MEET Ben Walker: a young songwriter from the North East of Scotland set to make his TENEMENT TRAIL debut next month.
Having only kickstarted his music career in 2021, Walker has already shared the stage with Scottish indie giants in the form of Kyle Falconer, Spyres, Rianne Downey and Calum Bowie, as well as selling out his debut headline show. And with the endorsements pouring in, he continues to impress with one release after another.
Displaying influence from the likes of Sam Fender and Jake Bugg, Walker’s discography illustrates an appreciation for lyrical storytelling and catchy vocal hooks, pulling from country and anthemic indie-rock influences.
With a very bright future ahead, TENEMENT TRAIL will be a chance to catch Walker at an early stage, before he inevitably headlines bigger venues down the line.
Don’t miss out – get your tickets here.
TELL ME A BIT ABOUT YOU AND HOW DID YOU START?
I was in sixth year at school, stuck in a small town farming community. I had sights on becoming a pilot or a farmer. Music had always been a massive part of my life, if music wasn’t playing at home you’d think someone had died.
With the pandemic ongoing, I had a large amount of spare time. Spontaneously, (much to my careers adviser’s disgust) I decided I wanted to be a professional musician. Singing covers on Facebook live streams and posting instagram covers, which is how I came into contact with my management B12 Entertainment. When school came to an end I took the leap and started studying at Perth college, then progressing onto the honours degree programme at UHI.
With time and careful networking gig offers started coming in, now I’m playing Tenement trail!
WHO ARE YOU INFLUENCED BY?
My influences like most musicians come from every genre. Whilst the typical influences of Oasis, kings of Leon, Catfish and the Bottlemen are definitely there I have a huge love for country music – Luke combs & Ruston Kelly to name a couple!
I am also extremely influenced by the Scottish music scene, drawing influence from Callum Beattie, Kyle Falconer, the View, Vistas, Amy McDonald & Twin Atlantic.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST MOMENT AS AN ARTIST SO FAR?
In the year and a half I’ve been playing on the scene, there has been a few mental moments. Playing with the boys at the Perth Concert Hall for the YPI national event.
Being part of their foundation as an ambassador and making a difference to young people in their communities means a lot. Seeing the difference and impact my music has on these young people was an empowering experience.
WHAT ARE YOUR DREAMS AS AN ARTIST?
I guess my dream would be to sing my songs to as many people as possible, in as many places as possible and then do it sustainably! I love the family I bring with me to every show.
It feels like there is a growing community. Getting share the stage with my best pals and seeing the reaction from the fans, it means the world.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOUR SET AT TENEMENT TRAIL?
The boys and I are super excited about Tenement Trail. We’ve kept new songs on the down low and redone our entire set. There’s a real story behind every song and I’d like to think the entire set is a performance! There’s the highs & lows of my own stories and life in there. Songs to jump about to, songs to cry at & ones to smile at. This will be my 17th gig and 13th with the band, it still feels extremely new yet normal to us.
WHAT ACTS DO YOU WANT TO SEE ON THE DAY?
There has been great discussion in our group chats about who we want to catch, here’s my picks!
Circa Waves, Bemz, Lizzie Reid, Cara Mcbride, Swim School, our friends the Sankaras & Arcade State.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FESTIVAL MEMORY?
It’s a shocker, however. I have never actually attended a festival as a punter and to top it all off Youthbeatz this year was my first festival!
Main stage at 3:30pm was a pretty unreal slot to be given though and would be my favourite memory so far…
WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU GOT COMING UP?
I feel obligated to say the very typical indie “Big things coming soon 🚀” as I can’t disclose everything at this time.
However, I am playing with the farming legend Marty Mone up in Inverness at two of his sold-out gigs in October on the 19 & 20th.
Then recording throughout November before going out on tour round Scotland with my friends The View. Which I am absolutely thrilled to be on.
Photo by Jack Geddes