The beautifully-shot video for Ben Hemming’s new single is as atmospheric as the song itself, with images of Hemming emerging from the water and, later, talking to himself, serving to reinforce the mood and feel of ‘Dark Waters’. Building up slowly into a forceful blues, ‘Dark Waters’ is based around a hypnotic riff and Hemming’s controlled, compelling vocal performance. Towards the song’s end, Hemming delivers a stirring guitar solo while Lui Rampino pounds out thumping drums. In this powerful song, Hemming deals with weighty themes of loss and redemption. He explains: “The track is really about remaining true to yourself, and not letting the world corrupt our core values, something that’s at the heart of my music.”
This is the second single from Hemming’s forthcoming album ‘Darkness Before Dawn’, which we can expect to hear early in 2024. The new material was recorded at Masterlink Productions near Woking, UK, alongside regular collaborator James Welsh. Hemming explains what the experience was like: “I feel I’ve found a fantastic working environment which on one had enables me to have the confidence to push what I do, as well as providing security and familiarity in the working process.” The new record will be the follow-up to ‘Resurrection’, the well-received EP from the summer.
The London-based singer-songwriter discovered his musical identity on a pilgrimage around the USA after a difficult period in his personal life had forced his to seek change and a new adventure. Watching an old bluesman in Nashville engage a crowd with just a single string guitar made from a broom handle and a box was the defining moment on his journey – the musical integrity and authenticity resonated with Hemming and he returned to the UK with a battered pawn shop guitar and a set of songs that would set him on his new path as a musician. The stark, bleak tone of his songs has captivated audiences and ensured he’s at the forefront of the ‘new blues’ in the UK. check it out.
