Ben Mastwyk

Great musicians always know the right time and place to add their mercurial vocal and/or instrumental prowess to a song, whether in the studio or on a stage. On the Melbourne country music scene, Ben Mastwyk is one of those key players, the consummate sideman contributing guitar, vocals and banjo to a range of different projects prior to the arrival of his acclaimed 2015 debut album Mornin, Evenin, Celebrating both classic and contemporary Americana music, the record heralded the start of a promising solo career.

The album finds Mastwyk traversing the world of country music; from the Appalachian mountains to the honky-tonk bars of Nashville and the multitude of back porches where Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark and so many other troubadours have penned many a heartfelt song. To inspire and fuel his songwriting for the album, Mastwyk travelled to the source – the American South, composing songs while in a state of transit across the country in trains and cars before returning to Melbourne to complete the songs that would become Mornin, Evenin. The album showcases Mastwyk’s ability to honour the traditions of the genre while tipping his hat to those that were crucial in shaping the direction alt-country music would take. Through his songs Mastwyk traces a line from Willie and Waylon, through Gram Parsons and on to contemporary songwriters such as Sturgill Simpson, Daniel Romano and Justin Townes Earle.

The resulting recognition for Mastwyk’s success with Mornin, Evenin came in the form of strong reviews and a nomination for Best Country Album in The Age Music Victoria Awards for 2015.

Aside from his burgeoning solo career, Mastwyk is one half of Sweet By & By and an integral member of Jemma & The Clifton Hillbillies. He thrives on musical cross-pollination which enabled him to bring together a highly talented pool of singers and players when it came to recording Mornin, Evenin.

Mastwyk may excel as a collaborator but on the back of his debut solo album he’s set an even higher benchmark for his own brand of authentic heartache and whiskey-stained country songs. His own songwriting is now where his focus lies and where his creative instincts lead him. That process of writing while in physical motion also continues, with the majority of Mastwyk's classic country songs emerging while walking the streets of Melbourne and the banks of Merri Creek.