LISTEN: Babyl at Mandeville Beer Garden

One of the best things about music is its ability to transport listeners to another place. For Ben Jacobs and his new band, Babyl, that's exactly what they hope to do.

Formed a few months ago, with all new members, the four piece has been dipping its toes in the music scene, playing soulful, rock-informed songs that feature Jacobs' raspy, emotive voice and keyboard parts, as well as intricate bass lines, understated drumming and whimsical lead guitar.

"I knew that there was more to music than just sitting behind an instrument," says Jacobs. "It's nice to sound good, but to be an entertainer: not many people are able to do that. As an artist, I try to look outside of just being a musician — of just being a singer.  I try to attack my microphone and my instrument in a different way."

As the band continues to find its niche, Jacobs says he hopes to transport listeners through his music and pass along the same inspiration that made him first fall in love with music.

"I just hope people are inspired," he says. "I want to take the inspiration I found and give it to someone else and make them say, 'Wow, I want to create something for other people to look at and be proud of.'"