Songwriter Ben says ‘aloha’ to Canberra

Ben Drysdale performing in the finals of the Hawaii Songwriting Festival

by Helen Musa

NOT long back from Hawaii where he came second in a big songwriting competition; Canberra indie folk musician Ben Drysdale is about to give local audiences a taste of what’s hitting the spot on the international stage in a concert called “Aloha to Alinga”.

The Hawaii Songwriting Festival attracts artists from around the globe, so Drysdale’s achievement at this competition is a sign that he’s writing songs that resonate with audiences across borders.

This weekend, he will join long-time associate and Irish keyboard whiz kid Niall Howe at Smith’s Alternative to perform a mix of melodies and provocative lyrics.

Among the numbers performed will be Drysdale’s prize-winning song, “Listen Now”, written in in collaboration with US songwriter John Clinebell, and based on his experiences supporting a friend through severe alcoholism and depression.

His musical prowess and the fact that he does not shy away from using his music as a tool to tackle strong mental and emotional experiences have earned him a devoted following.

Drysdale has played shows in the US, Ireland and Canada and featured on bills with Paul Kelly, The Waifs and Busby Marou, but has found a perfect complement in Howe, a virtuoso with classical training on piano and pipe organ, combined with a penchant for folk, jazz, rock, funk, ska and swing.

“Aloha to Alinga”, Smith’s Alternative, Civic, July 15.

First published at Canberra City News, July 13, 2023