Pigeon Spins Folk Featuring The Creatures EP and an Interview with Ben Heyworth

The #193 edition of Pigeon Spins Folk is here! This time featuring an interview with Ben Heyworth about his favorite LPs, memorable answers to his work, and of course, his new EP!

Ben Heyworth - Creatures EP

After a long hiatus, Ben Heyworth is back under his own name with new project, showcasing brand new material. He's older, wiser, more acoustic and slightly less ginger, but still as melodic and soulful as ever. His songs lean into stories about the people, places and events that have shaped his life in Manchester UK, including the strange cornucopia of residents that live around the creative hotspot (and bakery central) Ancoats marina where he is currently based. Musically, his deceptively complex songs sit in the same stable as Crowded House, Jordan Rakei, Damon Albarn, and Tori Amos, combining a nostalgic 90's British indie sound with exceptionally smooth vocals and glorious harmonies, filthy organs, and what Ben describes as an "urban folk" influence; a contemporary twist on traditional English folk melodies and instrumentation.

Interview with Ben Heyworth

(•)> Cru cru! What first got you into music?

The music of ABBA in 1980 and pretending a hairbrush was a microphone. Everything after that moment was just noise.

(•)> What's your favorite album of all time?

Modern Life Is Rubbish by Blur. I never tire of it.

(•)> What record from the 2020's do you replay the most?

Alchemy by Disclosure, who I love to dance to, wildly.

(•)> What should the Pigeon listen to next?

Ten is a Number by M Field. What a lovely tune. Annoyingly better than mine haha.

(•)> What memorable answers have you had to your work so far?

People thinking I was a mainstream British breakfast-time news and gossip TV show when I went by the name This Morning Call. I can understand the confusion. That was one of things that prompted quitting music the first-time round, in 2013. I thought I was done for good. But here we are.

(•)> Who is your inspiration when creating music?

Damon Albarn mainly. If I ever get stuck or fed up, listening to his stuff usually digs me out of the hole. I do quite like the Eurovision song contest as well, because it reminds me that music is first and foremost supposed to be fun. If someone asked me to represent the UK at Eurovision I would snap their hand off. Can The Pigeon make it happen? I know you can.

(•)> Which film do you rewatch the most?

The Lord of the Rings, inevitably. What an original answer! I just love it. But my favourite film of all time is ‘Lost In Translation’ staring Bill Murray and Scarlet Johannsen. I’m sure you remember that one. That film speaks to me in so many ways.

(•)> How is your perfect day?

I like to exercise so the perfect day would start with gym. Then a super large and wholesome breakfast. Then some friends would take me out to a day rave. Which could possibly be in Thailand, because I do like being on holiday. Then after that I would like to suddenly be sober and have a really deep sleep and no hangover. And I’d quite like to be 20 years younger. Not much to ask.

(•)> Will you tell us something embarassing about you?

I look like a giant tomato.

(•)> Do you sing in the shower? If yes, what's the setlist?

Great question. You’ll have to jump in the shower with me and find out.