Tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a singer songwriter based in London with a strong Blues Rock influence to my music.
How did you come up with your artist name?
I was actually born with it, although I might come to regret using my real name in the future!
How long have you been in the music industry?
I started playing guitar at 15, but only seriously for the past 8 or so years.
How did you get started in the music business in the first place?
Just through my love of music and knowing that this is want I wanted for my future.
How would you describe your latest single?
I would say dark bluesy Americana with a hint of the supernatural.
When can fans expect the visuals for the single?
I have a music video out now on my Youtube channel here.
Who are your inspirations in the music industry?
I like a lot of the old Blues guys, like Sun House and Mississippi Fred McDowell, they were the trail blazers of there time.
How do you go about writing a song and what is your process?
It all starts from a riff on the guitar for me, then I’ll develop a melody and lyrics from that starting point. It’s a very organic process.
What is the concept behind your forthcoming project if working on one?
My new song tells a cautionary tail of loss and disillusion with the world. And how giving up on a dream can be the ultimate deal with the devil.
Any plans on touring to promote your latest single?
I’m working on booking a European and U.K. tour in Autumn and winter.
What did you buy with your first check off music?
Probably my current acoustic guitar, a Gibson J45
What are must haves when your in the studio working?
My J45, my MacBook with all the demo’s, and a cup of Joe.
What is the best piece of advice in this business you actually followed?
I’ve kind of followed my own path because so many people have no idea what there talking about. But ‘Never give up’ is the best advice I’ve actually followed.
Will you be collaborating with any other artists in the future?
Not really, I only really bounce ideas off my producer James Welsh when where recording.
What artist have you had the pleasure of working with and what was it like?
I love working with my backing band when recording and playing live, drummer Lui Rampino and guitarist Dimitris Loizos.
Name an artist(s) that you would love to work with?
Jack White would defiantly be up there as well as Dave Grohl.
Do you think your music is mostly enjoyed more for the beats or for the lyrical flow and content?
Lyrics are decently a big part of my music as well as my songwriting as a hole I think.
What area do you need to improve on in regards to your career? (Example: Better production, Delivery, Stage presence, etc…)
I just want to find my fanbase, and that can be tricky in todays oversaturated marketplace.
What’s your all-time favourite song?
Impossible to say there are so many!
What was the last album you listened to?
Probably Stray Screech Beast by Hellhound Choir.
Your favourite artist of all time and why?
Again there are too many!
Whose your favourite five artists right now?
Hmm probably Nirvana, Jack White, Radiohead, Sun House and Mississippi Fred McDowell.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Any of the old blues guys really, but Robert Johnson for starting the ball rolling.
Who have been some of your favourite artists that you’ve been able to work with?
It really my backing band, I’m not much of a collaborator.
How do you feel about the current state of music?
It’s very difficult right now, there’s so much music out there, most of it pretty terrible, that it can be hard to be heard through all the noise.
Any dream award shows you hope to one day play at?
I’m not one for award shows to be honest for me it’s all about the fans.
What is your main goal as far as music?
To live comfortably off my music.
Who would you say your music relates to the most?
I think it speaks to all people from all walks of life, just trying to find meaning in the world.
What separates you from other artists? (What’s makes you different?)
People always tell me my voice sets me apart, I also think I’m lucky to have found my identity as an artist, not an easy thing these days.
When your not in the studio, What do you like to do for fun and relaxation?
Reading, drinking with my friends, and songwriting.
If you could work with any producer who would it be?
Probably Butch Vig, who worked on ‘Nevermind’ with Nirvana, an amazing record that still sounds great today.
What’s the biggest highlight of your career thus far?
Just to be able to keep doing it, I know so many people that just burnt out with music, and it used to be such a massive part of there lives, sad really.
What is your dream venue to perform at?
Any massive stadium like Wembley would be pretty cool.
What’s the name of the last book you read and by whom?
1984 by George Orwell, he was a true visionary.
What’s your favourite sports team and why?
Not a big sports guy to be honest.
Whose your favourite actor or actress and their best movie?
Got to be Robert De Niro, legend.
Name someone famous who inspires you and why?
Probably my musical hero’s are the biggest inspiration to me.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I’m releasing a new album at the end of the year called ‘Darkness Before Dawn’ and more singles are in the pipeline.
Where can the fans check out for your music?
Probably my website has all the links: www.benhemming.co.uk
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