Hello friends!

*FLASHBACK* To a sixteen year old Ben. I receive a message from my then-girlfriend that she has met some sexy dude while on a family holiday & that it's over.

I did what every over-hormonal teenager would have in my position. Sulk and upload miserable selfie's to Myspace.

At that point I had been playing guitar for a year or so and had 'Wonderwall' and was the king of a little song I called 'Smoke On The Water'. But I had never created any of my own music, I didn't even know where to start! 

 Pretending to play bass with my bro & pals in our first band 'Adelaide Arcade'

But now, following this romantic tragedy, my emotions were all over the floor & a pen fell into my hand.

Now I had a reason to write.

So, for 10 years I have been experimenting with various tunings & techniques on the guitar. Listening for sounds which stir inspiration. I'll find a melody, hum along a while, then allow for the words & patterns to form..

It is my passion, my therapy and my expression.

In total, I have written 300+ songs & half-songs. Of which a third I would deem worthy of an audience!

                                                               One of my first important gigs @ The O2 in Birmingham!

January 2013, I caught a plane to a dream job in the French Alps; a house musician in a small hotel/bar. For three months I snowboarded & jammed music everyday! --- EL SUEÑO  --- Plus, I met a bunch of people who had managed to find sustainable ways of working & travelling the world. 

I pinched ideas and email addresses. 

I discovered that with some smart budgeting & a minimalist approach I could do the same.

                                                             Hiking up the mountain in search of fresh powder!

I never dreamed I would find myself working at the Olympics, Spanish schools, European festivals, kids summer camps, in river rapids, a peanut butter factory, a kiwi farm, a wake boarding park, or a travelling circus....

It's been a pretty wild ride.

                                                  Guiding down the Mighty Kaurau river near Queenstown, NZ.

My reasons for this extended travel were to experience different cultures, learn peculiar skills & languages and most importantly, to develop my art. Throughout the whole journey I found peace & purpose through music.  

I continued to write, busk and perform whenever possible. I was constantly inspired by other artists who were living out their passion, creating unique and bizarre feels. They encouraged me to keep on going.

I recorded videos for Youtube and made demos on a tiny budget with the help of talented friends.

                                    Making the video for 'Sail Away' in Idstein, Germany. Part of an E.P soon to be released!

 I spent all my penny's on basic survival needs and meanwhile, my repertoire grew & grew. This has been beneficial, as it means I've been free to explore different styles without the pressure of having to write and record immediately. No doubt I've matured as a musician and developed a greater sensitivity to sound along the road...

Now it's time to set these songs free.

This project will be a collection of 10-15 acoustic, story-telling songs. With songs from the very beginning & others written just months ago. I wish to piece together the puzzle and find connections from old to new.

Writing music gives me perspective and breathes understanding through the beautiful chaos that is life. My hope is that, through this project I can share my story and give my friends a piece of this experience.

                                                          Beautiful views along the West Coast, New Zealand.

I have teamed up with an awesome friend and sound engineer 'Pablo' to record this project on a small Island in Bali. Bali made sense, as not only is it paradise, but it's dirt cheap! ---VAMOS! --- 

Over the last few months Pablo has been sending me links to buy top quality recording equipment. I have invested $4500 dollars in this and Pablo reckons 'we can produce an album as good as Radiohead!' 

I agreed to cover 'Pablo's' flights, rent and food in exchange for his help recording and mixing the album. This is an incredible deal for me as normally you pay at least $100 per hour for this service! 

All of the proceeds of this campaign will be used to support us & to promote the album release.

                                                                           Pablo loves to rock out with his crocs out! <3

Truth is, I owe so much to my friends and family who have supported, volunteered to help and inspired me to keep creating.

The purpose of this campaign is to connect with those who are on this journey with me. Those who are willing to support and invest in me & my project. With the belief that I will in return, create something special for future us to share and enjoy together.

                                                          'The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.' Lao Tzu

I am infinitely grateful to you for reading my story & for taking part in this adventure. Thank you...

This is my first album production, so there is a lot to learn!

I will be arriving into Bali on the 23rd June and will travel directly to our home-studio that Pablo is putting together at the moment in Nusa Lembongan.

We intend on mixing as much of the album as possible during our two month stay in Indonesia. The plan is for us to re-unite around Christmas to finish off the final bits and pieces, such as; mastering, album artwork and potential music videos.

Whilst I've allotted lots of extra time for any set backs.. I intend, if possible, to send out the rewards and release the album before the estimated completion date.

As a backer, you are my partner. If there are any issues along the way, I will be sure to keep you updated.

                                                                         Potential album artwork by Noemi Deulofeu

                                                                             www.instagram.com/noemideulofeuart               

Stretch Goals...

 Should I raise more than my target, all of the extra money will be put into recording professional videos & into marketing the album.

                                              My dream is to have this album played on radio stations and televisions worldwide.

Finally...

If you would like to see more of my music you can find me here..

www.facebook.com/benjaminowenmusic 

www.instagram.com/benjamin.owen.music

www.youtube.com/benjaminowenmusic 

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