Benjamin John Howard - aka, Ben Howard... is a man who knows how to make music. If you're tired of the superficial, overproduced, loud collaborations of the music industry today (despite many of them actually possessing some talent - only to be drowned out by commercialism), then I implore you to lend your ears to this man's sound. It's deep, it's instrumental and some might even call it an acquired 'genre specific' taste (only if you like this type of music) - regardless of your taste-buds, you will have to admit that whatever he does, he does it well. He's the sort of musician that's a rather rare or dying breed in the modern music landscape - a throwback to the acoustic artists of old. Rising to prominence in Britain in 2008 (at the age of twenty) with his first self released EP (followed by two more in the next two years), he finally released his debut album Every Kingdom in 2011. His early fame can be attributed to word-of-mouth advertising, gaining traction through the most personal of mediums. So, from humble beginnings in rural Devon, spending considerable time out on the waves surfing (when not playing music), to being featured on David Letterman's Late Show. Officially released late last year, his latest EP The Burgh Island (named after a tidal island off the Devon coast) is, in my humble opinion, a bold and intriguing step up from his debut album which is still entrenched in my playlist. I've played that album to death but it seems to never tire, and now this... The Burgh Island EP, which only contains four songs: Esmerelda, Oats in the Water, To Be Alone and Burgh Island - all of which I listen to on repeat. His new sound is rich, dark and brooding, and personally, I can't get enough - The contrast in album/EP covers is a clear indication of the change in direction he's taken. There is of course the similar sound to all his tracks - the common thread - (it is his voice after all), but each one has a distinctive personality; some will make you sit still and listen, others will be slower in drawing you in, while others still will have you with your eyes shut in plain appreciation. He has a variety of instruments at his disposal which sometimes flirts with a few jazz notes in the way his songs sometimes don't quite resolve, but he's never afraid to push the envelope whilst keeping everything centered on the strings of his acoustic guitar. This may sound corny or preachy, but at twenty five - one of the things most impressive is the maturity in not only his voice (both vocally and artistically) but also in his lyrics. But enough writing, lets get to the listening (and looking), so you can soak in the melodies... (FYI - I updated these videos - The previous vimeo vid I posted of 'Oats in the water' was a fan-made video - still beautiful mind you - but these two were taken from Ben Howard's official Youtube channel) Here's a (I think anyway) fan made video of the mesmerizing song Esmerelda of the Burgh Island EP. Ben Howard quotes: "'Black Flies' is the best song I've ever written" "We’re getting a bit more creative with the songs and I’m looking forward to doing some solid rehearsal days and adding a few new instruments" "Anyone’s debut record becomes their greatest hits really... "It comes down to the mental space you’re in; the songs just depend on how much you invest in them. If you really put your heart and soul into them and believe in what you’re singing or what you’re playing, then it comes across. That slightly loose edge when you’re not overly conscious of what you’re doing, but you’re really in tune with what you’re singing about." "Once you get onto a D28, you don’t really go back" - (referring to his Martin guitar) We’re getting a bit more creative with the songs and I’m looking forward to doing some solid rehearsal days and adding a few new instruments "Ben brings a crisp freshness to the world of acoustic troubadours, he’ll make you feel like it’s the first time you’ve ever heard anything like it, but still having a rootsy lustre seemingly as old as the country side in which he wrote the songs Like on FACEBOOK Follow on TWITTER Link to BEN HOWARD's Official Website Ben Howard music channel on YOUTUBE
0 Comments
This post comes to you as part of the Bloghop challenge. I was recruited (or tagged) by Eleni Muller (Papanou). She is an author all the way from Hawaii - and you can find her through the following link to her blog HERE. Thanks Eleni for thinking of me in this regard! So, as part of the Liebster blog Award challenge, i have to quote eleven random facts about myself and then answer the eleven questions from my recruiter - Eleni. And finally, recruit eleven people and do the very same thing - like a chain letter. (Challenge accepted) And now, on to my response to the Liebster challenge: 11 Random Facts about Steven Benjamin (ahem, me) -
11. · I may soon be immortalized in cartoon format. - An early work up - "I prefer the gentleman on the left. Quite a fine likeness, I might add" FYI - I don't wear spectacles. - I have taken a blood oath, sworn to secrecy and may only divulge details - which include the creator/illustrator's name when he launches it himself... (okay the blood oath part is technically not a fact, though it is a fact that it is practiced in some parts of the world... somewhere, maybe even by some random guy, who also happens to be named Steven). Okay, now to answering Eleni's questions: 1. What fictional character would you love to be for a day? Bruce Wayne – okay wait… No, not James bond either, that’s too typical, does Jeremy Clarkson count, no . . . AAAhh yes, I know – GAMBIT! No... when in doubt, always be BATMAN! 2. What is the hardest aspect of writing for you? Finding the right words, to match the amazing imagery and pure coolness permeating in the creative nerve center of my mind (it’s harder than it sounds), and yes, sometimes it’s so cool there just are no words. 3. What three historical figures would you love to share a cup of coffee and conversation with? Nikola Tesla; John the Baptist; Winston Churchill (Alternate list: Steve Biko, Michelangelo - with a translator of course, Princess Diana) 4. If you weren't an author, what else would you be doing? Working another job whilst fulfilling my passions and pursuing my dreams in other smaller ways. (or maybe start the South African Bobsled team) 5. On your deathbed, far into the future, how do you want to be remembered? A man who lived true to himself, always in pursuit of the heart of Christ… (or just, a good example) 6. Do you believe in an afterlife? Yes, I was born in heaven… one day I shall return home. CD cover - links to youtube vids 7. What is your favorite book, movie, and album? The Avenger – Frederick Forsyth. The Dark Knight (though, being a movie critic means I have a rather extensive list of favourites.) I’ve never actually settled on a favourite album, though my music tastes are pretty vast. Favourite song would be “Black” – by Pearl Jam… and if I was under duress to pick an album, I guess I’d go with U2’s ‘Joshua Tree’ (or their first ‘Best of’ collection). Then again, according to the “most listened to” on my playlist – it would be Ben Howard’s “Every Kingdom”. 8. Name the worst aspect of humanity. Indifference to your fellow human, which is kind of an appendage to that of inhumaneness. 9. Name the best aspect of humanity. To Love, unconditionally… 10. If an alien landed on Earth and asked you to go with him or her, but that you'd never be able to return home, would you go. Why or why not? No. Assuming this would happen in the next week or even few years (while I’m young) – too many things to do here. Too many people to Love, to shout at (even metaphorically, or in written word), to educate, to learn from… Then there’s the very likely scenario of me crapping myself and fainting at the site of said ET. If this were to happen in my older years – Maybe… because if I’m still married (because I intend to be a husband to a woman one day) and she’s still alive, then I definitely wouldn’t want to miss out on any of that… So to conclude – Probably Not, though there is a chance, if the circumstance is right, and the space trip is first class, and maybe if I stipulated a "plus one" clause! 11. Do you believe intelligent life exists beyond this planet? Why or why not? This is something I haven’t paid that much attention to, simply because it doesn’t really affect me that much, as in my everyday life… but I would have to say yes, I believe intelligence life exists on other planets. I’m a strong believer in the old “just because you cannot see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there” credo, and the universe is too vast (and we are too small) to simply and firmly state that we are all there is in it (regarding intelligent life forms) Stay tuned, my next post will include the eleven people I recruit (thought I'd highlight them all in a special post of awesomeness... plus, contacting them all can prove a hassle... you know artists.
|
[Banner illustration by Joel Kanar]
WRITING
|