PRSSR ACSTC

Ben Alessi’s music specializes in bone-shaking bass bumps, synthesizer squeals and euphoric noise. So why is he releasing an acoustic EP?

Well, Ben started out as a more traditional singer-songwriter, penning songs on acoustic guitars and pianos. He writes with outstanding skill and whether his music is couched in an electronic landscape or played on unplugged instruments, the proficiency of his craft is undeniable. With this EP, Ben takes four of the key tracks from his PRSSR EP that was released in August and re-imagines them in the nude.

However, these are not just simple MTV Unplugged-style versions of the songs. Ben has continued with his vocal-layering process and drowned the tracks in heavy reverb and an ethereal atmosphere. ‘Oblivion’ is a heart-crumbling mini-masterpiece with sumptuous piano work from his live bandmate, Mark Newton. The new version of ‘Only’ relocates the song to an acoustic guitar and piles up the backing vocals to reveal a tougher edge to the track. ‘U’ is as sweet as the original, showing off Ben’s rhythmic vocal style and ‘Blood’ is as mysterious as ever and even more despairing than before. If you can believe that!

As well as releasing his EP PRSSR, Ben has picked up critical praise and a significant following in 2017 with certain streams now hitting the millions. He got to perform his first two festivals, Billboard Hot 100 Fest and Live At Heart (Sweden). With his solo career flying forward, one might miss Ben’s rising career as a writer and producer - songs he has created for others have been dropping globally, charting on the Virals and even landing on many foreign national radio stations.

Ben’s inspirations range mediums, not just genres – Tarantino and Jean Paul Gaultier to Amy Winehouse, Cashmere Cat and Bob Marley, and are present in all of his art. In his cinematic soundscapes and grandiose melodies, Ben has absorbed and reworked the essence of these cultural icons. He magically weaves them into a one-of-a-kind sonic fabric – edgily intense, unapologetic, and utterly contemporary. And whether it’s in an electronic setting or stripped down to piano and vocals, Ben’s music is indisputably compelling.