📝 Intro
The summer of 2020 was unlike any other. With the world locked down, I found myself needing a project that would both challenge and ground me – something meaningful that would keep my musical fire alive during uncertain times.
So I packed up my guitars and rented a house with a studio in East Nashville for a month, with one ambitious goal:
🎸 To record 14 of my favorite Beatles songs.
🎧 A Proof of Concept
For me, this wasn’t just about covering songs I love. It was a proof of concept: Could I interpret the Beatles’ music in a way that honored their legacy while bringing my own sound to each track?
I started by charting every song using the Nashville Number System before heading into each session. This preparation allowed me to lead the musicians confidently, guiding them through chord changes, arrangements, and production choices with clarity.
🎸 Personal Challenges & Growth
Along the way, I faced my own challenges:
- I played acoustic guitar on two tracks, something that pushed me beyond my usual frontman comfort zone.
- I sang all 14 songs in one day, in the original keys, which was a true vocal marathon.
- On a few tracks, I even recorded my own harmonies, layering my voice to capture the Beatles’ signature textures.
🗂️ The Result
All 14 songs were recorded and are now published under Rock Lives, available for you to listen to. The process reaffirmed my belief that great music transcends time and genre – and that the Nashville Number System remains one of the best tools for communicating with session players quickly and efficiently.
✍️ Unexpected Originals
Between Beatles sessions, inspiration struck. I wrote and recorded two original songs:
- “Locked Down and Out” – capturing the isolation and uncertainty of lockdown life.
- “10 Years” – a raw, honest reflection on the uphill battle of making it in Nashville.
💡 What I Learned
Recording this project taught me:
✅ The power of preparation and clear charts
✅ The beauty of stepping outside your comfort zone (like playing acoustic guitar on pro sessions)
✅ The importance of endurance and vocal health when tackling big recording days
✅ That honoring your heroes musically can lead to discovering your own voice even more deeply
🔗 Listen Now
🎶 👉
💬 Your Turn
Have you ever recorded songs by your musical heroes? What did it teach you? Comment below or tag me on Instagram @BrianLeeBenderMusic – I’d love to hear your journey.
