Ben Leece

Raised on Kamilaroi country, Ben Leece grew up on a small farm on the North West Slopes & Plains of NSW. He first picked up his father’s Maton guitar as an early teenager and began writing songs before he even knew how to play. Citing influence from soulful R&B king Sam Cooke as well as alt country icons Jay Farrar and Lucinda Williams, Ben’s resonant voice and playing intertwine to offer up a rare honesty that commands attention, opening up his heart and leaving it on the table. Already sharing stages with the likes of Nadia Reid, William Crighton and Steve Smyth, he is carving himself a niche, touching on subjects that other songwriters wouldn’t dare attempt. Fragile yet confronting and always honest, Ben will make you run the gamut of emotion. 

Hank Volume 1 marks Ben’s solo debut and will be released Friday 19th May. The double A side features songs Drinking Youth and Trace, both a soulful blend of minimalistic alt country, Americana, roots and blues and was recorded at EGM Studio on the Central Coast with good friend Trent Crawford (One Dollar Short, Something With Numbers, Kasey Chambers, Shane Nicholson, Alex Lloyd.) Trent and Australian songstress Tori Forsyth also both guest on Hank #1 adding signature and depth to Ben’s writing and performance. The tracks were mastered by Simon Struthers at Forensic Audio Mastering who's credits include Paul Dempsey, Something For Kate, Meg Mac and The Peep Tempel. 

Ben is currently working on pre production for a debut album.