Ben Drysdale – Listen Now (2024)
While his Spotify may boast only three tracks, singer-songwriter Ben Drysdale has been working his musical charm on listeners for over two decades. Known for his confident and engaging performances, Australian Drysdale has played with artists like The Waifs, Busby Marou and iconic Chris Isaak far beyond his Aussie borders. With powerful ballads and upbeat “foot stompers”, this talented singer-songwriter explores the grittier side of life with energy, enthusiasm and hope. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Listen Now’.
Following his debut single ‘If I Don’t Lie Down’, ‘Listen Now’ retains Drysdale’s unique folk-inspired sound. While ‘If I Don’t Lie Down’ oozed bold toe-tapping beats to have your body swaying, ‘Listen Now’ takes the tone down slightly with a light blend of indie-rock, pop and folk. Recorded and produced at Amberly Studios by Guy Lilleyman, with the assistance of an ACT Government grant, the sophomore track is soft, soothing and sincere. The bold guitar melds with a steady drumbeat but not in a hard-hitting rock-inspired way, rather an elegant tenderness with sophisticated harmony.
Interestingly, while the melody is swaying and heartfelt, a sense of brokenness and deep vulnerability lingers enhancing the fragile pain linked to the single’s theme. Haunting, that’s the word, haunting, especially with the interspersed piano. Willing to explore provocative issues, ‘Listen Now’ tackles mental health at its most severe – the point of suicide.
Inspired by a “midnight call from a friend with a belly full of whiskey and a head of despair, who soon revealed he recently tried to take his own life…”, the intimate intensity of ‘Listen Now’ shouts from its soul-stirring melody. Yet, while the song looks at the detrimental effects of mental health problems, it focuses on dealing with a crisis through empathy, support, and having just one person listen giving them a chance to “get it all out and not feel completely isolated”. Drysdale’s rich, warm vocals carry the message of hope and understanding in a skin-chilling ‘Listen Now’.
Unfortunately, thousands of people commit suicide each year in Australia, 75% being male. Breaking the stigma of talking about mental health is essential if we are to lower this statistic – and I so hope we do. If you feel any need to speak with someone, please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Good note: Drysdale’s friend is doing well.
Find out more about Ben Drysdale on his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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