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Irish singer-songwriter Tony Benn has just released his latest single ‘If We Make It Through The Winter’, and Tony joined us to talk about the single, as well as his earliest musical memories.
Have you always been a solo artist?
I’m a solo man most of the time, I have a band that plays with me sometimes, my brother (Tommy) and one of my best friends (Johnny Clancy ), we’ve been playing together since we were 15 or so.
How did you feel performing your first gig? And how was it?!
I was 15 and it was a Battle of the Bands with my first band, before I sang the first note I was really nervous but I realised that it was what I wanted to do with my life and I had to just get over it.
What should people expect when they check you out? How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as a nice man with a good sense of humour or as an alt-folk singer/songwriter music man!
The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
I think that all you can be is yourself really and do your best. If you play your gigs well and put yourself into it people appreciate it and remember you.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
I released a new song “If We Make It Through The Winter“ a few weeks ago and I’ll have a few more coming out before the end of the year.
What band out there at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
I think I would be a good match to gig with Sun Kill Moon or Ani Di Franco. I would love to support either, they are incredible.
Who do you feel is the next band to break out?
I am terrible at picking out the next big thing, the last time I got it right was when I saw the White Stripes in a small tent on their first European trip. If I have to pick it would be Noah Gunderson, he is fantastic and his song “Cigarettes” is just pure magic.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the light bulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
My first musical memory is listening to Billy Joel and Roy Orbison in my dad’s car, and the first time I thought I want to do that was when I saw a one-man band playing away on the street with his band of puppets. I was 9 or 10 and I was mesmerized!
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
I think it was Grant Lee Buffalo and it was just incredible, super loud, exciting and loads of great songs.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
I gave this a bit of thought and I’d say the answer is Cher’s Greatest Hits. I just love her energy when she sings, it’s unreal.
Although 2020 was a year to forget for many reasons, there was some incredible music released; what would be your album of 2020?
I know it didn’t get great reviews, but I would pick The Killers last album, earlier in the year I became obsessed with their song “Blowback “ and would just listen to it on repeat every day when I’d get up for a full week.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with You?
I am the worst at social media! I’m a very private person so I find it really difficult but I try. I love when people contact me. I’m on all the platforms
Twitter @tonybennmusic
