INTERVIEW: Benedict Cork — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Benedict Cork

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I have been chatting with Benedict Cork…

about his current single, Ghost, and filming its video at Red Gate Recorders. Cork talks about future plans and shares advice for artists coming through; which new musicians we should be listening to; a special memory from his time in music – Cork discusses touring and why he loves to travel.

I ask what it was like working with big names (including Adam Lambert) and what he wants to achieve before the end of the year; the sort of music he listens to away from his own – Cork tells me how he chills and unwinds.

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Hi, Benedict. How are you? How has your week been?

I’m really good, thanks. Just moved back to London after a couple of months away and it feels so good to be home. Looking forward to catching up with everyone and everything I’ve missed - and making some new tunes.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

Sure. I’m Benedict. People call me ‘B’, ‘Ben’; ‘Benedict’ or ‘Benny’. I write kind of soulful piano-led songs and try to tell stories about my life and lives around me in my music. I like to keep it really personal and intimate.

Ghost, your new track, is out there. Is there a story and specific event that inspired the song?

I went through a pretty sad break up last year where we both just sort of fell out of love with each other. There was nothing and no one to blame - and I think that’s almost harder than if someone had done something really hurtful. The song’s about that feeling of always being emotionally connected to someone, even when they’re not physically in your life anymore.

Its video was recorded at Red Gate Recorders. What was behind the decision to film there? Was it a fun video to shoot?

Yeah, so fun! We were scouting venues online to find a really beautiful space and the team were brilliant. I loved the really homely mood of it and all the old artefacts made it feel like I was playing in someone’s living room. We actually recorded five videos in one day, which has then become my first E.P - Piano Tapes - and the next song is dropping next week.

You have worked with the likes of Adam Lambert and MNEK. How much do you take from the artists in terms of disciplines and experience?

I love collaborating. Co-writing is probably my favourite way to make music as you sit there and challenge each other’s ideas and push them to places where you wouldn’t necessarily go yourself if you’re just sitting at the piano and writing on your own. Working with artists like Adam and MNEK is amazing. It’s super-inspiring seeing someone else’s process and how they form their melodies and ideas, especially when it’s super-talented artists who you really respect.

Might there be more material coming later in the year? What are you working on at the moment?

Yeah. The next track and video from the series are coming next week and then the full E.P. will be dropping later in the year. I just got back from L.A. and Stockholm where I was working on loads of new music too. I need to take an afternoon, sit down with a cup of tea and listen to everything to start figuring where I want to go next.

What sort of music do you usually listen to when not making your own? Do you have eclectic tastes?

I try to listen to everything. I love getting friends to send me their playlists so that I discover new stuff all the time. I actually just made a Spotify playlist on my profile called Benny’s Best Beats which has everything I love right now. I was going through it this morning and it’s pretty eclectic.

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

We’re actually just finalising plans right this second and should be announcing the first dates in the next week or so. We’re starting with London as it’s my city and I want the first show to be really special. Then, after that, I’d love to go everywhere! I’m a bit addicted to travelling so love the idea of going to loads of new places to play shows.

How does it make you feel when you are on the stage and performing to crowds? Is it your favourite place to be?

Yep, pretty much. The five/ten minutes before hitting the stage I get so nervous. Then, as soon as the first song starts, there’s this weird sense of release where you know you just have to ride the wave and it’s amazing. After about thirty seconds into the first song, I’m having the best time. There’s nothing that really compares to the immediate reaction you get from a live audience. I love working in studios – but, then, feeling it come to life in a live space is pretty awesome.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

It feels great getting this first body of work out. I wanna continue working on the next one, collaborate with some of my favourite writers and artists and start playing these shows. I’ve really missed playing live since I’ve been locked away in the studio for so long.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Ooo; good question. It would probably be the first gig I ever played which was at the acoustic club in my hometown, Bishop’s Stortford. I must have been around fifteen and played a half-hour set of covers. The local paper wrote a pretty nice review but said it was a shame I didn’t have any of my own songs.

I took it to heart because I’m clearly really sensitive and started writing songs the day after that review came out. So, thanks reviewer person for kickstarting my songwriting career.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Ahh; there’s so many. I would travel on Calvin Harris’ jet; take Rihanna’s rider and support Elton John. Does that work?

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I feel like I’m a brand new artist too so I’m not sure I can give great advice yet. But, I’d say make sure you’re doing what you love. There was a brief time a few years ago where I was working super-hard but nothing seemed to be working so I ran away to Stockholm, Sweden to just fall back in love with making music again.

I wanted to remember what it felt like to be that fifteen-year-old kid writing a song for the first time and not listening to all the other voices around me.

IN THIS PHOTO: Tove Styrke

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

There’s so much amazing new music around at the moment. I love Tove Styrke, Billie Eilish and Moss Kena. The new Jessie Ware album is beautiful. I’m a little bit obsessed with my old flatmate’s band LOVE SICK and my other ex-housemate Yadi just released this awesome body of work with her band Frank Gamble.

IN THIS PHOTO: Jessie Ware

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Someone told me the other day that I’m an introverted extrovert. I still have no idea what that means but, apparently, I love being surrounded by good people and I also love being on my own. I go for really long walks around the city alone and chill in an art gallery for the afternoon. It kind of just depends on my mood.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

My tune of the week is Whethan – Superlove (ft. Oh Wonder). I’m a big, big fan of both of them.