It really doesn’t feel like five years since 2016’s reissued debut album ‘Sirens’ was being described as “a debut of remarkable depth” by none other than The New York Times. The album was originally self released in 2014, but the indie label reissue saw appearances from Sara Bareilles and Gotye and really cemented Ben Abraham as a songwriter of note. He co wrote Kesha’s RIAA certified double platinum Grammy award winning smash hit ‘Praying’ amongst a host of other songs. However, that catalyst moment of his life also accompanied a tumultuous, faith sapping part of his life as he went through a serious break up. Ben responded to these trying, difficult times as only a songwriter can and used this time as inspiration for a selection of songs that speak to the undeniable possibility of rebirth after all the loss and pain.
Using the skills that he had honed while writing for artists like Demi Lovato and The Chicks, Ben chose to spotlight the cinematic and very raw sensibilities he’s showcased in his songwriting for other artists to examine his own life experience and pour them into the songs that will make up hits debut Atlantic Records album later this year.
Until that is released, we have an incredible taste of what is to come with the stunning new single ‘War in Your Arms’ which is accompanied by an evocative new video starring the Australian born LA based artist. Drawing on piano melodies and gospel harmonies, the song is produced by James Flannigan, fresh from producing BRIT award winner Dua Lipa, and brings us Ben’s soaring vocals effortlessly moving in and out of falsetto in the style of Sam Smith but with the emotional heft of a Rag’n’Bone man all against the backdrop of Jack Garrat like production. Honestly, if that doesn’t make you go listen to this fantastic song, nothing will ! Ben says of the new release:
“It’s about that point when the relationship is done and you’re trying so hard to hold onto love, it almost becomes like an act of violence. All you’re really doing is hurting yourself and hurting the other person, until you can gather the strength to say, ‘Enough. I’m done.’”
Ben has toured with legends like Emmylou Harris and Grammy, Tony and Emmy award winner Ben Platt. He has written for some of the biggest names in contemporary music, but this is a Ben’s time and you will not be disappointed if you seek out this man’s new song and then let that act as a gateway not only to the new music on the way but also to the brilliance of older songs like ‘Satellite’ which, with it’s heartbreaking honesty, can move you to tears. Billboard said of that song:
“‘Satellite’ is a stunningly cinematic cut, keeping the barebones instrumentation to just piano and strings, letting Abraham’s warm vocal shine.”
The new song comes hot on the heels of a single released due to the in excess of one million views of a song which Ben released a snippet from on social media giant TikTok. ‘Like a Circle’ is another song which showcases not only the vocal integrity of this singer but the honest poetic almost lullaby like lyricism Ben brings to the moment and is another reason to seek out this outstanding singer who I’m sure will become part of your personal playlist. He’s become my go to guy at the moment. Enjoy!
Stream and download ‘War In Your Arms’ here.
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