Music
Press
The Natural New Zealand Music Festival is back, and will be showcasing some huge Kiwi music heavyweights. With Shapeshifter and Kora as headliners, plus sets from legendary producer P Money, hiphop artist Ladi6, revered trio Trinity Roots, singer/songwriter Maisey Rika, local boy Ben Merito and hilarious Kiwi comedian Gish, this festival covers all the bases and is sure to be massive.
The Natural New Zealand Music Festival will be held on Saturday, December 1, at Red Hill Auditorium – the perfect way to kick off summer. Don’t miss out on this awesome representation of music from over friends across the ditch. Tickets available now through Oztix. - Xpress Magazine
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/video/watch/27658037
MEDIA RELEASE 14 December 2011
140 HITS THE RIGHT NOTE WITH BEN MERITO
Leading Western Australian based musician, Ben Merito is serving up some retail rock therapy this Festive season at 140, Perth’s most unique urban fashion and food destination.
Having recently completed his second studio album ‘Soulful Reason’ and touring the West Coast with iconic performers Neil Finn and Paul Kelly, Ben Merito is now entertaining the crowds at 140 with an eclectic mix of funk rock tracks alongside some of his more well-known reggae infused sounds.
Commenting on the musical partnership, 140 Marketing Manager Kristi Dempster said: “140 is thrilled to be teaming up with one of Perth’s favourite adopted acoustic musicians. Ben’s creative expression is mesmerising - he really has been hitting the right note with the people at 140 and getting everyone into the Christmas spirit.”
“At 140 we are always looking for opportunities to support and promote the amazing creative talents of both local and international artists. As a leading cultural hub, we’re proud to play host to Ben Merito and look forward to welcoming a series of exciting artists in 2012”, Ms Dempster added.
Born and raised in New Zealand, Ben Merito moved to Perth in 2008 and has headlined the ‘Spring in the Valley’ festival and independently released two albums, ‘Way Back Home’ and ‘Soulful Reason.’
Ben Merito is performing live on Level 1 at 140 - every Friday in the lead up to Christmas, from 11.30am to 1.30pm.
Cbus Property is the property development and investment arm of Cbus, the Construction and Building Industry Superannuation Fund, which has funds under Management exceeding $17 billion and over 655,000 members. Cbus Property has responsibility for the strategic performance and management of all Cbus direct property investments including 140 William Street in Perth, 8 Exhibition Street, 181 William Street and 550 Bourke Street in Melbourne and 1 Bligh Street in Sydney. The portfolio currently exceeds $2.0 billion making Cbus Property one of Australia’s leading integrated property investors.
For further information, interviews and photo opportunities:
Shae Slater, Professional Public Relations
(08) 9388 0944 / 0404 151 817
shae.slater@ppr.com.au - The West Australian
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/video/watch/27658037
- The West Australian
? ?MEDIA RELEASE
19 DECEMBER 2011
140 HITS THE RIGHT NOTE WITH BEN MERITO
Leading Western Australian based musician, Ben Merito is serving up some retail rock therapy this Festive season at 140, Perth’s most unique urban fashion and food destination.
Having recently completed his second studio album ‘Soulful Reason’ and touring the West Coast with iconic performers Neil Finn and Paul Kelly, Ben Merito is now entertaining the crowds at 140 with an eclectic mix of funk rock tracks alongside some of his more well-known reggae infused sounds.
Commenting on the musical partnership, 140 Marketing Manager Kristi Dempster said: “140 is thrilled to be teaming up with one of Perth’s favourite adopted acoustic musicians. Ben’s creative expression is mesmerising - he really has been hitting the right note with the people at 140 and getting everyone into the Christmas spirit.”
“At 140 we are always looking for opportunities to support and promote the amazing creative talents of both local and international artists. As a leading cultural hub, we’re proud to play host to Ben Merito and look forward to welcoming a series of exciting artists in 2012”, Ms Dempster added.
Born and raised in New Zealand, Ben Merito moved to Perth in 2008 and has headlined the ‘Spring in the Valley’ festival and independently released two albums, ‘Way Back Home’ and ‘Soulful Reason.’
Ben Merito is performing live on Level 1 at 140 - this Friday in the lead up to Christmas, from 11.30am to 1.30pm.
To view Ben Merito’s Freedom To Dance video visit http://www.benmerito.com
- PPR MEDIA RELEASE
If you love a bit of acoustic/pop/funk then make sure you don’t miss out on seeing Kiwi solo artist Ben Merito and his band the Forgotten Soldiers this Friday at The Settlers Tavern. He is also playing a solo gig at The Augusta Hotel on Saturday 2nd July, before heading back to The Settlers Tavern for a three hour solo gig (from 3pm to 6pm).
Don’t miss out as the talented singer and songwriter will be sure to impress as he cranks out some of his very own original music.
Ben’s has become widely regarded as one of WA’s best acoustic acts and is well respected in the live music scene. His latest album, ‘Way Back Home’ is now available to purchase from amazon and iTunes.
http://totalhits.com.au/?page_id=1372 - Total Hits - Pia Conway
01/02/2011
BEN MERITO - sophomore album in production
New Zealand artist Ben Merito has chosen Chad Blondel to produce his second album. Following the success of his debut album "Way Back Home" which received nation wide acclaim and heavy radio rotation, Merito is back in the studio creating an equally formidable follow up. www.benmerito.com
http://www.chadblondel.com.au/studiosite.htm - Chad Blondel
Beginning the night was reggae band The Forgotten soldiers. Fronted by Ben Merito whose soulful, funky vocals characterised the catchy, upbeat reggae roots song of the band. The quintet made for an excellent reception to those who had arrived early.
http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/reviews/events/28338/Paul-Kelly-and-Neil-Finn-Red-Hill-Auditorium-Perth-250411 - Faster Louder
The only one to perform with a band, New Zealand-raised and Perth-based Merito had the audience dancing and smiling along early in the evening – including to a song about cups of tea dedicated to his mum in the audience.
http://fremantle.inmycommunity.com.au/going-out/gig-guide/Musical-Anzac-Day-salute/7589964/ - Fremantle Gazzette - In my Community
Discography
Ben Merito - 'Way Back Home' Album
-My Good Friend
-Funky Music
-Your Smile
-Light Up The Darkness
-Lost My Mind
-Take It Back
-Tea For Two
-Come Back Down
-Forgotten Soldiers
-Way Back Home
MERITO "Soulful Reason" Album
-Better Off Without You
-Change
-Stuck On You
-Slow By My Window
-In These Dreams
-Burn
-Freedom To Dance
-Soulful Reason
-Kiss Me In The Rain
-Yesterday
Photos
Bio
Singer/ Songwriter Ben Merito can be described as many things. Since his early teenage years this talented artist has put the hard graft, determination and commitment into his love of musicianship and creative expression. Over the years his hard slog has won him scholarships, peer approval, acclaim and competitions, but what drives his passion is the truth in his music. It's this authenticity and musical integrity that will secure him a good place in the charts today, and it is these characteristics which is at the heart of the connection he has with audiences around Australia and New Zealand.
Born and raised in New Zealand Ben Merito comes from a family of performers and is the youngest son of Gerry Merito, an icon in the New Zealand music industry. Now living in Western Australia, Ben Merito has distinguished himself as one of the 'top drawer' acoustic musicians in the Perth City music scene today.
Since moving to Perth, Ben Merito has achieved a succession of steps in his career. In 2008 he was the headline performance at the 'Spring In The Valley' festival, Merito showcased himself to a sold out audience at the iconic Elmar's Brewery in the Swan Valley. In 2009 he independently released his debut album 'Way Back Home'. An album which showcases the raw honesty and open naturalness of Ben's music, across genres of roots, soul and reggae. His voice is strong and very beautiful and songs such as Light Up The Darkness (where he sings in his native Maori) hold audiences breathless in silence to the very last note..However, his faithful band of misfits The Forgotten Soldiers never let things get too serious for too long; and although capable of great depth and feeling in his music Merito is not afraid to express pure and simple joy. 'Your Smile' and 'Tea for Two' might explain the very high incidence of audience sing-a-longs at his performances and a loyal group of fans who always bring their own couch.
With invitations for support performances with iconic performers such as Neil Finn and Paul Kelly acclaim for Ben Merito continues to grow. Ben performs with heart and soul. His audiences continue to grow rapidly and it’s only a matter of time before he becomes contentious property between Australia and NZ”
Links
