You know those delicate, whispered melodies that seem to drift effortlessly through the air? Songs you can work to, fall asleep to or just breathe to? English singer-songwriter Benjamin Francis Leftwich is all about those. And people are into it: ‘Shine,’ a song from his first album Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm, was named Spotify’s most addictive track of 2014.
Now touring his second album, After the Rain, the 27-year-old is gearing up for his second trip to China, where he’ll stop off in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou in mid-June, delivering what he promises will be “real chill shows.”
We caught up with Leftwich before his trip to learn more about his distinct musical approach, favorite Springsteen song and advice for aspiring artists.
For those less familiar with your music, which songs would you tell them to listen to first and why?
That changes every day, but right now I would say a song called ‘Tilikum’ off my latest album, and a song called ‘Kicking Roses.’ I’m in love with all the songs and I believe in them but those two are just fairly current and they mean a lot to me.
Listen to 'Tilikum' below (VPN off):
‘Shine’ was named Spotify’s most addictive track of 2014, three years after Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm was released. Why do you think there was such a delay?
Yeah, it was crazy – I was just sitting in my bedroom having a coffee one morning when my friend texted me.
Streaming has made it possible for songs to travel really long distances and I think it just took some time for that song to reach people’s countries. A big DJ named Kygo also remixed it and I think he helped bring a lot of the attention back to the original as well as his remix, which was great.
Hear the Kygo remix below (VPN off):
In general, when creating a new song, does the melody or lyrics come to you first?
My dad used to say, “Ben, you’re a poet,” and I never really agreed with him, you know, because for me, with a song, the melody and the rhythm and the phrasing can enhance what would seem on paper the simplest lyrics. So a lot of the time, I’ll just be set with a guitar or a laptop or a beat, writing a melody and then maybe a word or two will come and I’ll build on it from there.
You’ve been touring for a year now. Any wild stories or memories that stand out?
Many, but you know, just a few months ago we were in Canada touring and it’s such a beautiful country – driving in the early morning and seeing the northern lights was amazing.
But the most beautiful and unforgettable things are meeting people that you fall in love with, in whatever sense, whether that’s friends or partners. That’s the real blessing about touring: spending a whole year waking up in a different city, you never know what’s around the corner, and that’s something I’m very grateful for.
Listen to Ben's original 'Shine' – Spotify's most addictive track of 2014 – below (VPN off):
You’ve cited Bruce Springsteen as an inspiration. Which of his songs would you say best reflects your own style?
I’ll always remember the first time I listened to Nebraska all the way through – it really inspired me and I think for a lot of singer-songwriters who start out with acoustic guitar, that’s a really special album. The lyrics are very humanist and kind and understanding and not preachy.
Songwriting-wise, I’m really in love with a song of his called ‘Atlantic City,’ especially the chorus: “everything dies baby that’s a fact/but maybe everything that dies some day comes back/put your makeup on/fix your hair up pretty/and meet me tonight in Atlantic City.”
If you could describe your musical style as a color – or food – what would it be?
It would be sea blue – like tropical sea blue – and the food would be Sriracha flavored tofu cubes.
Getting psyched for your China tour?
I’m very excited, yes. I’ve been to Shanghai recently for a festival, Concrete & Grass, and I loved it. I felt like such a tourist because I’d never been, you know. I kind of like that because it feels like a beautiful adventure. It’s humbling and amazing to be able to see other people’s cultures and get a little taste of other people’s music.
Anything else you’re looking forward to?
I think the main thing for me is just playing music that I believe in, and meeting fans who have listened to it for a long time and have them be able to see me play. And being in someone else’s home and someone else’s country that’s so far away from mine, it’ll be amazing and we’re really grateful to be coming back.
What advice would you give to aspiring young artists in China?
You’ve got to be happy within yourself and focused and calm before you can worry about anything else. And I would say the Internet is a dangerous place – too many people rush music out too soon. So I’d say patience, calmness, kindness, happiness, and listening to a lot of music and appreciating why music connects with people.
Beijing: Fri Jun 16, 9-11.30pm; RMB100-150. Mao Livehouse. Purchase tickets here.
Shanghai: Sat Jun 17, 9-11.30pm, RMB100-150. Yuyintang. Purchase tickets here.
Guangzhou: Sun Jun 18, 8.30pm, RMB80-120. T:Union. Purchase tickets here.
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