Benedict Beattie

Benedict Beattie is a singer / songwriter from Prince George, BC and currently living and schooling in Prince George, BC. Benedict, at the youthful age of 18, has played in several bands and groups ranging from southern styled Gospel to hardcore metal reflecting his wide musical tastes. However, that said, he has his own style; a mix between Bossa Nova and popular song (but also likes to experiment a lot with 80's inspired synth tunes and ambient textures). He is developing a distinctive west coast flavoured jazzy, folkie vibe. His stage presence has been described as "imagine a hugely likable Hugh Grant innocence that somehow wins audiences across with a sincere, whimsical delivery". Having had the good fortune to have a family all involved in music he has been exposed to live music since being a young child. Raised on festival stages and surrounds he began playing guitar at 12 influenced especially by Andy McKee and Don Ross. His influences reflect his upbringing ranging from the UK band, The Verve to Brazil's Astrud Gilberto to The Kings of Convenience from Norway. Benedict brought together his band "The Delightful Gang" in 2010. With a strong Prince George fan base these young musicians were encouraged to record. So in early 2011 they released "Live At The Pool Hall" recorded by Moses Kostamo of Coldsnap Festival production fame. This live recording in front of 60 plus fans took place above a filled in swimming pool with excellent acoustics. At a sold out [200 seats] concert date the ticket price included receiving the cd and a second printing had to be done. In the summer of 2012 after Grade 12 the band sadly dissolved, "Beni" to the UK, one to Victoria, 1 to Nairobi, one remained in PG. The cd can be found on ITunes. Benedict has played at many varying venues. In the past year 2011-12 he has played in North America and Europe (gigs in Mobile Al, Bordeaux Fr, London, Leeds, York UK,) and at some local British Columbian music festivals including the Prince George Coldsnap and the Morfee Mountain Music Festival. Playing and learning as much as possible is where it's at. These travelling experiences have broadened his horizons and good contacts have been made for future events. "By the time the Delightful Gang took to the stage everyone was well warmed up. And they did not disappoint. Their songs ebb and flow - mellow beginnings swelling to bold and bouncy middles and then some! The piano player rocked it - he played absolutely phenomenally and looked like a pro. The show rocked... from killer drums to a bassist/cellist that knew the ropes. And Benedict Beattie's complex and beautiful guitar rifts and lyrics - sometimes funny, sometimes serious and thought provoking - put it all together. What an awesome night!" Sarah Towle (producer/reporter for CBC Radio One) - after attending The Delightful Gang's CD release, 2011