PRESS RELEASE: Ben Lee has been writing songs about the inner workings of his mind and heart for almost 25 years. Whether the subject matter was trying to impress girls in his Year 9 class, the existential poetic yearnings of an 18 year old, his wrestling with ambition and fame, or over the past decade and a half – grappling with matters of spiritual and psychological development, you can never accuse Ben of not wearing his heart on his sleeve.
Beginning with his lo-fi punk band Noise Addict, discovered by Sonic Youth & The Beastie Boys in 1992, and throughout his solo career, he has always been transparent as a songwriter, attempting to take his most intimate struggles, observations and yearnings and turn them into accessible, catchy songs that his loyal audience could digest. He has had topped Triple J’s Hottest 100, won ARIA awards, starred in movies, toured all over the world, but one can clearly sense that these have never been the main goal for Ben – rather, it has been his artistic and spiritual journey that has driven his decision making in his personal life and career.
“The Enemy Within” is the first offering from Ben Lee’s forthcoming 11th studio album Freedom, Love & the Recuperation of the Human Mind. The new track features renowned Americana musician Grant Lee Phillips and is complemented by the beautiful vocal harmonies of Folk singer/fiddle player Sara Watkins. “The Enemy Within” naturally draws from the genres of its collaborators but is still distinctly ‘Ben Lee’, featuring the same pop sensibilities, clever melodies and authentic vocals that we know and love about his music.
“Like all the songs on the album, this recording began at my home studio in Laurel Canyon CA, with a live guitar and vocal – no click track, no tuning, no funny business. Just me singing this song, from my heart. It was a beautiful thing to see it take life as I brought in other musicians to add to it, culminating in the incredible Sara Watkins adding her harmonies.” – Ben Lee.
Lyrically “The Enemy Within” reflects upon Ben’s passion for spiritual development addressing the greatest obstacle in human growth and maturity – ourselves, as he explains – “In most mystical and psychological teachings there is an understanding that there truly is something foreign within our psyches that aims to prevent us from reaching out potential. This has been called many names throughout history – the ego, the devil, psychological aggregates, self-destructive tendencies, etc. The real heroic journey is the journey of the individual in opposing their own inner darkness”
To celebrate the release of his new album Ben Lee will be playing some very special shows throughout Australia in November with the support of Danny Ross. All the dates are listed below: BEN LEE ALBUM TOUR
Thursday 10th Nov | One Space HQ Bondi | Sydney NSW
TICKETS HERE Friday 11th Nov | One Space HQ Bondi | Sydney NSW
TICKETS HERE
Wednesday 16th + Thursday 17th | Wired For Wonder | Melbourne * Speaking
TICKETS HERE Friday 18th Nov | The Caravan Music Club | Melbourne VIC
TICKETS HERE Saturday 19th Nov | The Old Museum | Brisbane QLD
TICKETS HERE 25th – 27th Nov | Whole Life Expo @ Adelaide Showgrounds | Adelaide SA
TICKETS HERE | EVENT WEBSITE
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