Staff Spotlight - Owen Benstead
The work we do wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our staff and volunteers. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on our Creative Communications Executive, Owen Benstead, who is our in-house graphic designer and also runs our social media.
1. What is your role at SoundLincs and what does that involve?
My role at SoundLincs is to shout about all the good work we do, whilst making things look nice. As the Creative Communications Executive, my role is to help grow SoundLincs’ digital and online presence by showcasing our amazing projects and the work that everyone is doing, both in sessions and behind the scenes.
I also design all of our promotional material, including flyers, posters, social media graphics, our annual review, evaluations, and pretty much anything else that needs a bit of design. Alongside this, I take photos and videos, as well as editing video content in both short and long-form formats.
2. Why is music important to you?
Music is important to me because it’s a great way to connect with people and express your personality, your mood or your interests. I think being able to hear a song and instantly relate to it, whether that is because of the lyrics, the feeling it gives you, or simply because it reminds you of a particular moment in your life.
Music can also have such a big impact on your mood. The right song can completely change how you are feeling, whether that is putting on something upbeat when you need a boost, listening to something more chilled when you want to switch off, or finding a song that just seems to understand how you are feeling at that moment.
I also think music has a unique ability to bring people together. You can meet all kinds of people through music, from mutual friends to complete strangers at gigs, festivals or other music events, simply because you share an interest in the same artist, genre or song. It gives people something to talk about and connect over, even if you might not have anything else in common.
3. Tell us a bit about your life outside of SoundLincs.
Outside of SoundLincs, I produce music, DJ, play football and spend time with my dog, my girlfriend and friends. When I’m producing music on my own, I make anything from tech house and speed garage to house, and somethings things that are a bit faster. I just enjoy getting ideas out of my head and into FL Studio. I wouldn’t say I’m a pro or anything, but I really enjoy the process and being able to create something from scratch.
I also make music with my friend as part of our duo, Tiki Taka. We create 90s-inspired, modern hard house, with the name coming from a football term. We both DJ too, which is just a hobby for now, but we’re hoping to start playing to crowds in the future!
I love going to music events and raves, going on shopping trips and exploring new places with my girlfriend, both in the UK and abroad. I’m always up for doing something, whether that’s discovering somewhere new, going to an event or just spending time with the people (and dog!) that are important to me.
4. What’s one piece of advice, insight, or inspiration you’d like to share with our community?
As the famous Nike slogan goes, ‘Just Do It’. There have been so many situations in my life where I wish I had taken an opportunity when it presented itself at the time. There are still random moments where I think about, or am reminded of, those opportunities and wish I had taken them when I had the chance. I don’t live my life in regret, but I do sometimes wonder about the new experiences I could have gained if I had just taken that opportunity and gone for it.
