It's an oversimplified scenario often depicted on television or in films: A record executive goes to a gig, hears a kid who shows promise and offers that kid a contract on the spot.

But such things don't happen in real life, right?

For Benjamin Booker, it did: Booker and his friend, drummer Max Norton, were playing a show in Florida. On a tip generated by blogs and satellite-radio airplay, ATO Records General Manager Jon Salter flew down to Florida. At the end of the 30-minute set, Booker was signed to a record deal.

At the time, Booker was working as a record-store clerk. Now, he (and a growing legion of fans) are awaiting the Aug. 19 release of his debut self-titled album.

On tour supporting the highly anticipated album, Booker stopped in to The Current studios to talk to New Hot host David Safar and to play a few songs before playing a sold-out show at the Varsity Theater, opening for Courtney Barnett.

The meteoric rise has left Booker slightly bemused. He and Norton (along with bassist Alex Spoto) expected to play the small-club circuit for a couple years. "Things have been picking up really fast," Booker says.

On April 30, Booker made his national television debut, with an appearance on CBS's Late Show with David Letterman, an experience so nerve-wracking for the band, Booker describes it as "horrifying."

Listen to the full interview to hear more about how Booker went from a few demos on his sister's laptop to new sensation, how he writes songs, and how touring hasn't exactly been the smoothest journey so far.

Songs Performed

"Have You Seen My Son"
"Violent Shiver"
"Happy Home"

All songs off Benjamin Booker's forthcoming, self-titled album, out Aug. 19, on ATO Records.

Hosted by David Safar
Produced by Derrick Stevens
Engineered by Michael DeMark and Wesley Berger
Web feature by Luke Taylor

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