2020 might have put us through the emotional wringer, but it’s been an incredible year for art. We might not have been able to see our favourite performers in the flesh, but the lockdown has forced many musicians to slow down and get introspective. That is a recipe for songwriting gold. “Home,” the debut EP from Melbourne singer-songwriter Ben Witkowski, is the latest lockdown-inspired release to capture my heart.
The EP’s name has two meanings for Ben. Of course, there is the physical place, the four walls that made us feel safe, yet imprisoned when the pandemic struck. But home is much more than that, as he explained.
“In 2020 I was feeling very lost with myself and my identity. I thought about the places where I felt most comfortable, relaxed, and the truest version of myself. These feelings didn’t necessarily come from when I thought about the house that I lived in. They were more from a whole range of experiences in my life. Experiences like when I was travelling and exploring through my incredible home country of Australia; when I was with my family, friends, and intimate relationships; and when I was discovering things about my identity by taking chances and embracing the adventure of life. With so many people taking 2020 to reassess what makes them truly feel at ‘home,’ everything just felt right to release these tracks together under that name.”
These folk songs are powerfully understated. The power comes not from big belty vocals or dramatic instrumental sounds, but from incredible, honest songwriting. Ben’s vocals are raw and heartfelt. His phrasing is deliberate, ensuring we don’t miss a word. His lyrics take center stage, cradled by beautiful piano melodies on “Who I Am” and “Rosemary,” by the delicate strains of an acoustic guitar on “Don’t Look Down.”
There’s no filler here. Every song on this five-track collection feels so cathartic. It gives voice to the experiences so many of us have had this year. It also showcases what a special talent Ben Witkowski is.
“Home” is available on all major digital platforms now.
Images used with permission from Ben Witkowski