Ben Lee

Ben Lee is a man of many talents.

Not only has Lee managed to reinvent himself over the years, the Aussie singer has managed to stay true to his indie roots.

The newly married Lee (he married British-born actress Ione Skye in January) is just a few months out from releasing his new album, Rebirth of Venus – considered his most intriguing work to date.

Lee took time out to chat about his upcoming new album, the moment he got an email from Yoko Ono, as well as what returning to Australia for touring really means to him.

Lee will next be seen as part of the line-up for this year’s The Big O music festival.

He will perform alongside fellow local acts as well as international acts, The Music and The Fratellis.

You recorded an amazing rendition of a John Lennon single, ‘Woman Is The Nigger Of The World’. What was it about the single that prompted you to record your own version?
The themes of the album really centre around this idea that the feminine inside each of us has been repressed at a societal level as well as a personal one. I guess the struggle of the women’s movement seems quite symbolic to me of the struggle we each face in finding our authentic self. I love the song and it still feels daring and provocative to me.

Lennon’s widow, Yoko, contacted you after seeing a Youtube video of your clip for the single, were you surprised she contacted you?
Oh yeah! I was picking my stepdaughter up from school and my blackberry buzzed and I yelled “oh my god Yoko Ono emailed me!” it was a very exciting moment in my life.

You have a single called Yoko Ono on your new album, Rebirth of Venus. Do you think Yoko has heard this?
I’m not sure if she’s heard it. If so, i hope she hears it for what it is, a genuine tribute to an inspirational figure.

Would you like to collaborate with Yoko on a project?
Sure I’d love to. I’ve gotten to work with alot of artists that I respect and have always found its best if these things happen organically. If the time and place were right, that would be an amazing experience.

You have a new album out next month. How different would you say Rebirth of Venus is to Ripe or even Awake Is The New Sleep? Or is it pointless comparing albums as each is written with new emotion and new feeling?
They represent different moods and eras in my life. Rebirth feels more connected to awake in terms of attitude. Ripe was a brilliant experience for me in terms of trying to create an album that i would have loved as a kid. It was the fulfillment of a certain fantasy. Rebirth is more connected to my lo-fi cut and paste roots. Its got more collage elements and friendly chaos.

I read that you recorded Rebirth of Venus shortly after you had finished Ripe, was that a deliberate move to harness the creativity you had with Ripe? Or was it a case that you just felt ready and happy to lay down new material?
I just felt ready. I’m becoming more and more disconnected from the anticipation of releasing albums. I’m getting more turned on by making them and moving on. Of course i love playing shows and don’t mind doing interviews and stuff, but i really like making albums and I’m usually ready to start a new one once i finish something.

You’re returning to Australian stages at this year’s The Big O series of gigs. How important is it for you to return home and play to your home crowd?
It’s of supreme importance! My fanbase in Australia has kept me going through thick and thin and as long as they want to see me play I’ll keep doing it. Theres nothing like coming home and reconnecting with your foundation.

If you could suggest a subject to be taught at Aussie universities, what would it be?
“Different approaches to infinity”

If you could cover a song or an album of a band either living or dead, what would you chose?
Right now it would be Sebadoh’s “Smash Your Head On The Punk Rock”. I’ve just rediscovered it.

If you weren’t making music, what would you do with your time?
Hang out with my family and friends. Enjoy nature. Spend more time on service.

See below for The Big O music festivals tour details. Tickets available through qjump, ticketek or oztix.

The Big O

Thursday, 26th February, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Melbourne
Friday, 27th February, University of Sydney, Manning House
Saturday, 28th February, University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus Amphitheatre, Brisbane
Tuesday, 3rd March, Australian National University Bar and Refectory, Canberra
Thursday, 5th March, University of Wollongong, The Great Hall & Uni Bar
Friday, 6th March, Newcastle Uni, Bar On The Hill & Outdoor Surrounds

Tags | Ben Lee, The Big O