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Interview with My Second Head

By Sian Stacey • 08 December 2009

Ben from My Second Head takes time out from promoting his debut album to chat to Wired Radio.

Would you like to introduce your music style to Wired Radio, possibly also who your influences are?

My music style is eclectic though I feel that I really just write country tunes at heart.

I am influenced by great writers like:
Cole Porter, Roy Orbison, Sam Cooke, Strummer/Jones, Bessie Smith, Paul Simon, Johnny Cash, Lennon/McCartney, Ian Dury, Dolly Parton, Kool Keith, Leadbelly, Madness, Paul Williams, Skip James, Doherty/Barat, Bob Marley, both Gershwins, Jimmy Cliff, Syd Barret, Buddy Holly, Nick Drake, Sly Stone, Noel Coward, Muddy Waters, Eminem, Daneil Johnston., Desmond Decker, Lou Reed,Hank Williams, Rakim, Brian Wilson, Beck, Kurt Cobain, Howling Wolf, George Clinton, Chuck Berry, Bowie. 

Your debut solo album is released this month, it's been described as being "full of tall tales and sorry stories but all inflected with a wry, wise sense of fun". Are these tales true or would that be telling too much?

Everything I write about is true.

Do you have a favorite song from the album and if so why?

Yes. The first track on the album “When Your Mind’s Lost”
I like the feel of the track and the subject matter. It is therapeutic writing. Writing from the heart. Also, the recording is great. Derrick The Draw from the Blockheads plays the harmonica on the intro and outro.

Do you have any gigs coming up in London that people can catch you at?

We have a tour in April with the Jam. We just did a gig for Strummerville (Joe Strummers music charity) at their winter sessions which was filmed by Don Letts for a Documentary about the Strummerville charity.

Have you got a favourite gig that you have played that will always stay in your mind?

I have a few that I would like to forget. I have always liked playing up in Scotland because they love live music there and are not afraid to let themselves go.

Are there any bands starting up that you would recommend to Wired Radio?

Yes
The Boy Lacks Patience (www.myspace.com/theboylackspatience) He is from Aberdeen and plays accordian and writes great songs. Inki (www.myspace.com/inkimusicuk) I met them in Brighton. Kaja the main writer is great.
Baby Sol ( http://www.myspace.com/missbabysol) that is her real name. She is from Fulham and has a really unique voice. She also writes great tunes.

Where do you see yourself in 5years time?

Looking back smiling.

Great, thanks for your time and we are looking forward to hearing you on our airwaves already!


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