Ben Westbeech

Across almost 20 years Ben Westbeech has established himself a formidable artist, carving out an infallible reputation as a producer, DJ and vocalist. Ben’s innate musical ability, combined with a consistently high work ethic and positive outlook, lies at the heart of his success, with a diverse discography full of highly-regarded singles, EPs and albums. Over the years, Ben has demonstrated an innate ability to traverse a range of styles while holding true to his authentic sound. This is evident across his back catalogue, from the chart-topping ‘Jack’ and ‘Everything You Never Had’, both of which exemplified Ben’s ability to craft high qua lity dance music with crossover appeal, to multifaceted project The Vision. With releases under his alias Breach, as well as Ben Westbeech, he has appeared on a variety of influential labels including his own Naked Naked outlet, Brownswood Recordings, Dirtybird, Strictly Rhythm and Defected. As he prepares to release his third album Everything Is Within You, Ben channels his own journey of self-discovery into an inspiring body of work that emanates positivity and optimism.

Born out of a series of sessions at Defected’s London studios, Everything Is Within You encapsulates Ben’s humility and appreciation of the power we all have within us to achieve joy and peace. The album is Ben’s third, after 2007’s Welcome To The Best Years Of Your Life and There's More To Life Than This in 2011. Ben’s path to the new LP has included periods of sobriety, self-work, spiritual exploration and the integration of a healthier outlook all round. 12 years since his last LP, Ben is living in Ibiza and enjoying a relatively quiet life on the island-albeit with both feet firmly in the music culture that has been so vital to his life. The omnipresent energy of the magical island has permeated into the music on his new album, as well as the influence of his personal and spiritual growth.

Across five days, Ben worked with a number of vocalists at Defected’s studios and the result was a collection of songs that became the catalyst behind the album. Everything Is Within You came together very naturally and organically. The old adage that ‘it wrote itself’ is very much in operation here, as Ben and his collaborators found themselves in sessions where the creative flow was at a peak. Vocalists including RAHH, Karen Harding and OB, plus a collective of musicians connected to The Vision project, joined Ben in the sessions, which he later refined in his Ibiza studio. The Dames Brown trio also feature on the LP, recorded by Moodyman in Detroit. The chemistry of authentic connection and artistic liberation were essential components in the recording process. The result is an album that is full of upbeat energy and meaningful messaging.

As the title suggests, Everything Is Within You embodies the notion that all the answers we’re searching for are stored inside us, illustrated in songs like ‘Your Voice’, which celebrates the unique voice we all have. Individual agency, and simply being proud to be yourself, is the theme of this refreshing cut, peppered with piano keys and gorgeous vocals. Across all eight songs, Ben explores thematics that revolve around key touch points concerning self-empowerment, with the influence of the Balearics coming through on cuts such as ‘Times Are Changing’. With a combination of jazzy bass, male and female vocals and its journey-like arrangement this protest song is uplifting and anthemic, encouraging the listener to be grateful for their freedom. Elsewhere, there’s ‘Do Me Right’, one of those classic diva disco cuts that talks about being treated right, as the title suggests. Peace, Love, Unity, Respect-always.

On ‘Free’ we get the balance of masculine and feminine energy as Ben duets with RAHH, cultivating a harmonious atmosphere and expressing the powerful message that “Everyone can be free, love is all that we need”. ‘All In You’ is another song that features a nod to disco, with driving percussion and beautifully complementary male and female vocals. ‘So Good To Me’ encompasses pop sensibilities (a big love of Ben’s) for what is, essentially, a driving tune. One for cruising down Venice Beach on a sunny day in LA. The laid back groove complemented by gorgeous soulful vocals. ‘Take It Back’ does exactly that, injecting a nineties vibe into the album, with a little help from German maestro Mousse.T. It’s fresh and contemporary, with a large dose of funk to get your hips moving. ‘Whatever Is Missing’ addresses the notion that we can’t fix other people, only ourselves. Redemption, as the album title tells us, can only come from within.

Everything Is Within You is a timely album that exudes a contagious positive feeling throughout. With its conscious thematics, exemplary songwriting and talented array of contributors, the album epitomises the universal power of music and community. Full of uplifting vibrations and captivating rhythms, it’s an album that demonstrates Ben Westbeech’s natural aptitude for making poignant and powerful music that people can dance to. Whether you pay attention to the lyrics or not, Everything Is Within You will move your body and touch your soul. Heartfelt, and produced with pure intentions, this is what the world needs right now...