by mariah estran
photo by sam clarke
Last week, London based singer-songwriter Ben Brown released a new perfect tune to close out the summer season. The groovy track “Socks & Sliders” showcases Brown’s neo-soul pop sound, and the cheeky lyricism might just put a smile on your face.
The song highlights what some call a fashion faux pas, but it’s all about living your best life and leaving that judgment behind. Because let’s be honest, socks and slides are peak comfort footwear.
In celebration of Brown’s fun new single, we spoke with the singer on the latest release, his focus on mental health throughout his songwriting, and what he has planned next.
You’ve been releasing singles over the last few years, and you recently released an EP titled Neo Horizon. But what made you decide to jump into the music industry?
Ben: “I have always been obsessed with performing! The feeling I get from seeing people dancing and singing back to me can’t be replicated by anything else – I love directing the energy in the room and making it a party. Whilst I studied Economics at University, I ended up using this time to develop a scene for my music, running five headline shows during my time studying in Leeds, England. For me, music was the only way forward from here.”
Your sound is very bright, uplifting, and the quick-witted lyrics add to that. What inspires you when you go through the songwriting process?
B: “I get inspired by watching videos of some of my favorite guitar players (e.g. Tom Misch, Cory Wong, Nigel Rodgers) getting audiences moving at festivals or gigs, as I normally start with writing the chords because these are the building blocks to the mood created. It is essential that my music has a level of ‘groove’ that you can bop to. Once I have achieved this, the vocal melodies normally come pretty quickly after. Lyrically, I get inspired by songs written about something that most people don’t choose to write about.”
On the topic of your clever lyrics, I want to mention your new single “Socks & Sliders.” What can you tell us about this fun track?
B: “The song is essentially about not caring what people think of socks and sliders because I think they are extremely comfortable and convenient. It sounds stupid as a song topic, I know. But that is exactly the reason why I wrote a song about it! I’ve heard a billion love songs in my life and the lyrics all seem to blend into one. My aim is to create a point of interest in the lyrics that will make some people want to listen even if the music isn’t the sort of thing they normally might listen to.”
When it comes to your music, there’s also a focus on the importance of mental health awareness. Why do you feel this should be present in your craft?
B: “I like to describe my music as ‘feel-good music.’ A lot of people listen to music as an escape from something that might be going on in their life, which I do all the time. Whilst sometimes you may feel like crying along to a heartbreak song (which certainly does have its place), I have found that doing the things you love the most can be the most effective remedy when you are going through hardship. For me, I love listening to (and making) upbeat music, so this is what I do when I’m down. The thought of cheering someone up with my music is the ultimate satisfaction for me, so this is what I aim to do!”
Listening to your singles, I can hear this great funk and R&B flare. As you have grown as an artist, what musicians helped you shape your sound?
B: “I have always listened to a lot of disco music growing up. Nile Rodgers and Earth Wind & Fire were a great introduction for me on how to make music that people can dance to. From there, neo-soul artist and fellow Londoner Tom Misch made a huge impact on my music, with his soulful but funky guitar licks and his way of using jazzy chords so tastefully in music with groove. His album Geography is a masterclass in these, and I studied his guitar playing in it a lot! In regard to vocals alone, there is no one better at making feel-good pop than Bruno Mars. His catchy melodies and runs over funky grooves have been a great example to me of what is possible to achieve in the mainstream market with the styles of music that I love playing.”
On Instagram, you’ve been documenting these awesome street gigs you have been doing for your nearby neighborhood. What gave you this idea to share music outside your front door?
B: “In the UK, we had a national applause every Thursday at 8pm for our National Health Service during the height of lockdown. As everyone was clapping from their doorstep, I thought this was a great opportunity to bring people together and give something to the community whilst still at a safe distance. It seemed to cheer people up – we had around 30-40 people from the street gather round every week and they were super receptive, singing and dancing along! So, I continued doing it for the next ten weeks, playing with up to five other musicians at a time who joined me from the local area. It was so much fun sharing these moments with others and was great to discover some real talent so close to me – I’m sure I will be on stage with them very soon once things are up and running again!”
Lastly, what exciting projects are coming up next? Can listeners expect another EP?
B: “I have five singles lined up over the next six months or so, so I will have new music out pretty regularly from now on! They all share a common theme of positivity or satire written to brighten up your mood, whilst telling each story in completely different contexts and perspectives. I explore and infuse a number of different styles that I love listening to, including disco, soul, R&B and synth-pop.”