Music
Press
The songs of Ben M. are well written both musically and lyrically. I like the layering of sounds, the melodies and he has a great voice that exhibits various shades of emotion to top it off.
27 Feb, 2007 - Buzz_M_E
Nice song I really like the chaotic haunting introduction contrasted by the sweet and breezy music that follows, the lyric reflects the music and they are nicely sung by Ben's BIG voice. the ohhs and ahhs remind me a little of pink floyd nice work Ben!!
23 Nov, 2006 - river7
Mr McMaster is doing what he says he aims to do: producing something with substance which is also more than easy to listen to. He has a great voice, both unique and familiar, full of feeling that lifts my mood every time i listen to it. this song is different to many of his others because tho they're all uplifting, catchy and interesting, this one is very smooth.. soothing.
30 Oct, 2006 - Lischi
Expect Ben McMaster to become a household name in the near future. His music is catchy and easy to listen to! Seriously Ben you should put at least one of your other songs on here as well - they're really good! K
25 Oct, 2006 - monkeycat
Great Pop Song!! It feels, it flows and it has great words. But then again, so do most of Your tracks, man. 'Definetly Maybe' was great but look out for this guys debut album. It could be even better
23 Oct, 2006 - Aerial Starlip
Clean and un-overproduced sound. Would be great driving song on a gettaway holiday. Real warm sound. smooth easy and calming song.
13 Oct, 2006 - ChrisTz
Various
enroute: FReeZA Central
(Independent)
enroute is the fruit from FReeZA Central; a Victorian Government initiative for music industry hopefuls aged 18 – 25, facilitated by youth music organisation The Push and its partners. Although this is the first time the program and most of its participants have done a recording, the result is of exceptional quality.
This high standard was helped by guests such as Monique Brumby, Andrew Kitchen (Antiskeptic) and Rory Kelaart (Yidcore). The recording was done at Hothouse Studios and mastered by Jack the Bear. However, it’s the raw ability of the young artists that really stands out.
Country lass Lauren Amery is everywhere, doing drums and backing vocals on others’ tracks, while exhibiting strong lead vocals on her own song Please Come Back Home. Other songstresses on the album include Whitney Roberston with the bubbling Moonlight and Rachel McGalshan with the stunning, string-laden Old Town.
Representing hip hop are 360’s What I Need telling us what he wants in a woman “I can’t be your boyfriend and your teacher at the same time” and female MC Lotus funking it up with Found You. Meanwhile Camilo Castellanos adds a different taste with his drawn out Spanish guitar instrumental The Dance Of The Bull.
In terms of rock there’s not a lot. Final track Turn It Up by Jeremy Giddings is about all there is, with its upbeat driving rhythm. More on the pop-rock side are Scarlet Rain with Judy and Ben McMaster’s Things To Do, both of which could easily find a home on Triple J’s playlist.
A varied and entertaining listen; enroute showcases a fine mix of genres from the next generation of Victorian talent.
JAMES RIDLEY - Beat Magazine (JAMES RIDLEY)
Discography
Soon to be released: "That Was Close EP"
Current Release: Ben McMaster - Various Songs (promotion quality demos)
All tracks are available for community radio airplay.
Photos
Bio
It is rare to hear breathtaking contemporary Australian music these days, but once you listen to the unique sounds of alternative singer/songwriter Ben McMaster, it’s easy to say that he defines that of a distinctive, modern Australian sound that we have all come to appreciate. Not only does he deliver astonishing vocals within each track, but each also contains powerful, meaningful lyrics to compliment his sound, in all cases creating a soothing atmosphere.
Ben’s first taste of being in the spotlight came when the acting bug bit him in high school. Originally from Perth, a family adventure had Ben and his family settle on Queensland ’s Sunshine Coast. Ben was only 17 at the time. Then, while enrolled in a performing arts course, he discovered a talent for song writing and so began another journey. Now armed with a keyboard, Ben began writing more and more songs. Then in 2005 he began to get really serious and took singing and guitar lessons. Gigs came sporadically as he had no previous interest or experience in the music industry, but he managed to score a few through a friend named Adrian Herd and other contacts he made at that time.
In 2006, Ben and his whole family decided to move down to Melbourne, for the specific purpose of gaining a career as a singer/songwriter. With some demos recorded in several backyard studios, he got some interviews and airplay on community radio. In a case of “it’s not what you know but who you know”, Ben’s demos came to the attention of Sam Panetta, head of Melodic Management, via one of the members of indie rock band Kisschasy. Now Ben is one of Sam ’s Artists in Development where the two are still working on songs and gathering music industry interest. Each song became available on the cult website MySpace as soon as it was recorded and he slowly developed a widespread fan base. This is how I came to hear of Ben.
Listening through Ben’s track list is truly pleasant. There is so much diversity in the content of the songs that each one stays fresh in the listener’s mind. The common feature of all tracks is that they create a great surge of uplifting enthusiasm in the listener.
The song ‘Always There Inside Of Me’ will blow listeners away (much like the rest of his track set). When it reaches the chorus and you hear all these numerous melodies and instruments banding together and actually working well, it is the most magnificent moment during this song. The contrast between background vocals, instrumentation and Ben’s voice all collide with style. The outcome of the song is staggering, including the exquisite lead up to the coda.
All the hard work being produced by someone so young is truly amazing. Ben McMaster is definitely an artist on the rise to a great, successful career.
-Written by David Russo; edited by Ben McMaster
Links
