Born and raised in Wales, independent artist and singer-songwriter Ben Ellis is most certainly one to watch.
One December afternoon in the vibrant backdrop of New York City, I virtually connected with Ben through Zoom while he comfortably settled in his residence in Wales. My initial introduction to Ben had occurred on TikTok, where I stumbled upon his talent. To my astonishment, I later discovered that Ben operates as a fully independent artist, not bound by any record label.
Growing up with a childhood enriched with music, Ellis was surrounded by his parents’ appreciation for the folk and classical genres. This love for the arts did not end here, as Ben had initially pursued his career studying musical theatre at university.
Ben Ellis – Courtesy of Finlay McDonald
Now at 21 years old, Ben has committed to a full-time pursuit of music, which marks the latest chapter in a musical journey that began years ago. With a vast growing audience of over 140,000 TikTok followers, Ben is reaching thousands with his memorable lyrics and melodies. Amongst clips of his original music, Ben consistently uploads covers on his social media platforms, reaching fanbases ranging from Harry Styles to Jeff Buckley.
Thanks to his parents ‘ deep appreciation, Ben was immersed in folk and classical music growing up. This early exposure laid the foundation for his artistic journey. This love for the arts did not end here, as Ben had initially pursued his career studying musical theatre at university.
Ben sheds on his musical inspirations throughout our interview, specifically noting musical mogul Ed Sheeran. In our chat, Ben noted other artists he’d been listening to recently, ranging from iconic bands such as The 1975 to rising artists such as Lizzy McAlpine and Aidan Bissett.
The Cardiff-based musician released his debut EP, The Ed’s House, in November. The EP features tracks such as his single “Sofia,” the song based on an impulsive and adventurous visit to Bulgaria, where he spent two days meeting locals and getting impulsive matching butterfly tattoos with strangers. The track itself put Ellis on the map of rising artists to watch in the music industry.
Throughout 2023, Ellis released tracks from the forthcoming EP, such as ‘Half the Time‘ and ‘Runner Up‘ accompanied by strong visualizers and music videos. One featuring BBC Sounds host and friend Maia Beth. His musical theater background is his social media content. 2023 was a standout year, as not only was this the year Ben decided to pursue music full time, but he took a trip to LA, connecting with various songwriters.
Exploring Ben’s social media profiles, it was evident that his graphics and promotional videos are exceptionally well-crafted. In conversation, Ben pays homage to his creative director and friend, Finlay McDonald, who works to create these outstanding visuals accompanying Ben’s music.
Ellis most definitely distinguishes himself in the extremely competitive landscape of emerging artists and songwriters through a remarkable blend of professionalism and unwavering dedication to his craft. Amidst the vast sea of online songwriters sharing their original music in hopes of reaching audiences, Ben’s exceptional musical skills shine brightly. His genuine artistry and dedication to creating music as an independent artist stand out the most.
Ben Ellis – Behind the scenes of “Half The Time” Courtesy of Finlay McDonald
In 2023, Ben visited Los Angeles to continue working on his craft with various songwriters who had initially met virtually.
“I think that it (L.A.) can be quite lonely if you don’t know the right people. I was lucky enough that that wasn’t the case.[….] I don’t think I lost the novelty in that for the entire stay. {…] That’s my favorite time I’ve ever had songwriting. It’s really important as a songwriter to give yourself a change in scenery if you think things are going quite monotone.”
In our interview, Ben also expresses his appreciation for the songwriters he worked with to help bring The Ed’s House to life. In conversation, Ben noted that “Songwriters don’t get enough credit.” This statement can be attributed to the lack of support songwriters have received within the music industry, especially in light of ethics issues with streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music, where artists and songwriters may not be receiving the financial compensation they deserve.
His live performances match the brilliance of his recorded music. In November 2023, Ben graced the stage as a supporting act for the headline show of pop singer-songwriter Sody at the iconic Bush Hall in London. Exploring the feelings of performing his music to audiences and his fans, Ben described the experience as simultaneously both invaluable and baffling.
Ben Ellis – Behind the scenes of “Half The Time” – Courtesy of Finlay McDonald
Observing someone like Ben, who, like me, is navigating the same stage of life in our early twenties, not only serves as inspiration but also highlights the relatability of Ben as an artist, creator, and businessperson. It highlights the importance of putting genuine effort and love into one’s projects and goals.
As an independent artist, Ben is doing an incredible job building a strong foundation for his brand and musical career. He’s nailing every aspect—constantly connecting with fans online and consistently delivering remarkable new music, setting an impressive standard for rising musicians.
Watch the full interview with Ben Ellis!
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