Ben Ottewell & James Walsh

Ben Ottewell is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist best known as a founding member of

the critically acclaimed British band Gomez. Born on June 23, 1976, in Chesterfield, Derbyshire,

Ottewell’s distinctive baritone voice and blues-inspired guitar work became central to Gomez’s

unique sound. The band formed in the late 1990s in Southport, Merseyside, quickly gaining

attention for their eclectic style, which blended blues, rock, folk, and indie influences. Gomez’s

1998 debut album, Bring It On, was a breakout success, winning the prestigious Mercury Prize

and propelling the band to international recognition.

With Gomez, Ottewell contributed to a string of successful albums, including Liquid Skin (1999)

and How We Operate (2006). Known for his soulful, gravelly vocals, he quickly became a fan

favorite and was often compared to American blues singers. His voice and style added a raw,

authentic quality to Gomez’s music, helping the band build a loyal following.

In 2011, Ottewell embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album, Shapes & Shadows,

which showcased his love for folk and Americana, focusing on introspective, heartfelt lyrics. His

solo work diverged from Gomez’s collective sound, instead highlighting his stripped-down,

acoustic side and allowing fans to connect with his songwriting on a more personal level.

Subsequent albums, including Rattlebag (2014) and A Man Apart (2017), continued this intimate

approach, blending folk, rock, and blues influences and reflecting Ottewell’s distinctive, soulful

perspective on life and relationships.

Ottewell continues to tour both as a solo artist and with Gomez, balancing his roles in the band

and his own projects. Known for his deep, resonant voice and skilled guitar work, Ottewell

remains a respected figure in indie rock, appreciated for his honest, emotionally charged

performances and commitment to musical authenticity.

 

 

James Walsh announces new EP ‘Renewal’

Starsailor frontman and solo artist James Walsh has made a welcome return with brand new EP

‘Renewal’ which is his first taste of new music following the release of his critically acclaimed

album ‘Coming Good’ in January 2023.

Fresh off the back of his effervescent performance at Victorious Festival last month, James is

set to reward his fans with some fresh new material of which he has been showcasing at

various live performances in recent months.

As one quarter of British indie-rock outfit Starsailor, James has also carved out an impressive

solo career releasing albums such as 2019’s ‘Tiger on the Bridge’, 2021’s ‘Small Illusions’ and

2014’s ‘Turning Point’, there’s no doubt that music runs deep in his soul.

James first found success as the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist with multi platinum band

Starsailor. His latest solo offering ‘Renewal’ was written over a period of several months by

James whilst he was recording ‘Where the Wild Things Grow’, the latest album from Starsailor

which features the optimistic lead track ‘Better Times’.

He recalls:

“I came out of that process with my creative streak strengthened and I also

wanted to indulge myself and my influences, whereas the sound of the band is much more of a

collection of the four of us and our tastes”

 

James’ songwriting is always personal and heartfelt with melodic sensibilities and a thought-

provoking depth, and this EP will offer a treasure trove of sparkling new songs to reward loyal

fans whilst attracting new ones wanting to enjoy his new music which is a stellar showcase of

raw vulnerability and emotion.

Full of life-force, ‘Renewal’ is set for release on 6th September and follows hot on the heels of

singles ‘All That I’ve Got Left’ and ‘A Lucky Strike’ of which the latter won’t feature on the EP as

James felt it didn’t fit in with the rest of the EP’s sonics.

‘Renewal’ contains four trailblazing tracks, but both the Spotify pre-save and the bandcamp

version of the EP will also have two exclusive tracks which cannot be listened to else where

-’Beautiful & Strange’ and emotive ‘My Happiness to just your smile away’

Recording ‘Renewal’ was an unforgettable experience for James. He recorded it at RAK studios

in London. The illustrious history of this iconic studio was a huge draw for James who recorded his EP in

just one day.

Going into the studio was a ‘great experience’ for the singer-songwriter who has previously recorded

much of his solo work at home. Hankering after something new, James relished in the studio and was

able to use the unbridled energy and creativity of the studio’s team to create ‘Renewal’Whilst James is the primary instrumentalist on all the tracks, there is also a welcome addition in the shape

of critically-acclaimed musician Izzi Dunn on cello. Her stunning strings have helped elevate the emotion

of the music and she performs with an innate musicality which required almost no direction from James.

Izzi has previously worked with the likes of Jamie T, Damon Albarn, Gorillaz, George Harrison and more.

He says:

“Izzi did a brilliant job. She asked if I had any notes but there were barely any because

she completely got the songs and knew where the spaces were without any guidance. I

wanted cello parts that were dramatic and romantic – She really

delivered that!”

An accomplished songwriter, James has been influenced by many artists, but the work of Paul Simon has

been a massive influence to him in shaping the sonics of ‘Renewal’. He notes:

“I look at how carefully he (Simon) crafts the songs. “Renewal’ is about when your kids reach adulthood

and you want them to go off and flourish. For them to be completely independent but just know that you’re

there if you need them.”

One of the standout songs on the EP is the evocative ‘Strangers at the Bar’ which is hauntingly beautiful

and tells the story of capturing those precious moments of magic whilst escaping the everyday existence

of a long-term relationship.

As one of the hardest working musicians in the industry, James has a prolific back catalogue and is set to

showcase his new EP as well as a set filled with fan favourites in Liverpool where he will perform with the

Esteemed Liverpool Philharmonic on September 20th.

‘Renewal’ offers the trademarks of James’ all-encompassing signature sound – beautifully-crafted songs,

tender balladry, gorgeous melodies and candid lyricism which transports the listener into another

dimension thanks to his captivating and endearing delivery.