Returning Light

We sat down with Ben Sheridan last week to have a chat about Returning Light and his recently released tracks. Here’s what he had to say;

I found it really hard to write about this, I found myself being able to write bullet points but when it came to writing it out I came to a bit of a block.

The scene in Ireland at the moment is full of amazing talent but I don’t like the industry itself. What’s happening now is that there’s a lot of high quality talent coming up but radio stations and the media are only really focusing on a handful of people. It’s unfair and affecting the growth of Irish talent.

When I was younger I was in a band, it was kind of just like being roped into something because you were promised big things at a young age. I wanted to get away from all that shit. It was a manufactured band and I just want to create my own sound now and have fans that actually like my music. This was my first insight into the industry, just before we were about to do our Irish Showcase in front of a couple of labels they forced us to sign a bullshit contract. At that point shit got real. Then further down the line we started realising what the industry was like and that this is a job and you need to make money out of it. I even lost a lot of rights to my own song. Lawyers got involved. That’s why I fucking hated it and didn’t do anything for a long time after leaving the band.

What brought you back to making music?

It’s a passion and I need it. The whole time being without music wasn’t good for me at all. I guess I went through a wee bit of a period where I was spiralling. I have no problem mentioning that drugs & alcohol have been a source of that, reaching a low point and going straight to drugs.  Alcohol is one that we see as accessible and so easy, especially in this country, to abuse and get away with it and it’s a real killer. I didn’t necessarily get help but I kind of came to a realisation when I broke away from certain people that I wanted to get my life in order. Around that time my good friends Jordan and Ryan contacted me about work I had been doing with my friend Christopher Edwards (producer). As well I just want to start getting rid of everything negative in my life. Over there [living in Canada] kinda helped me as well , helping me realise that making this kind of music is OK.

When did you go from Ed Sheeran 2.0 to Post Malone?

Haha. I don’t really know, I’ve always liked Hip-Hop. I found last summer, chart music in North America was all Pop. I think Pop music now is heavily influenced by Hip-Hop/Rap culture, that is now it’s own genre. There’s a lot of artists out there now that are saying “fuck stereotypes and boundaries”, I’m a huge fan.

What artists would you say you are similar or would you say you’re one of the first with this style in Ireland?

EDEN is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer from Dublin with a similar style, but I think in some parts, my style and the way that I’m using auto tune is unique. This EP that I’m currently releasing is a story I wanted to tell. The next song I release is going to be different..

I find it quite funny, its kind of like an alter ego thing. Which is something I want to get across when I start performing this summer. I never want to put anything out that I’m not proud of now. I want this to be a show. I don’t just want to get up on stage for the sake of it.

The whole process for this EP so far has been a roller-coaster. When this started out we never really thought while we were making the music what the image was, who Ben Sheridan was. There was no thought put behind it, it was just like lets just do this. It’s been therapy for us, saying shit and venting, it’s my way of talking to someone, making music with Chris, it’s my outlet. There hadn’t been any released music I’d done over the last little while, the only thing I’ve done is come together with some people who believe in the project and worked on what I’ve done. We contacted some people in the industry at the beginning about the project and they shut it down and it shot me down a wee bit and they told me to work on it and finesse it and come back next year when Ireland was ready for this kind of music. It kind of put us all down for a few days but then we thought fuck it. We really liked what we were making, I’m proud of this shit. I’m here now and I’m not leaving anytime soon.

I’ve been chewed up, spit out, disillusioned and now I’m coming back, I have my problems with the industry and I’m trying to make it through.

So are you still working in Dublin?

Yep I have recently gone part-time so I can focus on the music. I’m trying to set up a small studio, and still working with Chris, I want to get working with other people now too.  The weirder the better I say. I really like the Irish scene. Ryan and Jordan are my managers and they help develop the brand and social media and all that. It’s been a big help from them because I’m kind of shit at the whole social media thing but it has to be done and looked at right I think, especially now. I just don’t know about that shit. I’m a creative person and need the business mind help. I want this to be my job, with this style for the foreseeable.

Any gigs lined up?

Yes, all will be revealed soon. The last track off my EP comes out in 2 weeks and I’ll be starting to gig in summer.

And finally, what do Mammy and Daddy think of your latest venture?

They’re beautiful people. They’ve always supported me in whatever project I do, I do this for them. I’m going to buy them a house in Portugal some day. Some day soon.

Beleive in yourself, see the light!

Listen to Ben Sheridan on Spotify

We’d like to thank Ben Sheridan for his time and this chat about his journey towards his latest EP.

If you liked this piece check out our other pieces in The Spotlight Series. 

If you or anyone you know is suffering from Mental Health issues don’t be afraid to contact local services such as Donegal Family Resourse Centre 0749725337 or Let’s Talk Counselling Service 0876884953 OR National Services Aware 1800 80 48 48 or Pieta House Freecall 1800 247 247