Keith Wallen (Breaking Benjamin guitarist)

Chuck Shute Podcast

Episode 107 - Keith Wallen from Breaking Benjamin!!! Keith’s story is really an inspiring one even if you’re not a music fan. After 8 years in his band Copper, he called it quits. Shortly thereafter he got the call to audition for the band Adelita’s Way. He had a lot of success with them including a #1 song on rock radio, as well as shows with Guns N Roses and the Deftones. He then joined Breaking Benjamin and had a #1 record and massive success. He’s just released a really great solo song called “Dream Away” and there is more to come. Hear all about it in this episode!
00:00 - Intro
01:51 - Welcome Keith!
02:43 - Growing Up In West Virginia & Rafting
04:55 - Music Teacher & Singing
06:02 - Inspired by Metallica
09:07 - 80s Pop Music On the Radio
10:20 - Dad Made a Crooner Album
11:25 - University of Tennessee & English Degree
13:05 - Signing for "Copper" Band & Side Jobs
15:20 - Quitting Cooper After 8 Years
18:44 - Joining Adelita's Way
20:53 - Quitting Adelita's Way
22:15 - Breaking Benjamin Recruits Keith
24:05 - Dark Before Dawn Hits Number One
25:15 - Writing Music & Collaborating
29:00 - Songs for Solo Vs Breaking Benjamin
29:55 - Themes With New Solo Music
32:45 - Co-Writes on The Solo Album
33:40 - Releasing The New Album
34:10 - Dealing With Critics & Trolls
35:30 - Imitations
36:22 - Aliens & Area 51
37:50 - Movies
41:10 - St. Jude's Children's Hospital
42:05 - Wrap Up
Keith Wallen Website:
https://keithwallen.com
Breaking Benjamin Website:
https://breakingbenjamin.com
St Jude's Children's Hospital Website:
https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
Chuck Shute Website:
http://chuckshute.com
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Thanks for Listening & Shute for the Moon!