Hey, How have you been Ben?
Very well, thanks. I’ve been on the road recently and now I’m back in Nashville for a bit..it’s nice to be in the one place for a while.
For those new to you and your music give them a little bio about you.
I’m originally from a small village in N.Ireland but now live in Nashville, TN. I’m a long standing Manchester City supporter and am slowly learning to understand American football. I have a weakness for Krispy Kreme doughnuts. I’ve got two rescue dogs – Mabel and O’Malley. I’m a Virgo. When I was younger I wanted to be Bob Dylan but now realize that probably would have too many burdens. I write and sing songs and tour performing them across Europe and the US.
What is your genre of music?
Singer-songwriter/Americana/Folk
Are you a signed?
Yes. I’m signed to Proper Records.
You have just released your new single ‘Ride The River’, tell us more about it.
“Ride The River” is the story of two lovers conspiring to get free together, dreaming and planning their great escape from the commitments of the world. When writing the song Kim Richey and I wanted to use the sense and symbols of time to show just how far these characters would go in their pursuit of being together. No matter what elements and obstacles stood before them they were moving through it all with complete devotion to one another.
What was the recording process like?
I co-produced the album with Neilson Hubbard in Skinny Elephant Studios in Nashville. It was engineered and mixed by Dylan Alldredge, who also owns the studio. We tracked the album in five days, basing the core of the recording sessions around four musicians – Kris Donegan, Juan Solarzano, Neilson and myself. We recorded a lot of the stuff live but also did some overdubbing and for that we were joined by pianist Barry Walsh and cellist Chelsea McGough. This recording has a much fuller sound than my last couple of albums which were much more stripped back and raw.
What was the writing process like?
I wrote these songs over the course of about 18 months. There are twelve songs on the album – ten of which are co-writes with my closest collaborators from the past few years. Although I didn’t have an overall concept for the album while writing it, themes did become apparent as the songs arrived.
It feature Kim Richey, how did that come about?
Kim and I have been writing and singing together for a few years as we’re both based in Nashville. I’ve been a fan of hers since the first time I heard her sing on “Come Pick Me Up” (Ryan Adams). She’s one of the best singers I’ve ever had the chance to work with.
What is the message behind the album.
The message that the music gives me is going to be different for others and I prefer for the listener to discover their own message in the music. It’s more meaningful that way. I hope that the music takes listeners on a personal journey.
You also have a new album coming soon, what can you tell us about it?
It’s called Shorebound and is released on 4th May. 2018 marks the tenth year since my first album “The Week The Clocks Changed” was released so I feel it’s an important moment in a personal cycle. Shorebound is an acknowledgement of where I am now and who I’ve gotten here with since that first record came out. It features co-writes and performances from ten of my closest collaborators.
Pre-order Shorebound
You also have a tour coming up, tell us what we can expect.
I’ll be touring as a two piece – myself and a guitar player, Colm McClean. I love touring in that stripped back way. It’s a very intimate way to showcase the songs. For the Irish gigs I’ll be joined by pianist John McCullough.
Tour Dates
Thurs 10th May – London, King’s Place (supporting Mary Gauthier)
Fri 11th May – Carlisle, Carlisle Folk and Blues Club
Sat 12th May – Aberdeen, The Blue Lamp
Tues 15th May – Birmingham, Kitchen Garden Cafe
Wed 16th May – Tadcaster, Everything Good Goes
Thurs 17th May – London, King’s Place (supporting Mary Gauthier)
Fri 18th May – Worthing, Coastal Connections
Sat 19th May – Cambridge, The Junction
Sat 26th May – Culdaff, McGrory’s [Ireland]
Thurs 31st May – Larne, N. Ireland, Larne Town Hall
Fri 1st June – Belfast, The Black Box
Will you be having support, if so can we know who?
TBA
Where will you be heading?
We’ll be covering a lot of miles and heading to London, Carlisle, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Tadcaster, Worthing, Cambridge, Belfast, Larne Donegal and The Netherlands
Do you have any collaborations in the works?
I’m also a member of The Orphan Brigade (www.theorphanbrigade.com) which is a collaborative project based in Nashville. We’ll be writing and recording our next album soon. I also do a lot of co-writing with artists in Nashville for their albums.
Would you be up for collaborating with other bands or artists, if so how could they contact you?
I’m always open to working with other artists. I’m contactable through my website www.benglover.co.uk
what would be your dream tv show/film to have your music played on?
Pat Garret and Billy The Kid, directed by Sam Peckinpah.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Stay present.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Don’t do this because you want to be famous…do it because not doing would be devastating.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Stay present.
What else can we expect from you guys?
The intention is to keep on writing, recording and touring, so expect lots more of creative endeavors from us.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
over here
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