Ben Catley

Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?

I’ve been based in Perth for nearly a decade now and there is so much amazing music here. Being quite an isolated part of the country, and indeed the world, I think it makes for quite a unique scene and artistry.

How did you first start playing music?

I was about 8 years old and my Aunty gave me an old acoustic guitar with only a few strings on it. I got hooked pretty quick and started trying to learn by myself in my bedroom. I think I first started writing music when I was around 13.

What’s been happening recently?

I’ve recently returned from my third tour of New Zealand, which was wonderful. I love playing shows over there. And I’ve just put out a new release, which is always an exciting time.

Your new single ‘Run’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?

Running, aswell as music, is probably my longest-standing love, so I thought it was time I wrote a song about it. I wanted the lyrics to be a bit poetic and ambigious, and the sound to be uplifting.

How did you go about writing Run?

I started writing it when I was up in Exmouth for a show and a friend of mine had his guitar in a different tuning. I started playing around with a riff in that tuning, then while I was on tour in the UK, I was sat in my bedroom in the town I grew up in and it just came pouring out. Then I went for a run with a big smile on my face.

Where and when did you record and who with?

I recorded it back in October with Andy Lawson at his wonderful studio (Debasser Studio) out in the Perth hills. He is so great to work with and the natural surroundings up in them there hills are so nice to be around while you’re creating music.

How did you approach the recording/production process?

I’d road-tested the song at a few UK festivals, which was helpful. I just wanted the track to have a really driving, energetic feeling to it – to try resemble what I feel when I go out for a run. I played the song acoustically to Andy and then we experimented with a few sounds. I had a fair idea of how I wanted things to sound, but I love the spontaneous nature of how the recording process can completely change how you imagined your music would turn out.

What programs/instruments did you use to record?

I do believe Andy uses Pro Tools. I used only my acoustic guitar, but we included a few drum elements and some bass synth to add some weight and atmosphere.

What do you like to do away from music?

Well I like to run a lot, mainly so I can feel less guilty about having plenty beers with mates! I also love some rock climbing, getting away on roadtrips and to new countries, good food and plenty of ocean time.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Cowboys From Hell by Pantera just came on my Spotify radio there, haha. Bit of a blast from the past. But today I’ve been mainly listening to Tycho. I adore the atmospheres that man creates with blends of instruments and electronic elements.

You have a tour coming up, where are you headed and when will you be hitting the road?

Next show is in Margaret River on Friday Feb 21 at The River. It’s a co-headline show with my good mate Michael Dunstan. If you haven’t heard his music already, you should absolutely do yourself that favour. And then I hav a Fremantle show at The Aardvark on Saturday Feb 22.

How do you prepare for live shows?

I try to do vocal warm-ups, but sometimes I’m too lazy. I usually just have a beer, chill and chat to people.

What’s planned for 2020?

I’ve been back in the studio starting on some new music. My old electric guitar has made an appearance for the first time in many years. I’m excited! And I’m looking at more Australia shows and a UK festival run again in August.

Favourite food and place to hangout?