Music > Interviews

Ben Lawrence

11/02/24

Time and time again, the power of music is misjudged. Just by pressing play on an album, we can temporarily escape the stress of everyday life and realise that we are not alone.  

Last November, local indie folk artist Ben Lawrence released his debut album, ‘O Wide World’, after losing his twin brother Dan to cancer in 2016, taking us on a journey of life, loss, hope and adventure, to inspire us all to ‘keep on moving’! 

I recently caught up with Ben to discover his journey as a musician, the power music holds to him, as well as his plans for the future! 
 
- When did your journey as a musician begin? 

I picked up my first guitar aged 11, and a few years later began writing songs and playing in bands with my brother Dan and our friends. 
 

- How would you describe your music?  

I'd describe my music as nostalgic Indie folk pop, with hints of surf rock and Americana. 

- Who is your biggest musical inspiration?  

That's a tough one! I think one of my favourite artists is Foy Vance. His music has been there in all sorts of times of life for me. I love his honesty and musical nuance, and I love the way he draws you in to a story, almost in dialogue with you about the subject matter. 

- What messages do you aim to leave your listeners with? 

I guess my main aim is to give people a sense of hope, and not just a 'these songs will make you feel happier' kind of hope but more of a 'it's all going to be okay' kind of hope. The kind of essence of hope you get at the end of a good coming of age movie.  

- Pick your favourite lyric from the album! 

At the minute, and it changes all the time, it's: 'reminisce on that VHS, oh aren't the old ones always best'. From my song Hot Air Balloon. 

 - How would you describe the journey you take your listeners on through 'O Wide World'? 

O Wide World is an album split into three 'acts', each one taking on its own characteristic. The journey it's designed to take you on is one that weaves through my story and how I've dealt with the grief of losing my brother Dan to cancer in 2016. I want the listener to feel like they've experienced something of my story but also found themselves in the lyrics too. 
 
 - What challenges, if any, did you face when creating 'O Wide World'? 

There were a lot of little challenges in making this album. We had to find a lot of money to make it, which somehow amazingly we did, but there was also a massive personal toll on me as I realised the emotional impact these songs were having on me and those around me. At times I had to take a break, find something else to think about or otherwise it was quite overwhelming. 

 - What power do you believe music holds?  

I think music has the power to transform you. It has this ability to reach through the human void and find commonality in our shared experiences, our hopes and dreams, fears and failures. Music is a light in a world that can feel quite dark. 

- How important do you believe kindness is?  

That's an interesting question. An important question. Kindness is a bit like the impact of music in that it's quite hard to measure, but you know when you've experienced it. I think kindness changes lives, in a compound way, the more we are kind, the more we edify each other and the more we become better versions of ourselves. In the end, if we were all kinder, life would be a little easier. 

- What advice would you give to any aspiring musicians?  

My advice to aspiring musicians would be to just do it. Get out there and write some songs, make some bad recordings, play some dodgy gigs and see where it takes you. Honing your craft is important, but making mistakes will shape the corners of your style and sound, you'll find something original in there. 

- What plans have you got for 2024? 

My plan for 2024 is to take life a little slower, to make more time for friends and family and to keep pursuing my creative ambitions bit by bit. We're planning a few follow up things to O Wide World and I'm writing songs again, so who knows, you might hear something else from me soon. 
 
If you want to keep up to date with the inspirational work (and music!) of Ben, then you can check out his Instagram (@benplawrence)! 
And remember to ‘keep on moving’!