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H. Jon Benjamin, known for voicing iconic animated characters like Bob from Bob’s Burgers and Archer from Archer, is back with his most unexpected passion project: the Jazz Daredevil. In an interview with Kyle Meredith, Benjamin talks about his latest release, The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of the (Unproduced) Film: The Jazz Daredevil. Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Jazz Daredevil character evolved from a bit that bombed on stage during a Bob’s Burgers live show. “My son inspired me to create a character out of spite,” Benjamin laughs. Thus, the Jazz Daredevil was born, a man who knows he’s a terrible musician, but is too proud to admit it as he keeps releasing records in defiance of logic and expectations. “It’s a tragic story… practically Greek in scope,” Benjamin jokes, explaining the blind confidence and hubris that fuels the character.
Of the new soundtrack, Benjamin reveals that it is indeed the soundtrack to an unproduced Jazz Daredevil film; there’s even a full script, rejected by countless studios, but Benjamin isn’t deterred. “We made an entire soundtrack to a movie that doesn’t exist, but maybe someday will,” he quips. “We made the soundtrack first… maybe there’s a chance we’ll make the movie.”
With tracks like “Limo Ride” and “Murder Plot,” the new album is filled with cinematic moments and chaotic, offbeat humor. Benjamin even ropes in collaborators like Brendan Small (of Metalocalypse) to create a metal track, adding yet another layer of absurdity. Despite its chaotic nature, the soundtrack offers a unique glimpse into Benjamin’s world — a mix of jazz, metal, and twisted comedy. As for the future of the Jazz Daredevil? “I hope to keep not playing piano,” he says, fully embracing the character’s nonsensical yet deeply committed journey.
Elsewhere in the episode, Benjamin discusses dipping his toes into dramatic territory over the years, such as his role in Master of None and a new indie film called Familiar Touch, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. “I had to cry for that one, and I was terrified I’d ruin the movie,” he says
Listen to H. Jon Benjamin discuss The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of the (Unproduced) Film: The Jazz Daredevil and all this above, or watch the interview below. Keep up on all the latest episodes by following Kyle Meredith With… on your favorite podcast platform; plus, check out all the series on the Consequence Podcast Network.
