Success is seldom the mother of invention. Just ask Ben Westbeech. Following the release of his acclaimed 2007 debut album, Welcome To The Best Years Of Your Life, Ben threw his gears into neutral and decided to rest on his laurels somewhat. It was a turning point for an artist whose journey began as a twelve year old, buying Rave and Jungle mixtapes from the Jamaican blokes who ran his local newsagent in Hertfordshire. Later, Ben moved to Bristol, where he spent his days and nights working on music, and making friends with kindred creative spirits in this most musical of cities. Then, in 2009, much admired and respected house label Strictly Rhythm approached Ben and suggested he record an album for them. The result is a reinvigorated Ben Westbeech, and his accomplished, albeit overdue, second album; There’s More To Life Than This. For the record, Ben has worked with a stellar line-up, including Soul Clap, Henrik Schwarz, Lovebirds, Motor City Drum Ensemble and Georg Levin, and these collaborations have found all parties challenging themselves to come up with something fresh and new.
Where his debut was the fruit of five years’ labour, its follow-up has taken a mere six months to complete, testament to Ben finding his groove again, and casting aside doubts. He’s not looking for anyone else’s approval anymore.
