Album Focus: Ben Ely

Artist/Band: Ben Ely

Name: Ben Ely

Album title? Goodbye Machine

Where did the title of your new album come from? The album is a solo acoustic record, so the title is about turning away from technology, then imagining humanity surviving in a future decimated world without modern luxuries like rock'n'roll for example.

How many releases do you have now? 1 LP by myself. Many other with other bands like Regurgitator, Ouch My Face... etc. 

How long did it take to write/record? It took about two years to write and two days to record... Straight to two inch tape without the use of a computer at a studio called Wild Mountain Sound. You won't find it online.

Was anything in particular inspiring you during the making? Death. Terrible politicians with immoral policies. Imagining a human race surviving beyond an apocalypse. Oh Death... Did I mention that? I was looking after my dying mother while writing it so I guess it's dark.

What's your favourite song on it? i think I like New World. I made it up on the day of recording. It was a nice surprise.

Will you do anything differently next time? I think my next solo album will definitely be a lot lighter. Possibly more romantic. Possibly less heavy and dark. Onwards and upwards.

When and where is your launch/next gig? I play Django Bar in Sydney this Thursday, Junk Bar this Sunday then Some Velvet Morning next Saturday.