Ben Rector has an offbeat style which talks about the beauty in the moments life has to offer. As an artist, he takes the bitter aspects of life and puts them perfectly into lyrics.

Live in concert, Rector is just as sincere with his tone and lyrics as on record. On Sept. 16 Ben released a live record, Live in Denver, while on tour. Rector’s live shows provide a wonderful atmosphere with even better music. According to his website, in the spirit of a real live performance, his vocals are unedited and unfixed, solidifying his earnest singing.

In a musical society of autotuned voices, an artist who is just as good live as in the studio is remarkable. Growing up with a music background, playing piano as a child, Rector exemplifies knowledge and wisdom of the music industry. Singing comes with luxury to him and his track “Making Money” was actually done in one live take. Currently Rector is on a fall tour through to the end of October.

Rector grew up in Tulsa, OK and had to work his way to fame. During his freshman year at the University of Arkansas, Rector released his own EP, featuring the song “Conservation.” Rector’s popularity grew locally, and he began touring on weekends and taking breaks from school. Throughout college he played approximately 200 shows, most of which were at schools or small pubs and bars.

In 2008 Rector released his first full-length record, Twenty Tomorrow and followed a year later with his second, Songs That Duke Wrote. After college, Rector relocated to Nashville hoping to further his songwriting career. From there, Rector produced his third and fourth albums, Into the Morning and Something Like This. The first album Rector released on his own Aptly Named Recordings label was The Walking in Between in August 2013, which reached 16 on the Billboard 200 chart.

After seven years of singing and modest success, Rector is only recently getting the attention and fan base he has long deserved. He has a staple sound, brimming with textured, rhythmic drums and Southern church organs. Rector’s songs consist of a ballad of smooth jazz and alternative pop that create mature albums. Rector’s enticing vocals cut through the background music with such ease it’s hard to tell other instruments are being played.

His tracks can often be bitter sweet with hints of sarcasm and humor but heavy on loving life. With a tone like no other artist, Rector is the undiscovered Paul McCartney of our age. He’s an entertainer that provides charm and a sense of familiarity comes with his refreshing and organic sound. Singing with conviction, Rector has a true knack for striking a chord in every song. He keeps things simple and packs his songs with lyrics that highlight the simple pleasures of life. A bit of a hopeless romantic, Rector’s voice can be paired with the harmony of a piano and guitar to strive for the listener’s heart.

His lyrics from both the acoustic and original versions of “Forever Like That” will echo and sway through the mind like a couple dancing. His albums in some small way became a part of my life and the catchy tunes make me smile.