This time, we get to know DJ Ben Waller. His track "Lifeless" is now featured in the New Artist Spotlight Family of Playlists.
Link To New Artist Spotlight Playlists:
𝟭. Where are you from and what is your hobby?
My name is Ben and I am from the UK. I have a lot of hobbies. I love music, playing football, playing cricket, running and I enjoy reading. I am 16 years old and currently still in school.
I was born in Birmingham but when I was 3 years old, my family and I moved out to the countryside and I've grown up here ever since.
𝟮. How did your get into music?
When I was younger I listened to music non-stop, I still do now to be honest. I always had a Bluetooth speaker in my hand, no matter where I went. If I didn't, I had headphones, or I would always have the aux lead in the car on long journeys. I never really listened to a specific genre either, this may sound boring, but I just loved music.
However, as I got a little bit older I started to really fall in love with Dance music. I remember hearing Avicii and just thinking to myself "I would love to do that one day." One Morning, I remember searching up on YouTube "How to DJ" and I watched a half an hour video explaining how to live perform despite the fact I had no idea what I was doing.
When I was 13 or 14 years old, I then discovered FL Studio. I downloaded the demo version and started messing around with the DAW until I was able to purchase the actual software. I installed it onto one of my Dad's old work laptop and every now and then I would make music. As the old laptop was starting to die, I decided that I was going to buy a laptop of my own. Sadly, I had no money. So I did jobs for my family and earned pocket money. I saved everything that I had from my birthday and Christmas and eventually purchased one of my own.
I would say that I didn't take music that seriously until last year, especially with the first lockdown last April. I stayed disciplined and told myself I would dedicate at least 3-4 hours, if not more, a day making music. I managed to stick to that, mainly because I enjoyed it a lot. I then released an EP and singles all over that summer in lockdown and I was starting to see rewards from it as well.
I am still here with the same laptop and speakers, still following my dream and making music.
𝟯. Who are your biggest influences?
My main inspiration for wanting to produce music was and still is Avicii who turned EDM to a well-known genre. His music was so inspiring and the melodies he wrote seemed to come so naturally to him. I still listen to his music daily and every song I listen to, I always notice something interesting that I have never noticed before. For example, an ear candy trick in one of his famous melodies. I then try to learn to use it in my own songs.
My other inspiration for making music is Kygo, as I love the subgenre Tropical House. His music has always seemed nostalgic to me, and brings a lot of vibrant and happy vibes.
Singer/songwriter/poet Mike Posner has also inspired me because he is an incredible songwriter who loves to walk up big mountains, and therefore inspire others around him, very similar to my goal that I have in mind.
4. What are your goals in the music industry?
One of my goals, is to have this as my main job. I would like to be able to say that I followed what I loved, never gave up, and that it has paid off. I would then want to use my platform, to inspire and motivate people around the world.
My dream is to be able to perform in front of a crowd, making people happy.
5. If you could choose a location to perform at, what would it be?
As I have no experience in performing my music, not even at home, I've never really asked myself this question. I've always invested in making music, and mastering my craft.
However, I would love to play at Coachella, or the Glastonbury festival, here in the UK.
6. What is your all-time favorite song?
Avicii- Without you. This is because of the catchy lyrics, melody and drop. I was also have to say "the nights" by Avicii, as I love the message it gives out, "One day you will leave this world behind, so live a life you will remember"
7. Most embarrassing moment?
Honestly, I have no idea about this one. I would probably have to say, my first few songs that I ever put out onto SoundCloud. I had no idea about mixing or mastering, so they sound extremely bad.
8. Proudest accomplishment?
I would say that one of my recent songs hitting 10,000 streams is a massive accomplishment.
I would also have to say that, I've found something I really love and enjoy at a very young age. I am extremely grateful that I have something like this to focus on.
9. What is something about you that might surprise someone who knows you the best?
My beliefs are very philosophical. I believe that everything that happens in life, good or bad, happens for a reason. It was meant to happen. For example, My music would not be where it is right now, if it wasn't for last years lockdown. That lockdown was meant to happen.
I also love taking cold baths/showers and I love going on long runs. My goal this year is to run a whole marathon. I've so far this year ran two half marathons. In the winter lockdown that the UK just had, I would wake up at 6:30 am everyday and go for a run. At some points is was about -6 degrees Celsius (21º F) outside, with snow on the ground.
𝟭𝟬. What is your dream collaboration?
My dream collaboration would be Mike Posner. His music is incredible and has some really good messages in them, especially his album "Keep Going" which was made when he walked across America. This year he is climbing up mount Everest. To me that is incredibly inspiring.
Stream "Lifeless" now
and follow his socials
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dj_ben_waller/
Twitter- https://twitter.com/dj_ben_waller
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All that music in one year and so young. Good for you