Written by Emmalee Lovelace

Benjamin Francis Leftwich – Pictures

When I first listened to Benjamin Francis Leftwich (@benleftwich), I didn’t immediately fall for him. He seemed like any other singer/songwriter that I could find busking at a street corner, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about his simple sound. As I began listening to more songs, though, like “Atlas Hands” from his upcoming album, his Josh Pyke lullaby voice slowly changed my mind. His sound is reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Sound of Silence” with the rolling, finger-picked guitar and doubled voice over top. Though it’s been done many times before, I still love how he does it.

Leftwich, a twenty-something from York, UK, has been a self-taught guitarist and songwriter from the age of 10. At first, I wondered what drew people to him and set him apart from the hundreds of other acoustic musicians. I thought perhaps it was simply his unique accent or romantic feel, but I soon realized that his lyrics have incredible depth, insight and thoughtfulness to them. This is most apparent in songs like “Pictures” from his upcoming album and “Hole In My Hand” from his first EP.

His debut EP, A Million Miles Out, was released through his label, Dirty Hit, and produced by Ian Grimble (Mumford & Sons, The Banshees) in 2010. This was followed by another EP called Pictures that came out this March. His upcoming album, Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm, is due out on July 4th and definitely a good buy. If you’re looking for something that’s sincere, mellow, and romantic to listen to while stealing a mid-day nap or lounging around on the beach, Benjmain Francis Leftwich is your man.

If you’re one of the first 1000 people to pre-order the new album at his HMV show, you’ll get a special edition signed copy. Just click HERE to buy tickets.