Ben Clempson - Biography
BEN CLEMPSON: Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Harmonica, Bass guitar, Celtic harp.
Born, 1977. Banbury
As many musicians, Ben was brought up surrounded by musical instruments and records, and at a young age had his own collection of Fisher Price instruments. In 1985 he set up his first un-named band with his younger brother Tom (vocals), and neighbouring friend on guitar; having progressed from Fisher Price to Casio keyboards. Influenced by bands and artists of the time, they recorded ‘Down the town‘, their one original song! .
At 13 came his first school band, Elekktra, with older brother Joss on drums. This ‘glam’ metal band which played in Leamington Spa at the Trinity School’s prestigious, and much anticipated ‘Big Gigs’ founded Bens desire to become a musician.
By the age of 15 Ben was with both brothers and two additional band members in his third band, ‘Out of the Blue’. The diverse age range of 13-30 produced surprisingly good music, and a constant audience was in place. They began writing original material and covered bands such as The Beatles, Aerosmith, AC/DC and Terrorvision. Although some gigs were held in pubs around Leamington, the majority were held at the ongoing Trinity ‘Big Gigs’ alongside numerous acts, including ‘Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine’ and ‘Avalon’, later to be known as ‘Nizlopi‘.
During this time Ben became aware of singer-songwriter John Martyn, immersing himself in, and learning from John‘s style and technique - deciphering chords, style, and picking, from vinyl and c.d. albums. Other additional influences, such as John Renbourn, Bert Jansch and Richard Thompson, helped change the way Ben was to play and compose.
Ben’s first solo gig was when, at the age of 20, he jumped in the deep end by booking himself on the third stage at the Cambridge Folk festival, where the effect of sweat, combined with sun block, found route to his eyes and impressed the audience as to his emotional connection to his music!
More recently along with local solo gigs, Ben has been known for his work in the Leamington based duo ’The Soft Verges,’ with one album to date, ’Crossing the Streams’.
As a solo artist he has recently been involved with ‘Pillar Box Records’ a non- profit promotional / record label run by Ben Ablewhite, Lewis Smith and Matt Katz all prominent in the Leamington music scene. With Pillar Box Ben has had the great opportunity of recording his picking, slapping, mild funk, folk, blues / blue grass, rock on their 2006 pod cast, (released Dec 1) and also on his first solo album which features ‘Nizlopi’s John Parker on double Bass.
His versatility as a predominantly self -taught musician, from Fisher Price onwards, supports what his life has demonstrated so far - that he was born to make music.
There are currently no mp3s for this section.
