Raised on Kamilaroi country, BEN LEECE grew up on a small farm in the North West of NSW. He first picked up his father’s Maton guitar as an early teenager and began writing songs before he even knew how to play.

Ben references The Replacements and Lucinda Williams amongst his influences but he really does offer something genuinely unique. His vivid story-telling paints the landscape of his current home in Newcastle and traces back to the black soil plains of his childhood. His resonant voice and dynamic playing intertwine to offer up a rare honesty that commands attention, opening up his heart and leaving it on the table.

He is carving himself a niche, touching on subjects that other songwriters wouldn’t dare attempt. Fragile yet confronting and always honest, Ben will make you run the gamut of emotion. Last year Ben received an Independent Music Award for his song Trace and was a finalist in the Australian Americana Music Prize. He has shared stages with Nadia Reid (NZ), Joe Pug (US) and Courtney Marie Andrews (US) amongst others and has previously appeared at the incredible Dashville Skyline Festival.