Ben Cutler
Ben Cutler Releases New Single ‘Break the Ice’ 22 September 2023 Announces Debut EP ‘Break the Ice’ 20 October 2023 Belfast native Ben Cutler has shed his old sound and reinvented himself with a healthy dose of bluesy rock.
FFO: Blackberry Smoke | The Black Keys | The Rolling Stones
‘Break The Ice’, the first single taken from the EP, will be released on 22nd September 2023
The latest single sets down a marker for Ben’s future aspirations and his new sound. The vocals are as strong & distinctive as ever but the track is notable for the guitar playing. Ben cuts loose and drives the song forward with a rip roaring riff that will stick in the memory. It touches on the feeling of uncertainty that comes with taking a risk to pursue your dream. Cutler had this to say about Break the Ice: “I wrote the song based on the classic rule, “Don’t bore us, get to the chorus.” I believe Break the Ice meets this test and it is my favourite release to date. It captures the thought process that sometimes there’s no substitute for jumping in at the deep end and not looking back.”
The new EP which shares the same title as the 1st single was brought to life in Analogue Catalogue by Darragh Tibbs. It leans heavily into classic rock ‘n’ roll territory but stands out from its peers with a bluesy edge cutting across the record.
Each track on the ‘Break the Ice’ EP, conveys a different message. Ranging from the challenges and struggles of finding yourself, to the pain & anger of rejection before concluding on a more hopeful & resilient note.
There is a conversational feel to Ben’s lyrical style that leaves the particular subject matter open to interpretation but crucially, instantly relatable to everyone’s own daily struggles and experiences.
The EP will be released on 20th October 2023.
In 2021, he was selected to take part in 21 Artists for the 21st Century Programme which resulted in a sell-out gig in Belfast’s Lyric Theatre and a performance at 10 Downing Street.
Ben is a regular feature on the live scene across Ireland and in recent years has played at Holywood Harmony Festival, Sunflowerfest, Fiddler’s Green Festival, Camp Dalfest and Wild Roots to name but a few. He was also invited by blues and folk legend Dom Martin to support him on his Irish tour.
Upcoming Shows
· Caffe Nero Sessions, Belfast - Friday 29th September 2023
· EP Launch – The Deer’s Head, Belfast – Friday 20th October 2023
I Got Mine - The Black Keys
This was the first track I had heard from the Black Keys and by the first listen I was hooked. It is a song I have covered many times over the years and is where I first made the transition from an acoustic singer-songwriter to playing with a band. The riff is powerful but anyone can play it, and even with just a guitar and a drummer you can make a serious amount of noise, which is how I started out.
May You Never - John Martyn
John Martyn has been influential to me from the get go. ‘May You Never’ is a masterclass on simplicity, control and using the acoustic guitar as a whole band Ie. bass, melody and percussion. Even though this isn’t as obvious in my electric music, I have definitely adopted his unorthodox guitar style. In my opinion there was no one quite as rock’n’roll as John Martyn, a character to say the least and never held back.
The Changingman - Paul Weller
This is my kind of guitar riff. Simple and mean. Paul Weller was one of the few artists I was introduced to by my folks and is one I always come back to for that retro sound. Weller is one of my favourite lyricists and ‘The Changingman’ is a track I’d love to experience live.
Sunny - Stereophonics
Kelly Jones has the best voice out there. No will convince me otherwise. If one day I could have half the power of his voice I would be more than satisfied. ‘Sunny’ wouldn’t be one of the most popular Stereophonics tracks but I think deserves a top spot. The transition from Kelly on keys to a ripping guitar solo with the rhythm change gives me goosebumps every time. Not to mention the orchestra that makes the track feel very cinematic. I have written songs that one day I hope to have a full string section on, when the budget permits of course.
Run Away From It All - Blackberry Smoke
5 years when this was released I first came across Blackberry Smoke. It was my favourite song for a long time. I finally got to see them live in Belfast in March and it was the gig that changed everything for me. I wrote my EP not long after this gig and was hugely inspired by Charlie Starr’s open G guitar progressions and showmanship. You will hear a lot of their southern rock sound finding its way into my EP.
D’you Know What I Mean? - Oasis
This track is simply badass. Countless guitars and sound fx. Never fails to lift my mood. You can tell there was a lot of fun had putting this track together, it’s nearly 8 minutes long! My tracks are definitely on the longer side, but that doesn’t bother me, I’m not one for cutting down my ideas just to suit the ‘rules’ others have made over the years. The lyrics can mean a thousand things but they lift the spirit, it’s all about the atmosphere.
C’mon People (We’re Making It Now) - Richard Ashcroft
This track was an obsession of mine a couple years back. It’s driven, positive and a great track for a car journey. It shows what you can do with 3 chords and keeping things simple, rock’n’roll at its best. ‘C’mon People’ inspired the oldest track of mine on the EP ‘Castaway’ which touches on down days in a positive way.
Sunshine Road - Owen Campbell
I first heard this track on Australia’s Got Talent where Owen Campbell didn’t go down too well with the judges but in my opinion was authentic and true. Rock’n’Roll is nothing without a bit of attitude. His slide playing is top notch, which is something I’ve introduced for the first time on the new songs to add that southern feel.
Jumpin Jack Flash - The Rolling Stones
This classic is held together by the riff. I have adopted Keith Richard’s open G guitar shapes on my EP and the songs are reliant on the riffs as the initial hook, something the Stones do better than anyone else!
Ride a White Swan - T.Rex
This one would put anyone in the mood to get moving. Again the riff is in the foreground much like my own music. The lyrics can be interpreted in any way you like, it’s fun and entertaining which is what music should be. The guitar tones Mark Bolan used are much like what I have aimed for, dirty and broken up.
