"Next Big Thing"
A certain soft David Gray warble to the voice, a hint of early Van in there too perhaps along with names like Ben Harper, Jeff Buckley and Jack Johnson, Melbourne singer-songwriter Mitchell's getting feted as potential next big thing with this debut album.
It may be a bit early for that, but from the laid back soul flecked opener Go Now (which oddly sounds a bit like a medieval troubadour ballad in places) and the Johnson-like grooves of Your Hold Is Strong and a playful Cool And A Little Silly, it's obvious he has the talent and the ability to make the grade.
Generally upbeat in its musings on life and love, it also shows Mitchell exploring the musical territory. Could Not Love You More posits a meeting point between the Beatles and Radiohead, Everything and Kitty Kat are both bluesy jazz numbers that respectively seem to tip the hat to Beck and Bobby Darin, while Moon Shine offers acoustic folk blues and the irresistible acoustic strummed Photo's a nifty echo of the young James Taylor.
He closes up with the confidently relaxed country soul streaked We Win And We Lose Some, a beguilingly beautiful whole body massage of a song that guarantees we'll be hearing a lot more from the lad in the months ahead.
Mike Davies
NET RHYTHMS
Monday, November 20, 2006
November 2006 - Interview, BRISBANE
"His music is like nothing you’ve heard before.
Gold has well and truly been struck."
Panning for gold amongst the streams of musical artists on offer can be a frustratingly unrewarding process…but luckily not always. Sometimes beneath the layers of grime and dirt you’ll spot a sweet golden glimmer. Such riches are revealed with Ben Mitchell, whose extraordinary talent has unlocked a rich vein of valuable musical gold.
With his debut album, ‘The Stars Can See’ released early in 2006, the Melbourne born singer-songwriter fluidly demonstrates his diversity of style, a wonderful blend of alt-country, folksy blues, and acoustic soul. While he has been compared to many artists, such as James Blunt, Ben Harper and Jeff Buckley, in reality such comparisons are unnecessary; Mitchell’s style is all his own.
‘We Win and We Lose Some’ is a soulful richly melodious song with honest, uplifting lyrics. Delivered with an edge of country, these lyrics are sung straight from the heart. Thankfully devoid of a complicated musical backing, Mitchell’s poetic voice is used to full effect as an instrument in its own right. ‘Superseeded’ has a slower, sweetly melancholic sound which highlights the powerful range of Mitchell’s voice. The raw sorrowful music perfectly complements the achingly beautiful lyrics which are delivered with real emotion.
Ben Mitchell is a music lover’s musician. His voice is sensitive and strong, which speaks truthfully, both from experience and from the heart. His music is like nothing you’ve heard before, and yet at the same time seems strangely familiar; connecting to your soul, like that is where it has always belonged. Gold has well and truly been struck.
The QUIET PAWS interview...
Gold has well and truly been struck."
Panning for gold amongst the streams of musical artists on offer can be a frustratingly unrewarding process…but luckily not always. Sometimes beneath the layers of grime and dirt you’ll spot a sweet golden glimmer. Such riches are revealed with Ben Mitchell, whose extraordinary talent has unlocked a rich vein of valuable musical gold.
With his debut album, ‘The Stars Can See’ released early in 2006, the Melbourne born singer-songwriter fluidly demonstrates his diversity of style, a wonderful blend of alt-country, folksy blues, and acoustic soul. While he has been compared to many artists, such as James Blunt, Ben Harper and Jeff Buckley, in reality such comparisons are unnecessary; Mitchell’s style is all his own.
‘We Win and We Lose Some’ is a soulful richly melodious song with honest, uplifting lyrics. Delivered with an edge of country, these lyrics are sung straight from the heart. Thankfully devoid of a complicated musical backing, Mitchell’s poetic voice is used to full effect as an instrument in its own right. ‘Superseeded’ has a slower, sweetly melancholic sound which highlights the powerful range of Mitchell’s voice. The raw sorrowful music perfectly complements the achingly beautiful lyrics which are delivered with real emotion.
Ben Mitchell is a music lover’s musician. His voice is sensitive and strong, which speaks truthfully, both from experience and from the heart. His music is like nothing you’ve heard before, and yet at the same time seems strangely familiar; connecting to your soul, like that is where it has always belonged. Gold has well and truly been struck.
The QUIET PAWS interview...
October 2006 - Press Interview, MELBOURNE
"NEW STAR TAKES TO THE ROAD"
Mitchell headed to London in 1998 and, while working as a kitchen hand, took advantage of a spare room at a Camden pub to launch a songwriter showcase night named Acoustic Trip.
It proved so popular it became a two-nights-a-week venture and led to Mitchell being spotted by Jon Bailey, the sound engineer on Coldplay's last 2 albums.
Bailey helped Mitchell produce his music while he also made other valuable contacts, including Robbie Wiliams keyboardist Claire Worrall.
Mitchell returned to Australia and released a handful of copies of his self-produced CD which was picked up by MGM distribution and released in April.
"The songs are about love and relationships, but there's also a recurring theme about being positive and accepting," Mitchell said.
He's received good responses to his CD, including praising reviews from European websites and a Belgium radio station requesting a copy.
But most pleasing was the recent letter that came in the mail.
"I receved my first cheque from MGM and that was probably one of the better moments," Mitchell said.
His European tour winds up on October 9 in Paris, after which he will return to Melbourne.
Manningham Leader
Mitchell headed to London in 1998 and, while working as a kitchen hand, took advantage of a spare room at a Camden pub to launch a songwriter showcase night named Acoustic Trip.It proved so popular it became a two-nights-a-week venture and led to Mitchell being spotted by Jon Bailey, the sound engineer on Coldplay's last 2 albums.
Bailey helped Mitchell produce his music while he also made other valuable contacts, including Robbie Wiliams keyboardist Claire Worrall.
Mitchell returned to Australia and released a handful of copies of his self-produced CD which was picked up by MGM distribution and released in April.
"The songs are about love and relationships, but there's also a recurring theme about being positive and accepting," Mitchell said.
He's received good responses to his CD, including praising reviews from European websites and a Belgium radio station requesting a copy.
But most pleasing was the recent letter that came in the mail.
"I receved my first cheque from MGM and that was probably one of the better moments," Mitchell said.
His European tour winds up on October 9 in Paris, after which he will return to Melbourne.
Manningham Leader
September 2006 - Press Interview, MELBOURNE
"Dream Life Not A Bit Twee"Ben Mitchell knows it sounds twee -
but he really is living the dream.
The ex-Ringwood resident will tour Europe this month to promote his new CD, The Stars Can See, before representing Australia at the Popkomm Festival in Berlin this month.
The singer and songwriter has come a long way from his early bands like 401 Raiders, named after a portable at Ringwood Secondary College.
His first step came as a 24 year-old when he bought a one-way ticket to England to prove what he was made of and stayed there for six years.
"I started writing songs when I was 16 years old and I just knew I wanted music to be my life," Mitchell said.
"In Camden I washed dishes and slept on floors, but you slowly get known. It all grew from there."
Mitchell opened his own acoustic music night in London, helping him attract Coldplay's engineer, Jon Bailey, and Robbie Williams' keyboard player, Claire Worrall, to play on his new album.
Getting a record label is the next stage, so I can distribute my music across Europe and America and get myself known," he said.
"Australian musicians are quite aspirant. We're removed from class struggles (a bit) here, so we believe we can do anything."
Mitchell will play shows in Melbourne this month.
For more information go to http://www.ben-mitchell.com/. The Stars Can See is available at JB Hi-Fi in Eastland.
Maroondah Leader
September 2006 - CD Review, AMSTERDAM
"NOW IT'S JUST WAITING FOR THE
RIGHT PEOPLE AND THE BIG BREAK"
Ben Mitchell is an Australian singer who lived in London for a while and got into the recording studio when he did. Mitchell is a sensitive man and sensitive men who write songs get compared to Jack Johnson and James Blunt these last few months. These aren't really names the typical Americana fan gets into. It’s funny though that, for example James Blunt, before his big break, in a lot of reviews was compared to Elliot Smith - and a lot of people do get into that. This isn't really the place to go deeper into that, but it does show that alternative fans don’t really like to hear their songs on Sky Radio.
The Stars Can See is still ‘alternative’. Now. No one (Major Label) owns it and on it we hear a singer/songwriter who shows his heart in an honest and sincere way in twelve different songs. Beautiful. Sensitive too. And yes, as a result you can compare it to Blunt and Johnson. And yes, there are songs on the album which can easily be big hits on the radio (and played on Arbeidsvitamine!).
He is an up-to-date singer-songwriter of folk-pop, with a sweet and passionate voice but something more happens here. Mitchell isn't afraid of a big gesture. He never goes over the top yet he knows how to create theatre. At those moments (like in Superseeded or the soulful Everything) he reminds of Rufus Wainwright (or Jeff Buckley or even Antony). Look out for the dark jazzy love sing Kitty Kat. As enigmatic as Jim White can be - it is a striking highlight.
On most of the tracks Mitchell combines the intimacy of Damien Rice with the melody of David Gray. There is a lot to this Australian guy and lot has come out in The Stars Can See. Now it's just waiting for the right people and the big break.
(Written by Patrick Donders)
RIGHT PEOPLE AND THE BIG BREAK"
Ben Mitchell is an Australian singer who lived in London for a while and got into the recording studio when he did. Mitchell is a sensitive man and sensitive men who write songs get compared to Jack Johnson and James Blunt these last few months. These aren't really names the typical Americana fan gets into. It’s funny though that, for example James Blunt, before his big break, in a lot of reviews was compared to Elliot Smith - and a lot of people do get into that. This isn't really the place to go deeper into that, but it does show that alternative fans don’t really like to hear their songs on Sky Radio.The Stars Can See is still ‘alternative’. Now. No one (Major Label) owns it and on it we hear a singer/songwriter who shows his heart in an honest and sincere way in twelve different songs. Beautiful. Sensitive too. And yes, as a result you can compare it to Blunt and Johnson. And yes, there are songs on the album which can easily be big hits on the radio (and played on Arbeidsvitamine!).
He is an up-to-date singer-songwriter of folk-pop, with a sweet and passionate voice but something more happens here. Mitchell isn't afraid of a big gesture. He never goes over the top yet he knows how to create theatre. At those moments (like in Superseeded or the soulful Everything) he reminds of Rufus Wainwright (or Jeff Buckley or even Antony). Look out for the dark jazzy love sing Kitty Kat. As enigmatic as Jim White can be - it is a striking highlight.
On most of the tracks Mitchell combines the intimacy of Damien Rice with the melody of David Gray. There is a lot to this Australian guy and lot has come out in The Stars Can See. Now it's just waiting for the right people and the big break.
(Written by Patrick Donders)
September 2006 - Radio Review, MELBOURNE
"BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED"
“When I first heard the very first song on Ben Mitchell’s album I stopped in my tracks and said “Who IS Ben Mitchell?” “Go Now” is a beautifully crafted song with such lyricism, simplicity and passion. And you know what? So is the rest of the album.
Damn fine.”
John Carver, Presenter, PBSFM
“When I first heard the very first song on Ben Mitchell’s album I stopped in my tracks and said “Who IS Ben Mitchell?” “Go Now” is a beautifully crafted song with such lyricism, simplicity and passion. And you know what? So is the rest of the album.
Damn fine.”
John Carver, Presenter, PBSFM
August 2006 - CD Review, LONDON
"A MAJOR TALENT"
Melbourne is a city renowned for churning out musicians and its latest son – the unkempt looking Ben Mitchell – looks set to make his mark. After spending a few years in London where he gained some favourable publicity on the live circuit, Mitchell returned to his hometown to record ‘The Stars Can See,’ his debut long-player. As a first foray, it’s a remarkably confident record. Perhaps most surprising is that he has yet to be signed to a major label, but it is unlikely that he will remain homeless for long. Mitchell has a strong voice that adapts well to a number of styles, but it’s his song-writing skills that put him in a league above the litany of anonymous singer-songwriters vying for attention in the wake of the success of David Gray and James Blunt.
Opener ‘Go Now’ is a subdued minor-key ballad reminiscent of obscure Melbourne band Cordrazine but the mood is lightened considerably as Mitchell skips through the breezy ‘Your Hold is Strong.’ Soon, Mitchell sounds as if he’s captured the spirit of Alex Lloyd with ‘I Could Not Love You More,’ where reverb-laden vocals are driven by an ascending 1960’s-style guitar progression. After skipping over a couple of weaker tracks, we find the folky ‘The Stars Can See,’ the sultry ‘Everything’ and hip-cat ‘Kitty Kat’ which sounds like the sassier music used in Twin Peaks. The two closing tunes will appeal to Americana listeners; ‘Extra Mile’ is a sleepy number resplendent with subtle slide playing and woozy acoustic guitar picking reminiscent of Karma County. Yet Mitchell saves his best for last with ‘We Win and We Lose Some,’ a simple but beautiful song that James Blunt would give his eye-teeth to have written.
Kicking off a European tour in September, the singer is beating a well-trodden Antipodean path back to London. Mitchell sounds a major talent on this evidence and is well worth keeping an eye on.
Date review added: Friday, August 04, 2006
Reviewer: Nic Fildes
Melbourne is a city renowned for churning out musicians and its latest son – the unkempt looking Ben Mitchell – looks set to make his mark. After spending a few years in London where he gained some favourable publicity on the live circuit, Mitchell returned to his hometown to record ‘The Stars Can See,’ his debut long-player. As a first foray, it’s a remarkably confident record. Perhaps most surprising is that he has yet to be signed to a major label, but it is unlikely that he will remain homeless for long. Mitchell has a strong voice that adapts well to a number of styles, but it’s his song-writing skills that put him in a league above the litany of anonymous singer-songwriters vying for attention in the wake of the success of David Gray and James Blunt.Opener ‘Go Now’ is a subdued minor-key ballad reminiscent of obscure Melbourne band Cordrazine but the mood is lightened considerably as Mitchell skips through the breezy ‘Your Hold is Strong.’ Soon, Mitchell sounds as if he’s captured the spirit of Alex Lloyd with ‘I Could Not Love You More,’ where reverb-laden vocals are driven by an ascending 1960’s-style guitar progression. After skipping over a couple of weaker tracks, we find the folky ‘The Stars Can See,’ the sultry ‘Everything’ and hip-cat ‘Kitty Kat’ which sounds like the sassier music used in Twin Peaks. The two closing tunes will appeal to Americana listeners; ‘Extra Mile’ is a sleepy number resplendent with subtle slide playing and woozy acoustic guitar picking reminiscent of Karma County. Yet Mitchell saves his best for last with ‘We Win and We Lose Some,’ a simple but beautiful song that James Blunt would give his eye-teeth to have written.
Kicking off a European tour in September, the singer is beating a well-trodden Antipodean path back to London. Mitchell sounds a major talent on this evidence and is well worth keeping an eye on.
Date review added: Friday, August 04, 2006
Reviewer: Nic Fildes
February 2006 - Press Review, MELBOURNE
"Best acts included The Woulds, Dave Last
and The Alamos and Ben Mitchell"
Review of Salt River Session
Review of Salt River Session
Music Festival, Footscray
SUNDAY SUN, Melbourne
SUNDAY SUN, Melbourne
January 2006 - Radio Review, MELBOURNE
"Ben Mitchell's music is fresh, energetic, fearless and varied."
MARK COPOLOV (Southern FM)
MARK COPOLOV (Southern FM)
December 2005 - CD Review, MELBOURNE
"Touching...beautiful...captivating.
Discover one of Melbourne's musical gems."
Melbourne singer/songwriter Ben Mitchell is one of those rare gems so often scattered throughout this fair city of ours. Usually playing in small, dimly-lit, smoke filled clubs, bars and hotels, he's the kind of guy that if you're lucky enough to catch him will make you stop what you're doing and take in the moment.
After considerable time spent travelling abroad, Ben had decided to focus his attention towards his music and if 'The Stars Can See' is anything to go by -
it's a good move.
His songs flow between gentle and uplifting, melancholy and heartfelt, blues based grooves to smooth low-key numbers. Best tracks range from the touching GO NOW through the beautiful SUPERSEEDED and the smooth KITTY KAT to the captivating COULD NOT LOVE YOU MORE. Hunt him down and discover one of Melbourne's musical gems.
MR
Discover one of Melbourne's musical gems."
Melbourne singer/songwriter Ben Mitchell is one of those rare gems so often scattered throughout this fair city of ours. Usually playing in small, dimly-lit, smoke filled clubs, bars and hotels, he's the kind of guy that if you're lucky enough to catch him will make you stop what you're doing and take in the moment.
After considerable time spent travelling abroad, Ben had decided to focus his attention towards his music and if 'The Stars Can See' is anything to go by -
it's a good move.
His songs flow between gentle and uplifting, melancholy and heartfelt, blues based grooves to smooth low-key numbers. Best tracks range from the touching GO NOW through the beautiful SUPERSEEDED and the smooth KITTY KAT to the captivating COULD NOT LOVE YOU MORE. Hunt him down and discover one of Melbourne's musical gems.
MR
April 2005 - Live Review, MELBOURNE
"Check this guy out!"
Ben Mitchell was just brilliant. Another three-piece featuring a great voice and stunning songs, with the bass player adding strong harmonies and the drummer controlling the beat. Quite often he was using brushes which give a distinctive tone. Starting off with a rockabilly beat, he just blew myself and the audience away. Another uptempo number was followed by a slower bluesy number. Memorable songs that scream out TALENT. Check this guy out. Mature songwriting, played with verve and a singer with presence.
------------------------------INPRESS, Melbourne, Australia
Ben Mitchell was just brilliant. Another three-piece featuring a great voice and stunning songs, with the bass player adding strong harmonies and the drummer controlling the beat. Quite often he was using brushes which give a distinctive tone. Starting off with a rockabilly beat, he just blew myself and the audience away. Another uptempo number was followed by a slower bluesy number. Memorable songs that scream out TALENT. Check this guy out. Mature songwriting, played with verve and a singer with presence.
------------------------------INPRESS, Melbourne, Australia
Links
BEN MITCHELL website
*NEW* Visit the QUIET PAWS interview...
Americana UK Review
NET RHYTHMS Review
iTUNES
JB HI FI,
SANITY and HMV
Visit the AMO interview...
Visit the LOUD 'N LOCAL article...
*NEW* Visit the QUIET PAWS interview...
Americana UK Review
NET RHYTHMS Review
iTUNES
JB HI FI,
SANITY and HMV
Visit the AMO interview...
Visit the LOUD 'N LOCAL article...
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Gig History
2006
-------------
-------------
NOVEMBER
The Railway Hotel, West Melbourne
Bebida Cafe, Collingwood
Corner Hotel, Richmond
The Courtyard Tavern, City
-------------
OCTOBER
Greennote, Camden
Pop In, Paris
The Twist, Greenwich
-------------
SEPTEMBER
The Spice Of Life, Camden
The Dublin Castle, London
The Dublin Castle, London
The Junction Bar, Berlin
Winston Kingdom, Amsterdam
-------------
AUGUST
Amici's Cafe, Prahran
Bebida Cafe, Collingwood
-------------
JULY
Courtyard Tavern
Amicis Café/Bar, Melbourne
-------------
-------------
JUNE
Hyde Park Hotel, Perth
The Swan Hotel, Perth
Australian University Union, Canberra
-------------
-------------
APRIL
THE STARS CAN SEE, CD LAUNCH at
East Brunswick Club, Melbourne
The Apollo Bay Music Festival
(Pete Murray, Donovan Frankenreiter), Apollo Bay
-------------
The Apollo Bay Music Festival
(Pete Murray, Donovan Frankenreiter), Apollo Bay
-------------
MARCH
The Courtyard Tavern, Melbourne
-------------
FEBRUARY
The Three Crowns, , North Melbourne
Salt River Session Music Festival in Footscray
(Stephen Cummings, Angie Hart (Frente) +)
-------------
JANUARY
-------------
JANUARY
Bebida Café, Collingwood.
-------------
2005
Sold-out show on Queenscliff Blues Train.
-------------
Sold-out show on Queenscliff Blues Train.
-------------
Regular gigs at The Old Bar, Fitzroy, The Corner Hotel, The Greyhound Hotel, The Cherry Bar, The Terminus and more…
-------------
-------------
2004 - LONDON
-------------
-------------
Including Spice Of Life, The Garage, London, The 12 Bar Club. The Borderline, The Twist, Spydafest, England. Performed solo on ‘Ones To Watch’ stage at this alt.country festival featuring Elvis hit songwriter Tony Joe White, Laura Veirs and other singer/songwriters.
Track Listing
1. Go Now
An ironic lyrical opening but perfect example of the effectiveness of simplicity in arrangement. Acoustic guitar, piano, bass and drums are all that is needed to evoke the romance of loss.
2. Your Hold Is Strong
Featuring Claire Worrall (Robbie Williams’s/Lilac Time keyboardist and vocalist) the second track builds on instrumentation, yet holds back the drums til well into the song - heightening the dramatic tension.
3. Could Not Love You More
Also featuring Claire, one reviewer described this song as ‘Captivating’. A passionate vocal delivery, hooky melody and simple song craft reminiscent of Neil Finn.
4. Superseeded
Compared to Ryan Adams for its Alt-Country feel by London Music Mag NME, Superseeded was recorded to tape via an 8 track 60’s mixing desk, creating an authentic retro quality. ‘Beautiful’ THE BUZZ
5. Cool & A Little Silly
When MESS & NOISE say ‘Mitchell makes you pay attention...by f***ing around with styles like swing, jazz and funk’ they could be referring to the way he incorporates Double Bass samples, drum fx and multiple vocals to beguiling effect.
6. The Stars Can See
At just over 2 minutes, the title track is also the shortest. Slide guitar and faint organ create a distant Americana that have made this song popular with radio and over the internet on myspace.com.
7. Everything
A blues-based groove that glows with the warmth of analogue tape courtesy of Toe Rag studios (The White Stripes et al). Drums punch through while the bass and vox amped guitars coat the track with jazz/country brilliance.
8. Kitty Kat
A retro, hep-cat, ‘Smooth’ little number with a killer bass line and sense of sexy fun. It’s named after the girlfriend Elvis had while he was living in Germany and is a tribute to relationships that start - and end well.
9. Moonshine
The first of two ‘acoustic’ numbers, it was inspired by romantic walks through Hampstead Heath (an inner city oasis of parks and ponds in London) and dreams of the Southern hemisphere.
10. Photo
A very popular ballad that features Ben’s first guitar – a Nylon string he once hammered a nail into so he could tie a string to it. The ‘old-radio’ vibe comes courtesy of Coldplay engineer, Jon Bailey.
11. Extra Mile
A catchy melody with lo-fi production (including the tapping of a Bic pen). Originally recorded as a demo, no subsequent attempt could top the magic quality of the initial vocal take and guitar.
12. We Win & We Lose Some
The last track Mitchell recorded before returning home to Melbourne. A brilliant example of a band binding together. Tasteful bass lines from Ben Sargeant and the assured rhythms of Pete Cuthbert frame Mitchell’s melody and positive lyrics.
An ironic lyrical opening but perfect example of the effectiveness of simplicity in arrangement. Acoustic guitar, piano, bass and drums are all that is needed to evoke the romance of loss.
2. Your Hold Is Strong
Featuring Claire Worrall (Robbie Williams’s/Lilac Time keyboardist and vocalist) the second track builds on instrumentation, yet holds back the drums til well into the song - heightening the dramatic tension.
3. Could Not Love You More
Also featuring Claire, one reviewer described this song as ‘Captivating’. A passionate vocal delivery, hooky melody and simple song craft reminiscent of Neil Finn.
4. Superseeded
Compared to Ryan Adams for its Alt-Country feel by London Music Mag NME, Superseeded was recorded to tape via an 8 track 60’s mixing desk, creating an authentic retro quality. ‘Beautiful’ THE BUZZ
5. Cool & A Little Silly
When MESS & NOISE say ‘Mitchell makes you pay attention...by f***ing around with styles like swing, jazz and funk’ they could be referring to the way he incorporates Double Bass samples, drum fx and multiple vocals to beguiling effect.
6. The Stars Can See
At just over 2 minutes, the title track is also the shortest. Slide guitar and faint organ create a distant Americana that have made this song popular with radio and over the internet on myspace.com.
7. Everything
A blues-based groove that glows with the warmth of analogue tape courtesy of Toe Rag studios (The White Stripes et al). Drums punch through while the bass and vox amped guitars coat the track with jazz/country brilliance.
8. Kitty Kat
A retro, hep-cat, ‘Smooth’ little number with a killer bass line and sense of sexy fun. It’s named after the girlfriend Elvis had while he was living in Germany and is a tribute to relationships that start - and end well.
9. Moonshine
The first of two ‘acoustic’ numbers, it was inspired by romantic walks through Hampstead Heath (an inner city oasis of parks and ponds in London) and dreams of the Southern hemisphere.
10. Photo
A very popular ballad that features Ben’s first guitar – a Nylon string he once hammered a nail into so he could tie a string to it. The ‘old-radio’ vibe comes courtesy of Coldplay engineer, Jon Bailey.
11. Extra Mile
A catchy melody with lo-fi production (including the tapping of a Bic pen). Originally recorded as a demo, no subsequent attempt could top the magic quality of the initial vocal take and guitar.
12. We Win & We Lose Some
The last track Mitchell recorded before returning home to Melbourne. A brilliant example of a band binding together. Tasteful bass lines from Ben Sargeant and the assured rhythms of Pete Cuthbert frame Mitchell’s melody and positive lyrics.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
The Players
On 10th April 2006 MGM distribution released Ben Mitchell's debut CD, THE STARS CAN SEE. It features songs written and recorded in London with a cast of characters that includes:
Pete Cuthbert
Drummer with English bands Rialto and Co-Star.
Ben Sargeant
Bass player with the stars.
Masa
Japanese Singer/Songwriter living in London.
Claire Worrall
Multi-talented musician with the stars.
Ed Gizzard
Sound engineer.
Jon 'Bon' Bailey
very Sound engineer.
Billy Traxler
Battersea Sound engineer.
Ken Brake
Engineer and co-producer.
Belle Piec
Graphic artist.
Martin Pullan
Mastering engineer in Melbourne.
BENJAMIN GRANT MITCHELL'S website
Pete Cuthbert
Drummer with English bands Rialto and Co-Star.
Ben Sargeant
Bass player with the stars.
Masa
Japanese Singer/Songwriter living in London.
Claire Worrall
Multi-talented musician with the stars.
Ed Gizzard
Sound engineer.
Jon 'Bon' Bailey
very Sound engineer.
Billy Traxler
Battersea Sound engineer.
Ken Brake
Engineer and co-producer.
Belle Piec
Graphic artist.
Martin Pullan
Mastering engineer in Melbourne.
BENJAMIN GRANT MITCHELL'S website
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