GIVING IT UP FOR GOD: City musician's career took flight once he found calling

Christian music artist Ben Laine plays one his newest tunes, 'Simple Love Song,' during his performance at the Revival Day of Hope at the Rochester Common on Saturday. (Rochester Voice photos)

ROCHESTER - In the early months of 2020 Ben Laine of Rochester was a rising star on the local music scene, playing gigs around the city at the age of 20.
"But I was in a dark place," he said on Saturday after singing at the Second Annual Revival Day of Hope at the Rochester Common. "I was hurting others, just feeding myself and making poor choices in my relationships. I didn't think I deserved someone's love, so I didn't give it to them."
Then the pandemic hit.
"I lost all my shows," he said. "Then I heard from God. He told me I don't need you to play, I just want your heart."

Since then, Laine has seen a meteoric rise within the Christian music realm, getting thousands of hits on streaming platforms like Spotify, Pandora and YouTube.

A pair of eventgoers hold their hands high during Ben Laine's performance at the Second Annual Revival Day of Hope held on the Rochester Common Saturday. Among those attending was Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan, dark suit.

"Yeah, I get paid like a half a cent each time someone watches one of my videos," he laughs, "but, hey, if thousands of folks are watching them, it adds up."
Laine, who lives in Rochester with his parents, joked between songs on Saturday about how great it was to have a gig just down the street from where he lived.
"Hey, I didn't have to go to bed early or get up early to be here today," he said. "I'm just three minutes away from where I live."
Laine grew up singing and playing in the church where his father was pastor.
"I went from singing for God to singing pop," he quipped. "Now I'm back singing for God."

HARD AT WORK: Lincoln Lounsbury, 7, and his brother, Lexton, 4, spend time at a crafts table at the second annual Revival Day of Hope held at the Rochester Common on Saturday.

An accomplished drummer and guitarist, his favorite instrument is the piano, which he played during Saturday's Revival Day of Hope, an event that saw its attendance grow fourfold over last year.
Laine, 22 and a 2018 Spaulding High graduate, spends much of his time now writing songs, making music videos and touring the country doing concerts with fellow Christian music artists.
"I love what I'm doing now," he said. "There is so much fulfillment in giving your life to others."
Laine will be playing next Friday at the Lilac City Music House, a Christian-led music and arts venue. It is located at 63 Eastern Ave. in Rochester. The show starts at 7 p.m.
For more info on the show click here.
To see on Laine's music videos click here.