odd talk / headphones moment: ben howard - every kingdom (2011)

Headphones Moment: Ben Howard - Every Kingdom (2011)

As a regular feature we'll be sharing with you what sort of music is finding it's way onto our ipods, into our cars and on our spotify playlists of late. Who knows we may help you discover something new or unearth some forgotten classics …

Ben Howard is a Devon-based singer songwriter who has literally shot to fame in such a small period of time. I went to see one of his gigs at The Cockpit in Leeds sometime last year, on a recommendation. Lesser known at the time but it was literally about a month before he seemed to get his break, getting regular airtime on Zane Lowe's BBC radio 1 show and various plays on 6 music. This fast-track following is truly well deserved and is just a reflection on his musical talents and the genuine nature of his music is his charm. It really felt like you'd discovered something new and personal.

Extremely talented lyrically and vocally, his technical guitar skills make watching his live shows just that little more entertaining. His fingerpicking and use of percussive guitar techniques make you look on in awe. Even so, that I guarantee you'll want to pick up a six stringer and start tapping it rhythmically having watched one of his videos. (Not to discourage anyone, but it's harder than it looks).

His roots and surfer lifestyle seem to play a big role in his style of music. Obviously having been likened to artists such as Jack Johnson and Newton Falkner in the past, rest assured that Ben Howards music is of no comparison and stands as being original in it's own right.

Go check him out at www.benhowardmusic.co.uk

Tom

Added 11/10/2011.

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