Hot on the heels of the release of first single ‘Blue’, new signing to Xtra Mile Recordings, BEN BROWN, announces his new EP by the same name.
Produced by friend and mentor Frank Turner, ‘Blue’ EP is out digitally on 12th July 2024.
Whilst writing music for his first solo offering, Ben had a chance meeting with Frank Turner. After catching a performance at his neighbour’s barbecue, Frank invited Ben to record some songs in the recording studio at the bottom of his garden.
Bonding over a shared enjoyment of Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer, together they set about capturing the songs Frank had heard – a process which turned into one of play and exploration. There were no arrangements other than voice and guitar initially – but together they layered vocals and drum machines to create recordings that sound like the songs heard at the bbq – but more!
Ben says of the session:
“Many laughs were had at the recording and listening back to the performances you can really hear how comfortable I had become in Frank’s garden studio. At lunch time – Frank would cook me his signature dish … Pasta Surprise – which is apparently the only thing he can cook. Being a good producer is as much technical prowess as it is communication and personal skills. Frank has both of these.
The songs themselves are sort of vignettes in my head – when I sing them, I can picture a scene. The way the camera would move, the grain of the film. I believe them to be well crafted – both structurally and melodically – they are more understated than my previous work, there is no loud drum kit or overdriven guitar to hide behind. For me, this is more vulnerable, and to be honest more exciting!”
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Lead track ‘Blue’, released last week, has already picked up plays on BBC Introducing Essex and BBC Introducing Suffolk as well as Radio X Xposure Daily. Watch the new video here.
In July, Ben Brown will head out on the road supporting Frank Turner on his sold-out UK Tour. His ability to connect with an audience on such an immediate and warm level mean his live performances are well worth checking out.
UK TOUR – supporting Frank Turner
JULY
14 – Manchester Academy 2
15 – Leeds Brudenell Social Club
16 – Glasgow Garage
18 – Southampton 1865
19 – Birmingham Academy 2
20 – Nottingham Rescue Rooms
22 – Cardiff Tramshed
23 – Oxford O2 Academy 2
24 – Norwich Epic Studios
All dates are sold out.