Canberra based indie-folk singer-songwriter Ben Drysdale, is back to capturing our hearts with the release of his sophomore single, ‘Listen Now.’ Following the international success of his debut solo single ‘If I Don’t Lie Down,’ Ben brings us a moving ballad that delves deep into the themes of empathy, support, and mental health. ‘Listen Now’ reveals beautiful piano chords at the beginning, setting an emotional ambiance. As Ben’s warm, soothing voice began, a compelling story unfolded, pulling us into a world of sound that was equal parts dreamy and introspective. His ethereal, upper-register vocal quality soars throughout the song.
‘Listen Now’ narrates the impactful, heart-warming story of a friend whose life had been affected by alcoholism and other torments of the mind. Now called in the middle of the night, Ben listened to a friend so down and depressed that he had tried suicide just the other day. Ben felt utterly ill-equipped to help, but he did the most important thing he could do—he listened. It was at this critical moment that Ben opened up on having had hard times stabilising his mental health, making his friend not feel alone. They decided to meet the following day to form a support system for each other and visit professionals. The experience was significant for Ben in such a way that he realised it’s crucial to lend an ear to any form of distress that may emerge. That is a reminder that nobody is meant to go through such struggles alone.
Co-written with his Nashville-based songwriting mentor, John Clinebell, ‘Listen Now’ is produced by Guy Lilleyman at Amberly Studios, Canberra, with the assistance of a grant from the ACT Government. The song is a tribute to anyone struggling with mental health problems and an appeal to men to discard the stigmas society has created and be prepared to be open in their vulnerability and reach out for help. Beyond Blue, an Australian mental health organisation emphasises that listening, showing care, and offering support are most important when someone is thinking of ending their own life. Ben’s song does this in an inspiring way and gives hope and confidence to the listener.
Musical inspirations for Ben, whose career has spanned over twenty years, have seen him take to the stage all over Australia, Canada, USA, and Ireland as a solo performer and with various bands. The unique blend of folk and pop melodies, together with bittersweet autobiographical storytelling through his voice, further intensifies with emotive content, bringing him into good stead across audiences within local music scenes and beyond. Having cut his teeth supporting Paul Kelly, The Waifs, Busby Marou, and international stars such as Chris Isaak with live shows, Ben Drysdale is an artist who is working in a territory to which he feels well suited.
‘Listen Now’ speaks to his capacity to deliver outstanding, earnest messages through his art. In ‘Listen Now,’ Ben Drysdale has brewed an anthem of empathy, hope, and a rally for anyone facing a storm. It’s always a reminder that we are never alone and all we need is sometimes someone to listen.
You can find more of Ben Drysdale at:
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You can listen to ‘Listen Now’ below:
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.