Songwriting, Identity & Ben’s Long-Lost Guitar Returns | Diamond Cast 072

This week on Diamond Cast, we’re talking about identity — in music, in art, and in the instruments we carry with us for years.Ben’s long-lost guitar has finally returned, which sparks a wider conversation about why certain guitars become deeply personal and tied to creativity itself. We also discuss dream guest guitarists, the artists who continue to influence our songwriting, and how identity is explored through films like The Cable Guy, The Fisher King, and the work of Andy Kaufman.Along the way, Natalie goes on a passionate rant about Enduring Love, and Ben shares more details about his university songwriting lectures — including thoughts on formal music education, practice, performance, and whether there’s actually a “correct” way to hold a guitar pick.A thoughtful and surprisingly wide-ranging episode about art, performance, and the strange things that shape us creatively.00:00 – Intro00:34 – Welcome to the Black Charade02:29 – Ben’s long-lost guitar returns05:40 – Why instruments become part of our identity07:53 – Dream guest guitarists13:43 – The artists who stay with us creatively16:12 – Natalie’s Enduring Love rant20:42 – Identity in art: The Cable Guy, Andy Kaufman & The Fisher King26:18 – Update on Ben’s university songwriting lectures31:15 – Inside Ben’s songwriting class35:25 – Is there a “correct” way to hold a pick?38:50 – Formal lessons vs teaching yourself42:35 – Does performing arts school help or hinder?45:33 – Practice makes perfect?47:18 – Performing in lecture rooms vs onstage************************************************Join the Diamond Black Community:Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon:Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficialYouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channelMerch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/storeBandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.comListen to Diamond Black:Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVGApple Music – Search “Diamond Black”Follow us:Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficialX (Twitter) – @dmondblk************************************************Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficialJoin the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJMerch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms************************************************Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat!Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support!DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/storeBen - @benchristomusicAdam - @adamhartistVincent - @vincentvdrumsNatalie - @diamondblacksnapsInstagram - @diamondblackofficialFacebook - @diamondblackofficialX - @dmondblkEmail us! [email protected]