Bristol-based multi-talented artist Ben Westbeech returns with his first album in over a decade, eager to showcase his musical abilities on ‘Everything Is Within You.’
Listen: ‘Everything Is Within You’ – Ben Westbeech
“Honesty is the best policy,” as one famous Ben suggested, and similarly, “Honesty is the best ingredient for fresh funky tracks,” could be said by another well-known Ben—Ben Westbeech. He has spent years touring, DJ’ing, producing, songwriting, and performing on cello and violin among other pursuits. While he has been incredibly active in numerous musical avenues, it has been quite some time since Westbeech released a solo album; the last being 2011’s There’s More to Life Than This. Nevertheless, he is eager to demonstrate that his musical range has persisted during this break and to explore how the theme of honesty can influence his studio work.
“Everything Is Within You – Ben Westbeech” is framed around the idea of truthfulness. “This album is about expressing the truth from within,” he states. “It’s not solely about me or you; it’s about everything that exists within us.”
Using this central theme, Westbeech has created captivating and genre-blending melodies, many influenced by the vibrant atmosphere of Ibiza, Spain, where he has resided for some time, though he returned to England to record his new album in a London studio. He collaborates with a variety of guest artists, including Obi Franky, Dames Brown, RAHH, Karen Harding, and Davie & Mousse T, lending their vocals while he focuses on the beats. The resulting album, titled Everything Is Within You, aims to inspire listeners to dance while provoking thoughtful reflection.
“This album is crafted for the dancefloor, yet it is grounded in truth, vulnerability, and authentic human connection,” he explains. Westbeech further discusses how he manages to incorporate these elements into a dance-ready project for Atwood Magazine.
— —
:: stream/purchase Everything Is Within You here ::
:: connect with Ben Westbeech here ::
— —
Ben Westbeech © David Yeo
A CONVERSATION WITH BEN WESTBEECH
Atwood Magazine: As someone who has spent time in various parts of England (Bristol, Hertfordshire, London), what artistic influences have you gathered from your travels across the country?
Ben Westbeech: That’s an interesting question! Just the other day, I was chatting with Si from 2 Bad Mice on my way from Ibiza to London. When I was 12, I was deeply into Drum and Bass. Si and Rhodesy were friends with my dad back in Hertford, shortly after we moved there. They were known as pioneers of drum and bass, which has influenced my career ever since.
When I collaborated with Kelis, I asked them to do a remix, and their return to the studio after years was a pleasant surprise. I first heard Roy Ayers’ “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” in the flat above my old place, which was a life-changing moment for me. At 15, surrounded by smoke, I eventually got the chance to work with Roy on The Vision record—an ultimate goal for me as a collaborator. Later on, I moved to London, where I interned with Shy FX and T Power at the time they created “Shake Your Body,” a record that crossed over into mainstream success. Perhaps that influenced my hit “Jack,” which transitioned from underground to hit status under my Breach alias.
In Bristol, I was introduced to DJ Die through Clipz and went on to make my first album with their assistance. DJ Die mixed the album, which introduced me to the Bristol sound I had long admired, such as the work of Portishead, Massive Attack, and Tricky. Roni Size and Krust also had significant influence on me. Someone at Full Cycle even gifted my first CD to Gilles Peterson after a meeting in a Saab 900, ultimately leading to my signing with Brownswood for Welcome to the Best Years of Your Life. Those formative years across different regions of England set the stage for my music career, something I might not have believed if someone had told me back then.
This is your first full-length album since 2011. What prompted you to finally create a sequel after over ten years?
I had been very busy with my Breach project. After achieving two Top 10 records and touring as a DJ for a decade, I felt ready for something new. I created The Vision album during a five-year period when I slowed down my touring. I immerse myself in my albums as intensely as a method actor takes on a role. When I reached a musical place ready for a follow-up to my previous work, I felt poised to proceed. I also opted to collaborate more with vocalists for this record. As I matured as a producer, I wanted
Bob Dylan has announced additional UK shows for November. The songwriter's current Rough & Rowdy Ways tour has received significant acclaim, with Bob Dylan
The thrash-punk five-piece strongly resembles something, but we just can't quite identify what it is...
Similar to a foot pressing down on a gas pedal, Chase Petra’s “Centrifugal Force” represents the moment when the quest for self-worth accelerates to its peak, leaving marks in its wake.
Raz Ohara has released his newest full-length LP, 'Memories Of Tomorrow,' set to be available tomorrow through House Of Frequency. This marks his ninth album overall, the...
Devon Ross is the third individual featured in Clash 131. A model, actress, and musician, she embodies the essence of a true multi-hyphenate. During her childhood, she would
UK alt-rock sister duo Baby Said bursts onto the scene with their debut album, BS, a fierce and unapologetic collection filled with crushing guitars, sharp lyrics, and raw emotional intensity. With a fearless and unrestrained soundtrack advocating for speaking out and standing strong, Veronica and Jess Pal guide us through their electrifying album, exploring the strength and meaning of each track with personal insights and playful humor.
Bristol-based multi-talented artist Ben Westbeech is returning with his first album in more than a decade, and he aims to showcase the abundance of talent he possesses on 'Everything Is Within You.'