I first met Benjamin Wagner oh, 13-14 years ago. At the time he was an EP at MTV News and speaking at Syracuse University, our alma mater. I was a junior at the Newhouse School at Syracuse University and thrilled that someone from the entertainment news world was coming back to campus.

After his speech, I ran down to the front of the auditorium and handed him my infamous resume packet (a folder with a headshot, a DVD video reel and a radio reel on Compact Disc - remember those?). I was probably hoping for some post-grad job at 1515 Broadway. I ended up with something far better: a mentor (read: THE mentor I've leaned on through everything) and a great friend.

I'll spare you a list of what I've learned from Benjamin, however as I note at the beginning of this interview, I owe him for introducing me to Rockwood Music Hall - my first show there was one of his concerts back in 2007. Fast forward 12 years, almost to the date, and Benjamin will now release his 9th studio album. "What's Left Behind" is out June 7. In this sitdown over a few beers downtown, we chat about the sound of the LP, the message of his music and why he still isn't Bruno Mars (although I don't think he's really trying, anyways).

I can't say if this is his best work, but it's unequivocally my favorite stuff he's recorded yet. Hope you get a chance to check it out online. He'll perform it at his album release party. It's June 20 and of course it's at Rockwood.