Tag: Ben Witkowski

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Home” – Ben Witkowski

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Witkowski Drops Superb Single “Lucky Land”

Melbourne singer-songwriter Ben Witkowski has knocked it out of the park again with his second single of the year “Lucky Land.” The follow-up to the fabulous “Mountain Man,” this track is an epic slow-burner that reminds me of Gang of Youths and Bon Iver. When those vocals really kick in, I swear it’ll give you chills.

Ben wrote this track two years ago after taking a “life-changing” journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

“I was sitting alone on the longest train journey in the world, watching the world go by, thinking how unbelievably lucky I was to be enjoying such a moment. Travelling through Siberia gave me time to think about what I really wanted in life, and allowed me to make some decisions to change it for the better. As we travel, not only do we get to experience new people, places, and cultures, but sometimes we also discover a new, pure side of ourselves. I wanted to capture that moment forever, and that’s how ‘Lucky Land’ was born.”

Remember travel folks? Thankfully we at least have great music like this to take us away while we’re waiting for the borders to open up again. The release of “Lucky Land” also brings us one step closer to the release of Ben’s debut EP, which should drop later this year.

Image used with permission from Ben Witkowski

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Meet Ben Witkowski’s “Mountain Man”

The New Year is all about being the best version of yourself, making those pledges to try harder and improve yourself. If you’re needing a little inspiration, look no further than “Mountain Man,” the latest single from Melbourne singer-songwriter Ben Witkowski.

“I wrote ‘Mountain Man’ back in a time where I was struggling mentally. I started to think of everything that made me happy, and suddenly this other version of myself appeared in my mind. Someone who believed in themselves and could chase their dreams. I decided to name this alter-ego the ‘Mountain Man’,” he explained. “I hope this song can resonate with other people that may be doing it tough. We can all achieve anything if we truly believe in ourselves.”

I love the way this song builds to an epic, powerful crescendo which elevates it above so many gentle folk songs. I couldn’t help thinking of acts like Mumford & Sons and Glen Hansard, who really make a powerful emotional impact through stirring lyrics and back-to-basics instrumentation. I hear this is the first of many new songs for Ben. I can’t wait to hear the rest.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department