We Say…
A wannabe stand-up comedian, Benjamin Spike Saunders went for, in his eyes, the less scary option and started writing bedroom-pop music instead. Already something of an ever-present on the Bristol scene with his role in a number of bands. Now stepping out as a solo artist, Benjamin has recently released his debut EP, Tonsil Wife, a series of tracks recorded at home, with whatever equipment he could get his hands on, which was more often than not his iPhone.
Despite its distinctly lo-fi techniques, Tonsil Wife is not a record that lacks any sonic ambition, they may be fragile snapshots of a life being led, yet they’re also intriguingly layered, quietly ambitious and subtly intriguing. Throughout, Benjamin infuses the tracks with a certain wooziness, whether it’s his gentle vocal delivery or clever instrumental choices, he imbues the record with a certain wistful melancholy. Sitting neatly alongside acts like Cult Party or Angelo De Augustine, Benjamin’s intimate pop songs carry a certain gravitas that belies their humble bedroom beginnings.
They Say…
FTR: For those who don’t know who is Benjamin Spike Saunders
Me, I am he. I write painfully short songs that are normally about mundane things.
FTR: What can you remember about your first show?
It was Dot To Dot Bristol and I spoke about pig teats, sphincters and my nan.
FTR: Why do you make music? Why not another art form?
I make music purely as a cathartic thing and the only reason I’m actually doing anything with it is because I’ve been bullied into it by Leisure Records….If it was up to me then I’d just sit on everything and suffocate my songs like an overbearing mother hen. Being honest, I’d love to focus more on making film/comedy. I have an unhealthy obsession for making music videos and try to put just as much energy into making them as I do the music.
FTR: What can people expect from the Benjamin Spike Saunders live show?
Please see answer from question 2. Also I love the juxtaposition of super sad lo-fi songs sandwiched betwixt my stage ramblings so you can expect to laugh, cry, laugh again, cry from laughing, laugh from crying and then be sick all down your front.
FTR: What’s next for Benjamin Spike Saunders?
Well I’ve just released my first EP ‘Tonsil Wife’ on Leisure Records so once that goes platinum I reckon I’ll probably retire, move to Skeggy, get a fat dog and treat myself to one of those giant meringues to fall asleep in.
They Listen To…
1. Katy J Pearson – Tonight
2. Girl Band – Shoulderblades
3. Do Nothing – Handshakes
4. Clara Mann – Thoughtless
5. Daniel Beddingfield – If You’re Not The One
Tonsil Wife is out now via Leisure Records. Click HERE for more information on Benjamin Spike Saunders.
For The Rabbits 