Like a moth is irresistibly attracted to a flame, Ben Suchy is captivated by creating music.

Suchy's third album, appropriately titled "Moth to the Flame," features a folk-blues-Americana style.

"One of the big things I'm striving for is I want to represent what I think my music is," Suchy said.

This album features songs that are kept in a more natural format.

"This is kind of a mix of stuff," Suchy said. "I'm a pretty organic artist. I think people get to see more of a raw side to my music."

One of Suchy's favorite songs is "Zydafro," the last track on the new album.

"I like how full it sounds. People will say it sounds like three or four people, but it is just me."

Suchy said one of his strengths is that while he may not be the best singer or guitarist, he can do them both at the same time while adding in the harmonica. "So we kind of showcased that on this album."

At 9 p.m. Tuesday, a release party for the new album will be hosted at Jorgy's Sports Bar. Suchy will perform music from the album, and the night will feature Eric Redding on keyboard. "Generally, we are just going to party and rock out," Suchy said.

Copies of the new album will be available for purchase at the release party, and also are available at LaVon's Hallmark in Mandan and online at www.bensuchy.com.

"He's got great original songs," said Rick Berge, a local musician and entertainment agent for Nightlife Music. "I think they are world class."

Berge has been following Suchy's career for many years, and said that Suchy ranges from folk to Delta blues. He has seen Suchy gain experience performing, and said Suchy is very comfortable on stage.

"He has really developed into an artist that will be noticed," Berge said.

Suchy's melodic voice and variety has caught Berge's attention.

"He's looking at the big picture, I think, and he's writing some great music," he said.

Suchy has weekly shows in Bismarck. He performs at 7:30 p.m. every Monday at East 40 Chophouse and Tavern.

"That is just a really fun night," Suchy said.

On Tuesdays at 9 p.m. Suchy can be heard at Jorgy's Sports Bar.

"It (Suchy's music) is really nice to listen to," Berge said. "It just kind of puts you in a good mood."

He also has upcoming local concerts: 8 p.m. July 23 at Fiesta Villa, 7:45 p.m. Aug. 8 at Suchyfest at the Bohemian Hall, and 8 p.m. Aug. 27 at Fiesta Villa.

"We take a lot of pride in giving people something to do during the week," Suchy said. "We just want to keep things fun."

In between Suchy's local shows, he also tours and is booked until October. Suchy usually spends Wednesday through Sunday on the road.

"You can only get so far out regionally in that amount of time."

While Suchy enjoys performing live, he wishes he had more time in the studio.

"There are songs that I think are good that I want to get out there."

Suchy wants to produce at least one album a year.

"I'm excited about ("Moth to the Flame"), but I'm already looking at my next one. It's kind of like I'm a surfer searching for the perfect wave. I'm seldom satisfied with what I put down on a record."

Suchy also wants to branch out into other markets, festivals and listening venues.

"I'm just really excited about the future. I know they say you should live in the moment, but I kind of like to live in the future sometimes."

However for the present, Suchy is performing whenever he can, and focusing on his own songwriting.

"There is a population here that respects and understands my career, and why I don't play Lynyrd Skynyrd that night. If Bob Dylan would have only played Ben Suchy songs, then there would be no Bob Dylan songs."

Even though Suchy believes he could make more money playing mainly hit songs by other artists, he chooses to perform his original music. "My career is not really based on fame and fortune," he said.

Music is the Suchy family business, with Chuck and Andra Suchy, Ben's father and sister, also being full-time performers.

"It is just what I do. It is in the blood."

(Reach reporter Kay Kemmet at 250-8260 or kay.kemmet@;bismarcktribune.com.)