestream. Together we'll make it to the finish line.

This is filmed in a rather historic place, at our friend Katie Belle's house (formerly her father, Townes Van Zandt's house), the same kitchen where Townes self titled album cover was shot, the same place Ben and Matt Heckler played together in that video all that time ago. It was also the house in the Heartworn Highways documentary, the scene with Guy Clark and everyone singing around the table. Maybe we will have to do something big here one day. Stay tuned.

Make sure you check these links for all things Lost Dog;

Thanks to our Patrons like VJ Arizpe, Richard Harmon, Derek Brown and Joshua Priest for making this possible. Consider becoming a Patreon contributor to help sustain this project. For the price of a cup of coffee every month, you let us continue finding and filming amazing artists.

GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love.

If you'd like to get in touch with us the old-fashioned way, you can reach us at...
GemsOnVHS
100 Taylor Street Ste. C8
Nashville, TN 37208

[LizStohlman]

“It’s the duty of artists to go into the darkness and bring something back that’s tangible for people to heal themselves with”

Holy shit, this guy is incredible

[joshroberts]

This man has saved lives while fighting for his own. Thank you Ben.

[betterthananimals]

I was lucky enough to spend a night hanging out with Ben and Ashley. We offered them a place to park the van. Passing drinks and playing music till damn near sun-up. Ben is a true character, which isn't something you expect from anyone these days, let alone a traveling musician. Very humble. He's as real as they come.

[andrewlong]

And of course, thank you GemsOnVHS for consistently providing us a refuge from manufactured, corporate drivel some call "music."

[rnflnardone]

Dude Benjamin Todd is pure Talent Southern soul at its finest!

[scubasteve]

This guy is what’s missing with mainstream music today! When you are the stuff you sing it shows. It makes you feel the music

[sludge_factory_foreman]

Benjamin is easily my favorite artist. Ashely makes him better musically, but there's something even more raw and stark in the simplicity of his solo songs.

[daemonrowanchilde]

I lost my wife and soulmate to cancer last August. 38 yrs gone in a flash. One gift was that I cannot listen to anything less real than Benjamin Tod. I am healing through artists like Benjamin Tod. Thank you Benjamin❤️🙏

[rattsalad]

He’s a miner of words that cure the soul.

[francodevlin]

I love how you look at the comments and its like everyone knows each other, so friendly and accepting. Music like this has that ability... and bens its choir.

[kristinabenet]

I saw Barefoot Surrender 10+ years ago in southern Oregon. That cd I got at the show was played so many times driving crazy through the forest... I think Barefoot Surrender imprinted on my then-teenage son. All these years later, through my son, I am reconnected to his music. These songs are like an exorcism to the painful parts of my life I try not to remember, but can't forget.

[notryan]

Been here through getting clean, now I'm here because my father's funeral is tomorrow, he fell off a ladder painting, 65 years young, painting contractor since he was like 15. This music is so healing ❤️

[bikeswithb]

Anyone else's life saved by the shared pain through this man's songs? I don't know you Ben, but thank you much for going into the dark to help us crawl back into the light my friend. I tip my hat forever to you

[cadiehl]

This dude is just an incredible songwriter.

[joshuarowe]

I honestly doubted newer “artists” but these newer singer are quickly changing my mind. Ben Todd’s music has forever lived inside of me. Here in ole cold Kentucky.

[hunteravis]

I'm crying? I need Ben, we need Ben. Now, more than ever.

[macdorfingfyrslf]

I'm waiting for this guy to make it to the opry..not for the sell out.. just for the achievement..I believe he needs to be recognized for how great he is

[amandacobb]

The beautiful curse he has, is the blessing of singing the "REAL struggling people's" songs. His voice and words are healing to me

[traveleri]

"Shared pain is lessened; shared joy, increased..." Spider Robinson

[tylerraymond]

Just listened to this 5 times in a row I can't get enough of it