Award winning Canberra Indie Folk Artist Ben Drysdale announces highly anticipated sophomore single

‘Listen Now’ available on all streaming platforms Friday June 21^st - 50% of proceeds from Bandcamp sales will be donated to The Black Dog Institute

Follow Ben online here

Following the international success of his debut solo single 'If I Don't Lie Down' in December, Canberra-based Indie Folk Singer/Songwriter Ben Drysdale is poised to captivate audiences once again with his award-winning sophomore single, 'Listen Now,' set for release on June 21st, 2024.

Ben's poignant ballad, 'Listen Now,' which secured 2nd place in the prestigious Hawaii Songwriting Festival's competition in 2023, is a heartfelt tale about supporting a friend through alcoholism and dire mental health challenges.

Inspired by a midnight call from a friend with a belly full of whiskey and a head full of despair, who soon revealed that he had recently tried to take his own life, Ben's heartfelt narrative reflects the power of listening and empathy in times of crisis. Feeling completely unqualified to deal with the situation all Ben could do was listen to what his friend was feeling and thinking and share his own experience of mental health struggles. After talking things through for a while they planned to meet up the next day to try and build a better support network and a plan to seek professional help.

The thing that struck Ben the most was that so many of the negative thoughts his friend expressed were familiar to him and so many others he’d talked to, it was just that his friends list of potential solutions was so drastically different. Ben was humbled and grateful that this friend reached out - instead of going through it alone and potentially joining the 3000 lives lost to suicide each year in Australia, 75% of which are men - and is happy to report he is doing well.

The song was co-writing with Ben’s Nashville based songwriting mentor John Clinebell, and produced by Guy Lilleyman at Amberly Studios in Canberra with the assistance of an ACT Government grant.

‘Listen Now’ is an ode to anyone who is going through mental health challenges and a message of assurance that they are not alone. In particular, it is also a plea for men to defy societal stigmas and embrace vulnerability by seeking assistance when needed.

 “People who have thought about suicide say the most important thing family, friends and colleagues can do is listen, show they care, and offer support.” – Beyond Blue

If you or someone you know needs help now reach out to the following services:

·       Lifeline – 13 11 14.

·       Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636

·       Support Act – 1800 959 500 – Support Act Guide to Suicide

Ben's musical journey, spanning over two decades, has seen him grace stages across Australia, Canada, USA and Ireland, both as a solo artist and fronting various bands. His songs span from vulnerable and visceral ballads exploring the darkness of the human condition such as ‘Listen Now’, to upbeat foot stompers full of energy and hope.

Drysdale's musical prowess and heartfelt compositions have earned him a devoted following in the local music scene, and abroad. His unique blend of folk and pop melodies, introspective storytelling, and emotive vocals have established him as a rising star in the industry.

With a devoted following in the local music scene and beyond, Ben's unique fusion of folk and pop melodies, coupled with introspective lyricism, has garnered widespread acclaim. His upcoming performance celebrating the release of the new single at Smith's Alternative on June 22nd promises an unforgettable experience, featuring special guest Niall Howe, renowned for his exceptional skills on the keys.