---
title: "The Speakers Are A Lens with Ben Rice (The National, Norah Jones, Joan Osborne)"

description: "Ben Rice is at the heart of the Brooklyn music scene, making records at his studio, Degraw Sound in Gowanus, since 2012. He’s since worked with legends like Valerie June, The National, Joan Osborne, The Candles, and Northern Soul greats The Flirtations, earning him an Americana Producer of the Year nom along the way. What I love about Ben is that nothing about him is in a rush. This is a very chill podcast episode. I literally felt my blood pressure fall as we recorded this. That’s part of the magic here!"

status: complete

date: 2026-04-21

kind: guest

guestSlugs:
  - ben-rice

listenUrl: "https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/The-Speakers-Are-A-Lens-with-Ben-Rice-The-National--Norah-Jones--Joan-Osborne-e3i4ojb"

lmwUrl: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KklRMjsqgU"
appleUrl: "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-speakers-are-a-lens-with-ben-rice-the/id1567355195?i=1000762532283&uo=4"
spotifyUrl: "https://open.spotify.com/episode/690Db0UCZzrUTwSs1qo7XK"
youtubeUrl: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAlWuZXmq3U"

topicsDiscussed:
  - "Creativity"
  - "Music production"
  - "Analog"
  - "The role of the producer"
  - "Creating a comforting studio environment"
  - "Finding the magic in recording"
  - "Trust in the creative process"
  - "The emotional journey of creating music"
  - "Importance of communication in studios"
  - "Learning from musical mentorships"
  - "Making decisions in production"

hostNote: |
  In this episode of Love Music More, we sit down with **Ben Rice**, a notable producer at the helm of the Brooklyn music scene. With a career working alongside icons like Norah Jones and The National, Ben shares his unique perspective on production and creativity. He effortlessly combines chill vibes with profound insights, allowing listeners to appreciate the behind-the-scenes craft that shapes their favorite songs.
  
  Ben's approach to music production is deeply rooted in his understanding of the artist's journey. As he guides us through his creative process, we explore what it truly means to be the 'fifth Beatle' in a band and how fostering a nurturing, collaborative environment can transform music from a simple idea into a polished masterpiece.

selectedMoments:
  - label: "Ben introduces himself and his studio"
    startSec: 130
    note: "Ben shares insights about his studio experience and his journey in the Brooklyn music scene."
  - label: "Nurturing role of a producer"
    startSec: 275
    note: "Ben discusses how his experiences with different producers shape his nurturing approach to production."
  - label: "The value of communication"
    startSec: 364
    note: "Exploring how the producer creates a comfortable space for artists to express themselves."
  - label: "Trust in the producer-artist relationship"
    startSec: 517
    note: "Ben emphasizes the significance of trust when artists come into the studio to realize their visions."
  - label: "The balance between presence and pacing"
    startSec: 1024
    note: "A discussion on maintaining the pace of production while allowing creative moments to flourish."
  - label: "Crate digging for magic moments"
    startSec: 2783
    note: "Ben describes the thrill of finding buried gems in a recording session."
  - label: "Emotional impact of music production"
    startSec: 1345
    note: "The importance of emotional clarity and communication in the creation of meaningful music."
  - label: "Final thoughts on why Ben loves music"
    startSec: 3342
    note: "Ben shares personal anecdotes about how music has been a lifelong companion for him."

excerptQuotes:
  - text: "There’s one producer I worked with early on, Gus Van Gogh, who was so nurturing and took the time to be there for us... that was a positive experience that shaped my approach to production."
    startSec: 197
    reviewed: true
  - text: "As a producer now, it's about creating a space where the whole band can share ideas and feel comfortable to show up."
    startSec: 346
    reviewed: true
  - text: "When an artist chooses to work with you as a producer, they put so much trust and faith in you... it's their one shot to make this record."
    startSec: 506
    reviewed: true
  - text: "Music has been a companion for me for my whole life... it leads to so many meaningful experiences and every day reveals something new."
    startSec: 3344
    reviewed: true
  - text: "You've got to be as present as what you’re asking them to be."
    startSec: 594
    reviewed: true
  - text: "It's all about making a commitment, whether you're working with plugins or real instruments."
    startSec: 2450
    reviewed: true

faq:
  - question: "What is Ben Rice known for in music production?"
    answer: "Ben Rice is known for his work with various legendary artists and his unique approach to nurturing the creative process in the studio."
  - question: "How does Ben Rice enhance the recording experience for artists?"
    answer: "Ben focuses on creating a comfortable and trusting environment that allows artists to express themselves and realize their musical visions."
  - question: "What can I learn from Ben Rice about music production?"
    answer: "Listeners can gain insights into the emotional journey of producing music, the importance of collaboration, and the balance between creativity and efficiency."

transcriptPublished: false

draft: false
---