BEN HAMILTON - BIOGRAPHY Born in Oxford, Ben’s first musical experiences were made while living in the commune his parents started. It wasn’t your run-of-the-mill eco-warrior-hippy commune frequented by lost children. It was the second home of the British cult band Traffic who would organize late night jam sessions with other illustrious names of the time (and not so illustrious ones!). Ben lived there until he was three years old. His eccentric painter father then, being swept by a desire to capture light (!), promptly took Ben off to Florence, Italy. It was there, surrounded by frescos and mopeds, that he started to strum his first chords on the guitar. At the tender age of 14 Ben’s world was turned upside down as he was sent to study at an English boarding school (Stanbridge Earls School). As it became clear to all concerned that a traditional academic path was not an option, Bens father gave him the opportunity to go to Australia. He offered him a plane ticket and 100 pounds in the pocket. The rest was up to you my son. In Australia, Ben worked first on a cattle station and then as a doorman at a Sydney striptease club. It was there that he started writing his first songs. Due to low finances and an expiring visa, Ben returned to Europe, and started busking his way through London, Lisbon, Barcelona, Florence and other European towns and cities, earning his first taste of applause and a warm meal every night. In Florence the German record producer/remixer Stefan Fischer, who was on holiday at the time, caught one of Bens sets in the Piazza Duomo. The meeting resulted in Ben traveling to Berlin. The electronic music which was being pioneered in Germany at the time not only brought him into cooperation with Wolfgang Brodauf (Vistacolor) but it also influenced his song writing greatly. Aside from heading various bands, Ben continued his singer songwriter career, playing as support for Elliott Smith and Mark Eitzel (American Music Club) among others. Having eventually got a hold of a computer and taken matters into his own hands, Ben recorded enough material to fill three double albums plus bonus tracks! Ben’s songs are direct and honest but never one-dimensional. His voice is where the magic lies. Still being faithful to his singer songwriter roots, Ben always manages to surprise the listener, subtly changing style thanks to the tasty use of loops and sounds. His songs have substance; his texts are honest, abstract and sometimes sad. The Hamilton cosmos is not a takeaway; it’s a proper meal. Ben is in his element when playing live and is a must for live music fans. The years of busking have given him a drive, stage presence and musical emotion which is second to none. Check him out if you can!