Interview with Rene Benton | Omaha´s Guitar Wizard
From Omaha’s heartland emerges a unique musical personality: Rene Benton, who transforms metal’s intensity through funk’s engagins lens. Starting on guitar at age 6 and going pro by 11, Benton crafts a sound that channels both progressive and funk elements. His new live album 2 Live in O-Ma-Haw; Lyvv in Omaha captures this marine-turned-musician’s singular vision – a demonstration to decades spent perfecting his craft across 38 states and 50 countries. Here’s an artist who rises at 5 AM to hone his art, bringing discipline and musical innovation.
Introduction: Who is behind the release ‘2 Live in O-Ma-Haw; Lyvv in Omaha’ ?
In 2 Live in O-Ma-Haw; Lyvv in Omaha, Rene Benton channels his hometown’s spirit through masterful guitar work. Each track builds on his metal-funk fusion while capturing the electric energy of live performance. Born and shaped in Omaha, Benton’s approach serve a deeper purpose – turning a live album into a reflection of his roots. The result is both a hometown tribute and a demonstration of his evolution as an artist.
"As for my students: don't only listen to Metal. I intentionally make them listen to and learn from other genres. I try to prepare them to be well-rounded players instead of just one-dimensional."
Full Interview
In this interview with Rene Benton, we explore Omaha’s funk innovator. With roots in Nebraska and a guitar style forged across global stages, Benton crosses genre lines with natural finesse. Fresh off his live album, he shares the story behind his distinctive sound and hometown musical return.
Career and Influences
Your music blends various metal and rock subgenres. How would you describe your unique sound, and which artists have influenced your style the most?
Well, I don’t consider what I do as unique. It all feels natural to me. I think what it is is that; my influences do not come from the Rock/Metal world except one but, I have been inspired by many Rock/Metal players and bands. My main influences are George Benson, Roy Clark , Anthony Lockett, Charlie Singleton , Jesse Johnson and Tony MacAlpine.
Can you walk us through your journey from your early days in music to becoming an established guitarist?
I started out in the R&B and Funk realm playing in bands in clubs, then I started playing with Variety Bands ( Top 40 ) , then Oldies bands playing music from the 1940- 1960 . All the while I was studying guitarist in the Rock and Metal world either in magazines, music videos or instructional videos so , all of that and a healthy dose of open minded expression is sort of helped me to be where I am today. Thanks for saying I am established. I still as if I am finding my footing so to speak.
Music Creation Process
Your latest album, 2 Live in O-Ma-Haw; Lyvv in Omaha shows eclectic guitar work. Could you describe your songwriting and recording process?
My songwriting process in short is ; my best ideas come to me when I am doing non musical things. I think if I ever had to sit around and come with some type of musical ideas in a proper setting it would not go well!
How do you balance your roles as a solo artist and a session musician? Does this duality influence your creative approach?
For me it all ties together . It is a matter of supply and demand. If I am not getting a lot of calls to work for others in some capacity I nurture my solo efforts . When it gets busy I put whatever it is I have going on to pause.
Live Performances and Fan Engagement
Your live performances are known for their energy. How do you prepare for shows, and what’s your favorite part about performing live?
My prep is very one on one and then I bring the band together. I am not sure who else does that but, it works for me. It increases my comfort level. When an artist gets a chance to take their studio recording and turn it into a live experience it is truly special . That is my favorite part about performing live. Whether it is me or playing with another artist.
Industry Insights
As someone who’s been in the metal and rock scene for years, how have you seen the genre evolve, especially in terms of digital distribution and promotion?
Digital was bound to happen. You have to find a way to coexist with it. For me it is a matter of trying to find the perfect blend between new school and old school methods across the board.
What challenges do you think up-and-coming artists face today, and how can they overcome them?
Overexposure. That is the kiss of death. You can cheapen yourself with that. Stay present without being present. A complicated feat I know but, artist nowadays have to leave a sense of mystique to themselves. Or they should.
Future Projects
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about that you can share with your fans?
A few things are up in the air right now so; until they get closer to hitting the ground I can not say much at this time.
If you could organize a dream metal festival lineup, which five bands or artists would you include alongside yourself?
Oh man that is tough but, I will try. Killswitch Engage , Meshuggah, Tony MacAlpine, Bad Brains, Fishbone. I have more in my head but, you put me on the spot!! Ha!!
Technical Aspects
Your guitar tone is distinctive. Can you share your current gear setup and any favorite effects or techniques you use to achieve your sound? (if it is not a master’s secret…)
Well, I use a combination of digital and tube gear. Without giving a long boring list of things that is the long and short it. I use ADA, Mesa Boogie and Madison heads and preamps. Rocktron Effects and Noise Gates and I do direct signal as well using Mesa Boogie, Marshall and Palmer products.
As a guitar instructor, what’s the most crucial advice you give to aspiring metal guitarists?
Don’t only listen to Metal. I would intentional make them listen and learn from other genres. I try to prepare them to be all around players instead of just one dimensional
Final Thoughts
Before we wrap up, is there anything else you want to share with our audience?
Only thank you and everyone for listening and go to renebenton.net to see the concert video. And other streaming platforms where you can also hear the music in Dolby Atmos.
Conclusion
Haven’t you listened to ‘2 Live in O-Ma-Haw; Lyvv in Omaha’ yet? If not, you can find it in our Rock Playlist.
