Before his performance at this month’s AU session taking place April 28th, the AU review caught up with Ben Wright Smith – the emerging singer-songwriter who talks about how he got started playing music and how he fell into his style. We find out what we can expect from his live show and what his plans for the year ahead are… plus more! Don’t miss him performing free next Tuesday night! Details at the end of the article.
How old were you when you started writing your own music?
I started playing music when I was around 12. I played the bass and just listened to punk music and hip hop mainly. I had a little casio keyboard which I’d play drum loops on and I’d record rap songs when I got home from school.
What was the first instrument you learnt?
I started off playing the bass guitar. That was my favourite for a while. I’d never really thought about picking up a six string guitar until I got a bit older and started wanting to write folk songs. When I was 15 I bought a cool hand made lap steel from the pawn shop up the road and started playing Hawaiian songs on that which was my first step into the world six stringed instruments.
Tell us a little bit about your style – how did you end up falling onto this particular style?
I guess most of the stuff I write are just folk songs at the heart of it. I write all the songs on the acoustic guitar or the piano. They tend to take a drastic leap into the future when we get the band together and play them but I guess they’re all just folk songs at the end of the day
Who are your influences?
I’m always hanging out with my buddies playing music and some of my favourite stuff is what they’re working on. My friends are in the folk duo Mouth Tooth and they’re about to release a record. All of the guys I play with in my band are working on so much cool stuff too. We’re working out of a studio at the moment that is filled with writers and producers and player of all kinds.
What is your latest song/album to promote? Tell us all about it:
We’re recording an album at the moment. We just released one song called ‘No One’ so far and were working on the other stuff in the studio at the moment. There will be lots more to come soon. Hopefully in the next couple of months.
What is your favourite record right now and why?
Recently I’ve found myself back listening to lots of old music. Michael Hurley and Ted Lucas are pretty much getting played on repeat at my house.
Who is your favourite Australian artist right now and why?
My favourite Australian artist is a Melbourne singer songwriter named Jumpin Jack William. He plays in a band called Willow Darling as well that great but his solo stuff is just so good. He’s my favourite songwriter. Also my good friend Ali Barter is up there too. Her new EP is really cool.
What can we expect from your live show?
At the moment I’m about to take off an play lots of acoustic shows around the country. I’m really looking forward to it as some of the towns are brand new for me. In Melbourne and Sydney I’m playing shows with my band which will be a heap of fun.
What are your plans for the year ahead?
Well I guess the rest of the year will be more recording and more tours. We’ll finish the record at some stage and then hopefully I’ll go on a holiday.
——
the AU Sessions #003:
Tues, April 28: Brendan Maclean and Ben Wright Smith
at The Hive Bar, Erskineville
6-9pm. Free Entry
More info available here: https://www.facebook.com/events/602463736555522/
