SOUND OFF SATURDAY: Ben Wright Smith

Luxe textures and nostalgic psychedelic folk tones line the edges of bewitching Melbourne singer-songwriter Ben Wright Smith and his golden tunes.

Following the triumphant release of his debut album 'The Great Divorce' last year, Ben Wright Smith has continued to solidly flourish both at home and overseas with his knack of turning songs into warm and woozy rays of sun that get stuck in your head and your soul - a feat achieved through effortless melodies, raw percussion and glimmering, folksy vocals.

And in a recent act of both creative madness and brilliance, Ben Wright Smith is currently in the middle of releasing music as part of an EP trilogy, culminating in a new album to be released on vinyl in 2019. First cab off the rank is 'PSYCHOTROPICAL' which notably marks a stunning new phase for Wright Smith. But before the next wave of releases, the man himself took a moment to chat sounds, songs and secrets for The Soundcheck's Sound Off Saturday.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE SOUND IN THE WHOLE WORLD?

Kookaburras laughing.

WHAT'S THE FIRST ALBUM/SINGLE YOU EVER BOUGHT YOURSELF?

The first album I ever bought was Silverchair ‘Neon Ballroom’ and the first single I was ever gifted was Lou Bega’s Mambo #5. Both are astonishing works of art.

WHAT'S BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE RELEASE OF 2018 SO FAR?

It was a big year for great music but I think Connan Mockasin has swooped in and won with his new album ‘Jessbusters’. Its just the greatest. Shout out to Emma-Louis whose new album is awesome. Also the first ‘Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird’. ‘Electric Brown’ record came out earlier this year and that was incredible too.

WHAT'S YOUR DREAM GEAR SET-UP? ARE YOU LUSTING AFTER ANY PARTICULAR INSTRUMENTS/EQUIPMENT?

I’d like to get a Mellotron. I don’t think there are many around. Also I wouldn’t stand a chance in learning how to play it but a pedal steel would be up on my list too.

WHO'S YOUR FAVOURITE AUSSIE BAND RIGHT NOW AND WHY?

I went and saw Gabriella Cohen play with her band the other night in Los Angeles and it was by far one of the coolest shows ever so they take the lead for now. I went and saw Gorillaz two nights later and wished I was back at the Gabriella Cohen show.

WHAT'S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WISH YOU WERE GIVEN WHEN YOU WERE FIRST STARTING OUT IN THE INDUSTRY?

Write good songs and play them well. I really wish someone told me that. Also tell the lead guitarist to stop shredding all the time. No one cares.

WHAT'S ONE SECRET ABOUT YOUR BAND YOU'RE WILLING TO DIVULGE?

We all kiss frequently.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR BEN WRIGHT SMITH?

We have to finish this music and then make more and play shows too. I’m working on some other band stuff too which I will be able to share some more about in the near future.

STORM BOY (BEN WRIGHT SMITH)

FOR MORE BEN WRIGHT SMITH INFO, HEAD HERE

BY TIANA SPETER

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