We had the good fortune of connecting with Chet Bentley and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Chet, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is the Universe’s way of testing my faith. I’ve never advanced in any aspect of my life without taking some form of risk. It’s like something much bigger than me is asking, “How much do you believe in yourself? How much do you believe in me? How strong is your trust that this is all by the design of some higher spiritual intelligence putting everything in perfect order?”. Even when I’ve tried to play it safe, I’m directed towards the less “safe” path when looking at things from a linear or logistical perspective. I let intuition guide me, as intuition is the language of the divine. There’s a delicate balance between it all, but sometimes I just have to trust fall into the arms of the Universe. There’s an incredible sense of freedom in that surrender. I’ve been through enough to know I’ll be caught.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My understanding of the power and efficacy of music, sound and frequency technology is one that’s been informed from multiple perspectives and paradigms. I come from the Western tradition of music; the technicality of theory and the science of frequencies. Yet I’ve always been drawn to ancient musical traditions and deeply inspired by their use of song in spirituality, ritual and healing. What I see happening now is the bridging of the gap between worlds. Scientific method is able to prove that through the introduction of certain frequencies, we can entrain the brain to enter different states of consciousness, eliminate illness in the body, and inspire feelings of calm, elation and ecstasy. This has been understood by traditional mystic cultures around the world for millennia, be-it through the chanting of mantra, ceremonial drumming, drone instruments, group song and dance, etc. Having the language and ability to articulate this to people in a way that is accessible, understandable and experiential is what’s so exciting to me about this work. I can utilize oscillators in Ableton Live (digital music production software), Tibetan singing bowls, voice or everything in combination to direct energy in the form of vibration for the highest good of those receiving. There’s a myriad of ways to work with different sounds and styles of music, but what’s most important is the intention behind the sounds, imbuing it with love, and the knowing that there is boundless potential to reclaim parts of ourselves that have been lost, injured or forgotten. I’ve been intuitively guided through a life of music and learning to heal myself to this work. It’s as if it chose me. I look it as devotional art; the more I pour into it, the more it has to teach me. The spirit of music has given me very clear instructions: sing and help others. I wan’t to share what I’ve learned from it with as many people as possible and to empower others to learn to heal themselves. If you can hum, you can heal.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m from Studio City, so I would start with a walking street side tour of the Weddington Golf Course and a meal at their diner followed by a drive down Ventura boulevard to Cahuenga. Then we’d hit Mulholland Drive back towards Sepulveda Boulevard. Franklin Canyon, just off of Coldwater Canyon, is one of my favorite places in the world. There’s a massive Sycamore tree at the very bottom of the canyon that I’ve spent many hours under. I would take them through Kanan Road from the 101 to Pacific Coast Highway then drive north to Sycamore Cove beach. It might sound like a lot of driving but it’s LA, you better learn to enjoy time on the road. I find driving to be like a mediative practice. Put on the right music and it’s like being in a flow state (if you can avoid traffic). We’d eat at the Reel Inn on the way back south just before Topanga Canyon off PCH. It just feels mellow and down to earth there. Good fresh fish and a nice patio across the street from the ocean. Driving back to the Valley through Topanga Canyon is iconic. There’s so much history in those canyons. Laurel Canyon, Beverly Glen. I love them so. If there’s a good show at the Hollywood Bowl (there’s always a good show at the Hollywood Bowl), we’d definitely go. When I was 16 I saw Stereolab with a string quartet open for AIR with the entire LA Philharmonic behind them at the Bowl. It was unreal. At some point we would have to go to Amoeba. Even though it’s at a new location, it’s still the best record store on Earth. There’s a taco truck further east off of Sunset boulevard that I’m obsessed with. I can’t tell you where because everyone has to find their own special taco truck. It’s the rules. The guys there are super kind and the al pastor is so good. It never disappoints. No trip would be complete without a cup of tea made by my Momma. Anyone who has spent time at the Bentley house knows that there is no better company than hers. My family is amazing. That’s the best place to be in town, if you ask me. Ideally there would be a bunch of my brother and I’s friends there, hanging in the backyard by the pool. Always lots of laughter. I’m lucky to have been raised in such a special pocket of such a huge city. Having close access to the Valley, Hollywood, the beaches and Downtown meant that there was always somewhere to take an adventure to. But we always end up back in Studio City.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Highland Hall. It’s a Waldorf School in Northridge that I began attending in 6th grade that absolutely changed my life. If it wasn’t for the teacher’s there, specifically Alex Houghton, I don’t think I would’ve made it very far in the world. Having the support and understanding of teachers who could help guide my energy in a way that encouraged creativity and magic is something I really required as a child. Rudolf Steiner, the 19th century philosopher and clairvoyant who founded the curriculum, was tapped into profound spiritual realms and ways of thinking that accelerate consciousness and expand the soul. I recommend anyone interested in alternative education and higher realms to explore his teachings. It shaped and influenced me in ways I can never fully articulate.
Instagram: @chetbentley89
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BroganBentley
Other: https://stan.store/ChetBentley
Image Credits
Jessica Rodriguez (Piano, Personal Photo, Headshot) John Garcia (Black & White) Erik Wilson (Live Concert with Projections)
