Getting To Know... Ben Denny Mo

Having already impressed us with a string of brilliant singles including ‘Melt Me Down’, ‘Jester’ and ‘Figures’ these last few months, Norfolk-based singer songwriter Ben Denny Mo has now returned with his latest lovelorn offering 'I Hear A Train'.

Following in the footsteps of contemporary troubadours such as Ben Howard and Lewis Capaldi, the frontman’s latest effort is a bold and vibrant acoustic-led offering that seduces and captivates in equal measure. With his soaring voice, coupled alongside a modest yet euphoric production, courtesy of Rhys Downing (Mark Ronson, Mr Jukes, The Cranberries), this latest cut sees Ben Denny Mo strive further than we have ever heard before.

So with his new single seducing us at every turn, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what first brought him to the world of music.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

The first instrument I fell in love with was the didgeridoo! There is famous band in Malta called Tribali that had an incredible didgeridoo player called Grigal. I was totally captivated watching him play.

What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?

The main person that has inspired my music more than anyone else is John Martyn. He taught me that you can put a guitar into any kind of tuning and that music is all about passion, and not just about being technically brilliant. I think that’s what makes great piano players stand out from those who are just technically gifted. I’ve started covering John Martyn’s song Couldn’t Love You More which is a great example of open tuning, as well as being a beautiful love song. My big regret is never having been able to see John Martyn live before he died.

What kind of music did you love as a teenager?

As a teenager I loved all sorts of music, but mostly it was acoustic based stuff such as John Butler, Rodrigo y Gabriela, John Martyn and Van Morrison.

Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?

The first song I can remember hearing that made me want to be a musician was probably 'Burn' by Deep Purple. I remember as a child driving around Gozo in my dad’s beaten up Freelander with this blasting out of the speakers. It’s the ultimate driving song with some amazing musicianship from start to finish.

When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?

I usually listen to something that is very chilled out first thing in the morning, such as a lofi hip hop playlist, although I have been known to wake the house up with some liquid drum and bass haha.

How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?

Probably 100s! Nearly all my songs are usually about someone or someones. It’s hard to put an exact number on it. My manager is always asking me if I’m due to write another break-up song yet!

What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?

Probably playing Omeara mainstage in London and Glastonbury at 3am last year. Also, being invited to play Cambridge Folk Festival in 2019.

Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?

Outside of music I would say my biggest passion has to be cooking and art. I love making food for people, especially where it involves preparing a meal for a really large number of people. I also paint and do small carvings. I guess you could say cooking is just another form of music, but instead of feeding one’s ears one is feeding one’s belly!

If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?

I think if I wasn’t a musician then I would be some form of cook or artist.

And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to stay productive through the coronavirus lockdown?

I’d say that basically you should use this time to be creative and make as much music as you can, whilst you have spare time to do it in. Also, livestream when possible, even if just via your phone as it’s a way of performing to a whole new audience at this time.

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Ben Denny Mo's latest single 'I Hear A Train' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.