Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with New Orleans–based jazz clarinetist and composer Benjamin Cusins.

We dive into his debut 2026 album What We Dream It To Be, a forward-looking and reflective project that reconnects with the optimism of childhood while exploring the power of honoring dreams and realizing their full potential.

From his roots in New Orleans to studying at Berklee College of Music and eventually returning home, Benjamin’s journey is a compelling story of Growth, creativity, and musical identity.

In this conversation, we explore his influences, his evolution as an artist, and the deeper inspiration behind his music.

Dig this interview with a rising voice in modern jazz.

🎶 Get the album & learn more:

https://www.benjamincousins.com/

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Joe Dimino Podcaster/Artist

Joe Dimino has been writing & creating in a variety of capacities since his college days at the University of Missouri-Kansas City somewhere around 1993. If you are keeping score, that would be about 29 years+. It all began at UMKCs University News as a Sports Writer & turned into a myriad of expressive avenues. Inventing poems, art, video & audio has always been in the proverbial cards.