Matt Benson

Having inspired positive comparisons to the likes of Tom Waits and Randy Newman with his debut single, Matt Benson is now set to release his debut album ‘Sit Back Down Again’ on July 11th. He launches the album by sharing his second track, ‘Strangers and Angels’. His solo career comes after an unorthodox journey which took him from touring with Sam and The Womp and Bad Manners and into George Ezra’s arena and festival-headlining live band.

‘Sit Back Down Again’ shows just how much Matt Benson is excelling in the spotlight. His songwriting is exemplary, bringing personal experiences, big emotions and real characters to life, all set to a soundtrack of warm, vintage R&B grooves and jazz-tinged embellishments. And his voice is just as remarkable, his tone ranging from a gritty, raspy baritone to a Nat King Cole-esque smoothness.

Matt says, “I see all of the album’s characters and stories so vividly in my mind. If people get anywhere close to how I see it, I’d be delighted.”

The record features production from Cian Boylan (Jessie Buckley, David Gray) and mastering courtesy of the Grammy Award winner Ruadhri Cushnan (Mumford & Sons, James Bay). Album sessions featured an array of his friends and collaborators including David Klinke (guitar) and Fabio de Oliveira (drums) from George Ezra’s band; drummer Darren Beckett (Brandon Flowers); The Commitments veterans Conor Brady (guitar) and Keith Duffy (bass, The Corrs); Dave Redmond (Dana Masters) on bass; trumpeters Linley Hamilton MBE (Van Morrison) and Ben Edwards (Paolo Nutini, Amy Winehouse); and saxophonist Ben Castle (Radiohead, Blur).