Tag: Ben Mastwyk

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Mastwyk Drops Original Country Single, “Actually”

Cosmic country act Ben Mastwyk has dropped his fabulous new single “Actually.” If ELO ever released a country track, it might sound a little like this.

“Performing is essential to my happiness, but it’s not always easy. Dressing up, standing out with flashy clothes and jewellery, gives me confidence and protects me from the dangers of the world. ‘Actually’ is a glimpse behind the armour of gold suits and rhinestones, reminding us that even the boldest of personas can be vulnerable,” Ben explained.

Ben is doing plenty of performing in the coming weeks. Here are all the places you can see him and his flashy clothes:

17 March 2023 – The Gem, Naarm/Melbourne
25 March 2023 – Union Hotel Newtown, Eora/Sydney
26 March 2023 – Grand Junction Hotel, The Junkyard, Minderibba/Maitland
1 April 2023 – Goulburn Valley Country Music Festival, Kanny-goopna/Shepparton

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Joe Gow and Ben Mastwyk Prepare for Victorian Tour

Victoria, I am jealous of you right now. Not only are you probably in one of the safest places in Australia right now while I’m in lockdown, but two of my favourite artists, Matt Joe Gow and Ben Mastwyk, have teamed up for shows near you. Yes, as I’m awaiting the imminent cancellation of all my upcoming events, you guys have these two high-quality acts coming your way.

The gigs will showcase their unique takes on Americana music. Most dates are acoustic, but the Brunswick Ballroom show will see Matt reunite with his band The Dead Leaves while Ben plays as a trio. Catch these acclaimed artists doing what they do best at the following shows:

2 July 2021 – Music On The Hill, Red Hill
11 July 2021 – Brunswick Ballroom, Brunswick
16 July 2021 – Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon
18 July 2021 – Archies Creek Hotel, Archies Creek
24 July 2021 – Major Tom’s, Kyneton
25 July 2021 – Bittern House Concert, Bittern
30 July 2021 – Saints & Sailors, Portarlington
31 July 2021 – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong

Image used with permission from Matt Joe Gow

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Mastwyk Releases New Single Ahead of Album Launch

Ben Mastwyk releases his album Livin’ in Gold Street this Friday, but the Melbourne artist couldn’t resist the chance to offer just one more taste of the music to come. “Trouble’s What I Found” is the fifth single from the album and perhaps his strongest yet.

I love this song’s cool alt-country feel. The press release describes it as “Dwight Yoakam pushed through a blender and sprinkled with rhinestones,” and that is just so perfect there’s no point in me trying to come up with my own analogy.

“I had just come off the back of a long-term relationship. I was distraught and vulnerable but also excited for new possibilities. Heading out into the world with that kind of energy opens you up to all kinds of people and experiences,” Ben explained of the song’s inspiration. “This song has me questioning my motions. Was I blurring lines between my friendships? Was I being responsible? It’s incredibly autobiographical, but hopefully, also universal. I think we all go through emotionally vulnerable times where we might take missteps in our lives … lean a little too hard on our friends … open ourselves up to people and experiences that may not be completely healthy for us or other parties involved. This song has me looking back, checking in on myself and the way I played during one of my most vulnerable moments. It’s jam-packed full of intensity.”

With so much country crossing over with pop, it’s refreshing to hear music like this which fuses the genre with something darker and more soulful. I can hear a little Chris Isaak, a little Flying Burrito Brothers, and a whole lot of talent in this. If you can too, check out Livin’ in Gold Street when it drops on Friday and experience what Ben is all about in person at one of the following shows.

24 March 2021 – Blue Door Dinner, The Freedom Hub (FREE acoustic show)
25 March 2021 – The Midnight Special, Newtown (Acoustic show)
26 March 2021 – Dashville Nights, Lower Belford
27 March 2021 – Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth, NSW (Album launch – FREE) *
28 March 2021 – Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern, Sydney (FREE)

Image used with permission from Rock This Country