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Come down and warm your cockles with some delicious brews, tasty chews and tantalizing tunes by yours truly at OCI from 4-7pm Sunday May 19!Stuff about me:
Ben Drysdale is an award-winning singer songwriter and Indie Folk artists from Canberra, Australia. He colours his raw and heartfelt lyrics with musical shades of indie folk, pop, soul, and blues tailoring the energy of a set to the audience: whether engaging a thoughtful listening crowd or filling a dance floor. His songs span from vulnerable and visceral ballads exploring the darkness of the human condition to upbeat foot stompers full of energy and hope. He has played shows in the US, Ireland and Canada and featured on bills with some of Australia’s greatest including Paul Kelly, The Waifs and Busby Marou as well as international stars such as Chris Isaak.
After fronting a number of bands since 2004 including Smitten, Beth n Ben, and 8-piece funk and soul outfit East Row Rabble, Drysdale is embarking on a new Indie Folk project under his own name. His debut solo single ‘If I Don’t Lie Down’ came out Friday Dec 15. It debuted on the AMRAP regional charts at #7 jumping to #4 the next week, had a feature profile on the Australian Independent Record Labels Association Website, and has received rave reviews from music magazines and blogs around the world including the US, UK, France, Mexico, Ghana and Serbia with people streaming in over 80 countries.
‘’If I Don’t Lie Down’ encapsulates Ben’s unique and heartfelt compositions blending of folk and pop melodies, introspective storytelling, and passionate vocals.’ - Australian Independent Record Labels Association
‘‘If I Don’t Lie Down’ is more than just a song; it’s a journey through the highs and lows of pursuing one’s dreams. It’s a foot-stomping anthem that combines the rawness of folk with the energy of indie music, making it a must-listen for fans of the genre and a fantastic introduction to Ben Drysdale’s solo work.’ - Broken Color (USA)
Ben recently landed 2nd place in the 2023 Hawaii Songwriting Festival songwriting competition with his unreleased song ‘Listen Now’ which was also a semi-finalist in the 2020 International Songwriting Competition.
His unreleased track ‘I’m Flyin’ Now’ received an honourable mention in the ‘Folk/Singer songwriter’ category of the 2022 Unsigned Only Music Competition and was also a winner of the ‘Win Some Love’ promotion placing it in the top 3 of honourable mentions across all categories.
Ben’s 2021 release ‘Either Way’ (a duet with LA artist Justina Shandler) was featured on Season 3 of the US TV show ‘Good Trouble’ in March 2021 and MTVs ‘Ex On The Beach’ in 2022. His music has also featured on The Young and The Restless. Ben’s catalogue has 38 music licensing deals across 11 agencies around the world.
‘Drysdale’s global collaborations, international songwriting accolades, and features on US TV shows underscore the depth of his musical journey. With the release of “If I Don’t Lie Down,” listeners not only gain access to a melodic gem but also become part of a profound exploration of resilience—a testimony to the indomitable spirit that propels artistic pursuit. As the echoes of this debut solo release reverberate, it solidifies Ben Drysdale’s place as a solo artist, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.’ Musikepool (UK)
Drysdale has released five studio EPs and a full length live album including Smitten’s self-titled debut EP (2007), Beth n Ben’s releases Boarding Pass (EP 2010), Economy Class (EP 2011), Scenic Roots (EP 2013), and Baggage Claim (Live Album 2015), and East Row Rabble’s debut self-titled EP (2018). Drysdale has co-written on 6 tracks that other artists have released including ‘Either Way’ by LA artist Justina Shandler and H1Fiv3’s ‘Clock’s Tickin’’ which he featured vocals on. A 10-track solo album is yet unreleased and will be coming out in the near future. The second single from the album, Ben's award winning heartfelt ballad 'Listen Now' will be released at Smith's Alternative on June 22 from 6-8pm. Tix here: https://www.smithsalternative.com/events/ben-drysdale-85885
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Old Canberra Inn, 195 Mouat St, Lyneham ACT 2602, Australia,Canberra, Australian Capital Territory