Ben Willis
Wolverhampton, England, United Kingdom | SELF
Music
Press
Q. Name a track that never fails to get you dancing.
A. Iron Lion Zion – Bob Marley, there’s so much energy in this track, has to be played at full volume !
Q. When and why did you start to sing and write your own songs?
A. At my home in Wolverhampton, when I was about 17, so about 2 years ago. I discovered that writing songs was a great way to release stress , music is therapeutic !
Q. Do you listen to different types of music or have one true love?
A. I listen to all forms of music, from drum and bass, to grunge to Reggae (especially Reggae) just depends what mood I’m in. When I first started playing guitar i became very interested in Damien Rice and Finley Quaye learnt most of their songs , so I’m inspired by all good music.
Q. Do you know of any talented newcomers that we should hear?
Yes you should check out Dan Cook , http://www.youtube.com/user/SoundsKing#p/a/u/2/2l2LnlgGsnk
And also Islands in Oceans , http://www.facebook.com/islandsinoceans?sk=app_178091127385
Q. Where can we see you play after the Launch?
A. 25th of Jan – Coachmakers arms just off Bond Street in Central London.
Q. Why do you think people should come and see you?
A. To chill out , hear good music good and hopefully enjoy a distinctive voice.
Q. And finally, recommend one track by you and one track by another artist
A. Chariots of Gold – Ben Willis
The Civil Wars – I’ve got this friend. - wearemiscellaneous.co.uk
We spied this singer/ songwriter when he performed at Apocalypstick at The Hawley. Ben's opening song suceeded to halt the teams intense discussion mid sentence then encourage some energetic shushing to those who dared speak in the surrounding area. He managed to enthral the audience and bring people in from outside, holding rapt attention for his entire set. We didn't understand why it had to end so we immediately asked Izzy Lawrence (founder of Apocalypstick) to pass him over; he is now set to play for Miscellaneous at BBK on friday 23rd December.
This track 'all of yours' is a particular favourite but make sure you also listen to 'Lost in Amsterdam' and 'Chariot of Gold' on Ben's soundcloud page.
We have a good feeling about Ben, and honestly think he has the talent to go all the way. You can all say you knew who he was already; our christmas present to you. - wearemiscellaneous.co.u
Discography
http://soundcloud.com/ben-willis
Photos
Bio
Benjamin Cameron Willis
Musical Biography
Born on the 5th of March 1992, Benjamin Willis is a London based singer songwriter. From a very early age he showed a concentrated love for music, his musical ability first came to the limelight when he was 5 and he has been singing ever since. Ben first started to write songs when he was 15, and in the last four years his ability to write, perform and impress has come on in leaps and bounds.
To create his unique sound Ben draws upon influence from many different musical genres and artists. The songs are a distinctive mix of Reggae Folk and Soul . Artist who have influenced him include Damien Rice , Finley Quaye , Marvin Gaye and Bob Marley .
In the few years that Ben have been actively performing and writing .He has played at a wide range of venues including : some prestigious places , such places include The Jam House in Birmingham (owned by Jools Holland) , The Hawkey Arms in Camden , The Constitution in Camden , he has also taken his talent across the pond and played in The Red Lion in Greenwhich Village, New York , and The Greyhound , Long Island .
So what does the future hold for Ben Willis? With an ever increasing and improving cataloge of songs, and a strong determination to play as many gigs as possible, the future looks bright. Ben realizes that before any substantial success comes, there is alot of hard work to be put in, and he is more than ready to embrace that and enjoy it.
Ben has a unique and compelling style of music, which focuss on a strong and broad vocal, thought provoking lyrics and catchy hook lines. Ben is actively seeking gigs in London and his primary aim for now is getting his music to as many ears as possible!
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