Interview with Ben Hutcheson

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? 

I've always seen myself doing music, ever since I was young I've just had a love and fascination with everything musical! I did always think however if I wasn't doing music I would still be doing something creative. I can't picture myself not being creative.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

 I work a lot! But when I have some downtime I really like spending time with friends, gaming and taking a bit of time off. I find that the more relaxed I am and the more experiences I can have with those I care about always gives me more motivation and inspiration to write more songs.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

 I'm based in the South West of England in Bristol. I was brought up around a lot of acoustic performers and they definitely had an influence on how I write and what I write. However, most of my influence came from across the pond in America with their Country roots. You don't get as much Country in England, yet!

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

 Now that's a tough one! I'd love to have had Michael Jackson and Prince on their, they were incredible, and of course icons such as Elton John and Neil Diamond but if I were to choose people closer sounding to myself I'd have to say that I would love the opportunity to play with people such as Lewis Capaldi, Ed Sheeran, Kenny Chesney, Scotty McCreery, Passenger. The list could go on!

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

 Don't let other people's opinions shape your own. It took me a long time to realise that not everyone is going to like the music I make and that's okay! If you get through to someone, then everything is worth it.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

 Need you Tonight is definitely up there. It started as a bit of a nothing song but when we brought it to the studio and it became the song it is now I wouldn't have had it any other way. I've always wanted a building ballad that really feels like it can hit home and I feel like I definitely have one here.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

I think anyone can take a song and interpret it a different way so I never try to put out messages as such. But if someone can take one of my songs and apply it to how they feel or an experience they've had and it helps them or they like it then thats exactly what I do it for. I want my songs to have their own meaning to each listener. 

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I plan to release my full debut album early 2023! I will be launching it early into the year and touring it for the rest of the year so keep your eyes peeled for the album and definitely keep your eyes on local venues, you never know where I might be playing next!

https://www.benhutcheson.com/