Ben Folds' piano-powered pop music has earned him a cult following and made him one of the most respected songwriters of his generation.

For the better part of the last decade, he held an influential role in classical music too, artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra.

But in February, he resigned after President Trump's controversial takeover of the Kennedy Center.

Now he's speaking out about that chapter while touring for a holiday album and more.

I talked to him for our series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy as part of our canvas coverage.

Love to mix in circles, clicks and social courtries.

30 years ago this summer, Ben Folds and his band, Ben Folds 5, released their self-titled debut album.

Full of off-kilter piano pop it was an unexpected success and

it thrust the trio the name Benfold's five was an inside joke into the upper echelons of indie rock

in the years since, Fould's found success in new lanes.

Writing hits for animated movies.

Looks grim right now.

I thought it was very uplifting.

Even serving as a judge on the Acapeppella musical competition, the sing-off.

Let's try...

In 2017, another path opened.

When Fultz was named artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra.

Let's hear it all together.

Make sure it's not crazy.

Two, three, four.

For eight years, he curated collaborations

between some of the biggest names in pop

...