I think I know what we’re supposed to do

I think I know what we’re supposed to be doing in this world.

When we see someone who is fighting to make their dream come true, against intolerable odds, we’re supposed to rush to the rescue. Get in the ring and start throwing punches right alongside that person. We’re supposed to help that person win the fight and make their dream come true, if we are able.

People have done this for me. Lots of people. You can probably think of some examples of this that you’ve seen in your own life. Maybe people have come to your aid who didn’t need to, and have asked nothing in return for their assistance.

In the world we live in, luck is so important and connections are everything. So if you can make that introduction for someone, or offer that small bit of encouragement to someone at a crucial moment when it really matters most, I think you’re supposed to do it. I think that’s what we’re all here for.

I want to tell you about a kid from my neighborhood. His name is Ben, he’s eleven years old and he’s got to be one of the greatest guitar players at his age in America. Ben is on the verge of making his dream come true. He’s in the fight, but he’s right there…it’s going to happen for him, he just needs that final push.

And you can be a part of it.

Th first time I met Ben, he was five years old and had a guitar in his lap. He’s was practicing chords and scales and finger technique at a time when most kids are first learning to read and write. Over the last six years, I’ve watched this kid play in a succession of bands, tour the east coast, meet dozens of his guitar heroes and even record a single for iTunes – a song he wrote, arranged and played every single instrument on, from drums, to bass to keyboards to multiple guitar parts.

Here he is performing live on stage with the legendary Steve Vai the other day.

And here he is shredding the intro guitar solo to a Steely Dan classic. He can play everything, it’s actually shocking to watch.

A post shared by BEN GOLDSMITH (@benrocks1117) on Jul 17, 2016 at 7:18pm PDT

He’s a virtuoso and he’s worked his ass off to get to this point. But in 2018, talent isn’t enough. There are people from major labels sniffing around, but what they want to see is social media buzz. This is the feedback he’s getting from some of the most important people in music.

Ben’s passion is music, not collecting likes and faves and retweets. If you can respect that, and want to help him win this one, here’s what you can do. And I never, ever ask anyone to do anything like this. Hopefully I’ve built up enough goodwill. Today I’m calling it in.

The best thing that could happen for this kid is his Instagram account goes from 500 or so followers to 5000. This kind of credibility or social proof is now table stakes to make it in the music business. If you were to follow him on Insta, it would be an amazing thing you could do for the boy.

Plus you’d get to follow his career as it takes flight. And then, when he’s the next Ed Sheeran or John Mayer, you can tell people that you were a part of it, and helped him make his dreams come true.

If you’re a music fan, please consider checking out his account and following him there. And if you’re not into music but know people in your life who are, then send it to them.

You can follow him here or forward this link:

BenRocks1117 on Instagram 

And if you do, you should know that you’re going to be helping this kid accomplish something he’s been working toward his entire life. Thank you!