The Still, Small Voice exists in that ambient indie niche within another niche that is alternative, vulnerable faith-informed music. Yet, the mastermind behind the project, Christiana Benton, would likely tell you that the music is for everyone.

Benton has been making waves in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic DIY community as of late. Booking extraordinaire Haley Butters, who performs as absinthe father, recently remarked in a social media post that Benton was one the best projects she has performed alongside.

The band has existed as both a solo acoustic entity and as a full, atmospheric sounding collective. This year, Audiofeed will be treated to the latter on the large Arkansas Stage. Get to know Christiana and her project more below:

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Tuned Up: What’s your favorite Audiofeed memory? If you haven’t been yet, what are you looking forward to?

Christiana Benton: I have so many memories from going to Audiofeed every year since its start that I don’t even know if I could choose one. Instead, I’ll say what I’m looking forward to: I’m amped to play songs off the album I just put out for people who’ve supported and loved me like family over the last 4+ years. It feels monumental to be playing the Arkansas stage for the first time, with a new record and honestly, a new outlook on music in general. I’m stoked to turn off my phone, be outside all day, and have endless meaningful conversations with my friends while we all take turns doing what we love.

If any band that no longer exists could headline a show you play, who would it be?

Most of my favorite bands either still exist or have suddenly reemerged for 10-yr reunion tours, but the band Terminal was killer and only made one seemingly perfect record. I would be so down to play with them. They were over way too soon, and while I don’t know why they ended, it was also pretty genius of them to leave us wanting more instead of trying to follow “How the Lonely Keep”.

What records and/or songs have had heavy rotation these past few months for you?

I can’t stop listening to LIGHTS’ “Midnight Machines”, From Indian Lakes’ “Everything Feels Better Now”, or Now Now’s “Threads”. For some dang reason I keep listening to the song “Dark Blue” by Jack’s Mannequin because I have no idea how to be an adult yet. Also, the song “Contingency Theory” by my friends in Mountains Like Wax will melt the bones right out your body, and their drummer, Hunter, has a project called West Native that makes me feel everything. Pretty sure they’ve all got to be sick of me gushing about them by now, but they’ll just have to deal.

Describe your music with language as if you’re ordering a five course meal.

I wanted to answer this question as if I was ordering a Cookout tray because I think it’s funny, but it just wouldn’t be very accurate. The Still, Small Voice is like your four favorite sides at Thanksgiving dinner, all centered around a main dish of honesty. It’s nourishing and comforting, but peppered with a hint of nostalgia and melancholy. It also might result in conversations you’ve conveniently avoided for a long time, much like the holiday.

Do you remember the first album you purchased/received? What was it?

I think the first CD I ever received was Audio Adrenaline’s “Underdog”, but I’m pretty sure the first one I bought was Mae’s “Destination: Beautiful”, which I still love to this day.

Who on the Audiofeed lineup (other than your band), has a don’t miss set? You can only pick one (or two).

I mean David friggin’ Bazan. Come on.

Have you ever come across an exceptionally good (or bad) tattoo job? What was it?

Ironically, the worst and most hilarious tattoo I have ever seen with my own two eyes is owned by Ian Lincoln from Beards, but you’ll have to go watch his set on Sunday and then ask him about it yourself because I can’t consciously out him in a public forum.

Are there any summer movies you’re especially looking forward to this year?

I have literally no idea what’s coming out this summer because all I do is watch Hulu and Netflix. If someone could just text me when there’s another Jurassic Park movie that would be great.

What’s the ONE THING your music is trying to communicate to the world?

“Me too. Let’s be honest, but let’s keep going.”