We truly enjoyed chatting with Ben Heyworth, mainly because he holds a lifetime of experience in the entertainment space, together with past militancy in a hyped up British outfit, Minorplanet. This gives him a rather unique perspective, one that might be nostalgic at times, but also incredibly realistic and modern. His music is steeped in such wisdom, as ‘Creatures EP’ clearly showcases.
Released under Heyworth’s solo project, the EP collects three stunningly nuanced and minimal acoustic pieces, all exploring quirky and curious storylines regarding life in Manchester, UK – where Ben currently resides. He’ll tell us more about this in a second, yet I would like to stress the balance between playfulness and heartwarming character in ‘Creatures’, making it a pivotal milestone in Heyworth’s artistic journey.
Intrigued by the British troubadour, we caught up with him to learn more about his artistry and future goals… interview below!
Hey Ben, how is it going? I have been going on a bit of a historical hunt, discovering some of Minorplanet’s tracks and other endeavours… It’s clear that you have extensive experience within the British music industry. Looking back on the past few decades, what’s the one truth about the music industry that you feel like it’s worth sharing with our readers (and other upcoming artists)?
The music industry – well, I think it’s just as exploitative and cut-throat as it’s always been. The more things change, the more things stay the same. I’ve always had an interest in mental health – it’s another part of my professional portfolio as well as being a musician – and I’m increasingly concerned that there isn’t enough support for the mental health of artists, managers and other roles in the industry. So guys, look after your mental health – that’s the single biggest “truth” I could offer.
Ben Heyworth is now a solo project, with ‘Creatures’ EP marking its worldwide debut. It comes after a rather long hiatus. What have you been up to all this time? We suspect you have been keeping busy with music-related matters?
I realised I needed a pension and it probably wasn’t going to come from the creative industries, so I’ve been focusing on developing my professional portfolio in different areas, including working in oncology and also for an arts charity, which has been wonderful. I’ve just had a science book published, which is a big step forward.
I didn’t say yet, but.. welcome back! 🙂 ‘Creatures’ EP is simple and accessible in its sonic form, but also personal and intricate in its lyricism. Is there a common thread in it? How long has it been in the works?
Thank you, it’s great to be back! The title “Creatures” is intriguing – it relates to track three on the EP, “Creature Double Feature”, where we have a whole range of abstract and bizarre characters described that may or may not be different versions of myself or people I know, and these are the ‘creatures’ – and of course the song title references a 1950’s drive-in double bill of B-movie creature features. As Lady Gaga says, we are all little monsters in our own heads.
The degree of introspection in my songs varies, like with most artists. With this EP, I’m present as myself in some of the lyrics, but I’m also inhabiting characters, so the perspective in Narrowboat, for example, is the old guy sitting on his barge contemplating life, love and death. Whilst I can see these guys in the Ancoats marina from my apartment, I can’t say I’ve ever lived on a boat, and I’m certainly not old enough – and I absolutely don’t smoke a pipe!
I’m really enjoying just picking up the guitar and playing these songs in a very free and easy manner at the moment, and I’ll be taking that into a live space over the coming weeks. After that, it will be back into the studio to record the next EP, which is already written. So this one has been six months from writing the first song to release, pretty speedy I think.
I appreciate the soothing acoustic settings, which allow us to truly appreciate your gentle storytelling and cathartic vocals. As you grow older (and wiser), do you find it easier to sort of ‘shut out’ useless production frills? I imagine you prefer to go straight to the point, musically speaking?
I was known for some fairly elaborate electronic production for quite some time as This Morning Call, and you can still hear the fruits of that project on the usual streaming services. When that project ended, I sold all of my gear and drew a line under it. A decade later, I’m a man with a guitar and that’s about it – it really focuses the mind on the song itself and particularly the quality of the lyrics, which I think are much improved.
On the same theme, ‘Image of Roads’ is the track with the most eclectic production, with light textures and effects perfectly complementing the charming acoustic guitar. Can we expect more varied releases in the future? Or is this the sound you are going for? How will it evolve?
I really enjoyed freestyling some ideas in the studio for that track when we recorded it. I thought it was a really creative few days. I went into that space with no expectations, but I think we landed in a great place. The next EP and the one after that are already written, and at least two of those tunes I’m hoping to do a full production, costs permitting.
Speaking of Manchester, the British city is the place you call home. What role did it play in your music career, and how’s the artistic scene there today?
There are always great artists and bands putting out new music and doing exciting shows in Manchester. We’ve just had the Manchester Folk Festival, which is well worth a visit, and I’d recommend this festival as the best place to go to find out about the hot new talent that is coming through. Their annual festival is at the beginning of May with loads of performances and hundreds of music fans. Sometimes I feel part of the scene, sometimes I don’t. I don’t worry about it too much.
Artistically speaking, what challenges have the last two years presented you with?
Remembering how to sing, remembering how to play guitar, remembering how to write. And just being a musician again in general, I really thought that part of my life was over. But here we are.
What are the next steps for your project? Anything exciting on the horizon?
I have a launch event on the 30th May, followed by a private performance at a local hospital, and then a residency of gigs in a venue called Weaver and Wild in Uppermill, Saddleworth, every other Saturday from 3.30 pm to 6 pm until September. After that, I will be back in the studio for more recording and I’d love to do a big Christmas show somewhere.
