iCardiff born singer/songwriter Benn Willis has just released his debut album "This Thing Of Mine".This exciting new artist has now broken onto the acoustic scene after years of being the lead singer and songwriter with rock band Circus Normal.Now taking a more central role by performing, writing and producing a finely polished album from a collection of songs written over a period of 18 months.Over the years Benn has played in some of the UK's top venues including the London circuit, gigging in places like The 12 Bar, Borderline, The Cobden Club, The Hope & Anchor and the now legendary Kashmir Klub. This is where he has honed his skills as a performer and musician. Other countries beckoned also, playing in Cannes & Nice for the world famous Midem festival. Traveling the east coast of the USA, New York in particular and all its university radio stations and gaining a large student following with his record "Only Time Will Tell".Benn has also worked along side artists like Motown legend Little Richard, Tom Baxter, Amy Wadge, The Sugababes, Pete Hurley (Van Morrison) and Lemar aswell as many of the countries top session musicians.A freak snowboard injury had put him out of action for sometime. The worst possible thing that can happen to a musician happened. Two operations, two metal plates and six pins later the feeling came back to his very important fretting hand.Back and fighting fit Benn has found a new group of musicians and is busy 'getting it right' in order to play this summers festival scene.His new record is out now on all major download sites.

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Cardiff born singer/songwriter Benn Willis has just released his debut album "This Thing Of Mine".This exciting new artist has now broken onto the acoustic scene after years of being the lead singer and songwriter with rock band Circus Normal.Now taking a more central role by performing, writing and producing a finely polished album from a collection of songs written over a period of 18 months.Over the years Benn has played in some of the UK's top venues including the London circuit, gigging in places like The 12 Bar, Borderline, The Cobden Club, The Hope & Anchor and the now legendary Kashmir Klub. This is where he has honed his skills as a performer and musician. Other countries beckoned also, playing in Cannes & Nice for the world famous Midem festival. Travelling the east coast of the USA, New York in particular and all its university radio stations and gaining a large student following with his record "Only Time Will Tell".Benn has also worked along side artists like Motown legend Little Richard, Tom Baxter, Amy Wadge, The Sugababes, Pete Hurley (Van Morrison) and Lemar aswell as many of the countries top session musicians.A freak snowboard injury had put him out of action for sometime. The worst possible thing that can happen to a musician happened. Two operations, two metal plates and six pins later the feeling came back to his very important fretting hand.Back and fighting fit Benn has found a new group of musicians and is busy 'getting it right' in order to play this summers festival scene.His new record is out now on all major download sites.Here are some words from the man himself.........."Ok then..........thanks for visiting my new page!! Its taken me a while to get on top of all this internet malarky, but here goesThe songs that you hear on this forum are songs I have written over a couple years, I hope you like them. After many years of working with producers in a range of studios and not having a bloody clue what "compression" or "plugins" were, I thought it was high time I learnt. So after much arsing about I discovered that if you put your mind to something then you can achieve things you never thought possible.I am a singer/songwriter at heart but now I can loosely claim to be a producer also, albiet the only producing I have done is on this album.It has taken me just over a year. Every instrument is played by me, every vocal take is sung by me. In fact it's all me!! I'm not blowing my own trumpet here (well I am a bit), just simply telling you how it is!!The album is called "This Thing Of Mine" and can be purchased for a measley eight quid on all the usual music download sites!Also, I have a band, a five piece, who really are the donkeys whipper (very good)! We are a massive sounding bunch. So look out for us as we will be playing around the UK starting August 2011. Please buy the record and get it touch for booking info.""In the meantime I hope you enjoy the record.Thanks for taking the time to read this.All the bestBenn"Here is a review from cdbaby.com"2011 should be a good year for Benn Willis. The singer/songwriter has just finished his debut solo album "This Thing Of Mine" and already the ears are starting to prick up!After years of being in bands and recording in some of the countries top music studio's such as Abbey Road and Sawmills, Benn decided to put on his producer hat and firmly grip the reigns by himself! In doing so he has achieved some fantastic results, and all this stems from a room just about large enough to swing a cat!"I have worked with a number of good producers, and have always studied there techniques" claims Benn. "So last year thought I'd have a crack myself! Sure there are loads of singer/songwriters out there" he says, "but how many do everything completely on their own". And when he says alone he really does mean just that! You see, not only does he sing with very distinct tones (Peter Gabriel springs to mind), he also plays every instrument himself. From the guitar to the drums, from the piano to the bass, right down to the small ping on the triangle.This is all the work of just one man!Impressive? Well some certainly think so! Brit award nominee Tom Mcrae had this to say - "Really really nice stuff. Unadorned his voice and guitar rule, no wonder he's getting so much interest!"The album is comprised of dynamic heart felt acoustic based songs which strike a chord in the soul itself, providing, that is, that you have one. Please listen to the record if you are unsure. From the opening song "Ten Times" to the end track "Finally" you honestly feel that you are not just listening to an artist, but a body of work. It all just seems to fit!Very few bands or artists have achieved an album where you are not forced to skip a track here and there, but this album is most definitely one of those albums! 50 odd minutes of decent proper music!In an age of plastic pop and overnight success this is a breath of fresh air. You can almost hear the sweat and toil needed to create such a sound. Benn Willis is not your typical introverted singer/songwriter! In fact he is quite the opposite. You could say he a revolutionary!If there is just one album that you buy this year, make sure it is this one!

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Please listen to a selection of tracks on Benn's latest album "This Thing Of Mine"

*All songs written, performed and produced by Benn Willis

Ten Times

Never Wait

Ten Times.mp3

Never Wait.mp3

Hey You

Hey You - Mp3.mp3

Get Out

Falling

Get Out.mp3

Falling.mp3

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contact

Freeport Music Management

Harry Leckstein

harry_freeportrecords.com

+ 44 (0) 7796950406

Respect Music Publishing

Sharon Dean

sharon_respectmusic.co.uk

+ 44 (0) 208 768 5334

+ 44 (0) 7919 533244

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press

"Unadorned his voice and guitar rule! It’s no wonder he is getting so much interest”"

-Tom Mcrae, Brit Award Nominee

“"If there is just one album you buy this year, make sure it’s this one”"

-Cdbaby.com

"“I first heard Benn at a small pub in Cardiff where I was instantly won over by his stadium filling sound, slick melodies and outstanding vocals. A true talent!"

-Matt Johnson, This Morning, ITV

"“A great record that pulls you in from the word go”"

-The New Yorker

"“A massive talent with huge potential. Make sure you pick this one up, it’s a real gem”"

-Radio Cardiff

“"An accomplished and artistic success”"

-The Big Issue

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Benn is now in the studio recording his new album 'A Series Of Moments'

NosDa CardiffNov 5th 2011St Davids HallTues 24th April 2012 Cardiff Mermaid QuayThursday 2nd June 12-2pmSaturday 5th June 2-4pmFriday 29th April 2-4pmSunday 1st May 12-2pmCoffee Shop TourCafe Calcio - TBCBar En-Route - TBCThe Tea Pot - TBCUKFriday 22nd JulyThe ConstitutionCamdenThe Dublin CastleCamden - TBC

Benn will be joining the critically acclaimed Amy Wadge at selected dates throughout her upcoming UK tour. Watch this space!

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Glenn Thompson

Elliot Bennet

Alun Tomos

Andrew Brown

The cherry on top! His selection of ryhthmical toys from around the world provide and extra dimension to the band. A highly sought after percussion player across the UK.

Fast becoming recognised as one of the countries finest and well respected session drummers. What this guy doesnt know about drums just aint worth knowing.