Get To Know Ben O’Kane
Who are you?
Ben O’Kane
Where are you based?
West Wyalong / Wagga Wagga – Central NSW
How would you describe your music to somebody on the street?
A mixture of a few genres, including folk, singer songwriter, acoustic rock, chilled, ballad.
What subculture are you a part of?
This is an interesting question and one I have never been asked. But growing up in rural NSW, I would say I am a part of a typical Australian subculture. My biggest passion is music so I would say I am part of the music industry subculture. But I also play / have coached my local AFL team which I would consider another subculture.
What is the community like for music in your city?
For a small town, West Wyalong is full of music! There are a couple of bands that play classic pub rock and then there are a couple of up and coming bands/artists who are really talented. It’s a good time to be a musician here!
If you had to show somebody around for a day, where would you take them?
Depending on where I was, I would try take them to the highest point to show them the best view and then try and find the nearest establishment for a drink or two!
Who are 5 artists, we should know about from your scene?
Billy Otto – he was the producer of my EP and his music is incredible. Really sound and a beautiful human.
Felipe Baldomir – This is guy is so talented. He uses a loop station just like me and I am blown away by how he constructs songs and the sound he gets through just using an acoustic guitar. Check him out.
Slowly Slowly – They are a Melbourne based band and I listen to them every day. I saw them live a month ago and they were the best live act I’ve ever seen!
Gaudion – I only discovered this guy the other week but I have his songs on repeat at the moment, I love the vibes he creates.
Dusty Boots – I got a chance to meet him in the studio while I was recording my EP. The nicest guy and his music is so good to sit back and enjoy the world to.
Ain't It Funny & Place I've Never Been are great songs, how are these new releases different
What I am really proud of with my upcoming EP is that each song songs completely different to the other. I wanted to experiment with different songs as I am still finding my sound. Aint It Funny How was more of a beach rock song with the full band. While Place I’ve Never Been is a more acoustic chilled song but also has subtle electronic sounds to it which I really love and want to explore more in the future.
What is your album about?
The EP is mainly about where I am at in life at the moment as a 29 year old who is still navigating their way through life. Each song has a pretty significant meaning to me an I think they will resonate with a lot of people.
Who did you work with on the album?
I worked with the amazing Billy Otto who produced the whole EP. I also had help from talented Bryon local, Phoebe Neumann also features through the EP with her female backing vocals as well as string instruments. While Bobby Alu helped out with the drums on a few of the tracks as well. The EP was mixed by Caleb M. Harris who is based in Nashville Tennesse in the States. And the song was mastered by Trent Dobson who is based in the UK.
What's coming up for Ben O'Kane
This year, I have a few more shows planned in regional NSW. But next year I am planning my first every official tour to promote the release of my EP which I am super excited about. Expect shows to be down the south coast and in the major NSW cities such as Wagga Wagga, Canberra, Albury and Wollongong.
How do we find you?
You can find me on Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube under my name Ben O’Kane or benokanemusic.
