Ben Hammond
ROCK: featuring singer / songwriter / beatboxer Ben Hammond's unique brand of Acoustic Soul-Pop.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Born in the tiny town of Hiram, Maine and graduated in 2006 with a degree in Music Technology from McGill University in Montreal, Ben Hammond has been touring and playing festivals (including the Montreal Jazz Festival) and venues (Montreals Sala Rossa and Metropolis, Antifolk in New York City, many more). Recent appearances and activities have ranged from tours of his home in rural New England to across the world in New Zealand, composing original songs, and most recently completing his full length studio album [Reasonably] Honest with full band and Downbeat Magazine award winning mixer Reuben Ghose. Schooled in jazz, raised on rock, immersed in soul, and fascinated with music the world over, Ben can just as easily be found strumming and singing a ballad as he can live looping an a cappella improvisation of Tuvan throat singing, beatboxing, and harmonized scatting. When performing his composed material, either as a soloist or with his quartet, the music features Bens engaging, soulful vocals weaved within a framework of genre-shifting instrumentation which provides a platform for contemplative, understated lyrics.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I play live as often and in as many different places as possible. Every time I look out and see someone really listening is a special moment. Singing at the Montreal Jazz Festival for a sold out concert was a pretty stand-out moment though.
Your musical influences
The Beatles, Wilco, Stevie Wonder, Kurt Elling, Jack Johnson, Ray Charles, DMB, Damien Rice, Fat Freddy's Drop, Lauryn Hill, Feist
What equipment do you use?
Taylor 412-ce. Shure SM58A Beta. Boomerang Loop Pedal. Bose L1 Model II.
Anything else?
www.benhammondmusic.com
