Interview: Benjamin Francis Leftwich

York, England-born singer-songwriter Benjamin Francis Leftwich, who is currently on tour in support of his sophomore album, After the Rain, will play a headlining show at The Basement in the Arena District. Released in August, the album has received strong critical praise; his delicate ballads comprise a true listener’s record. Opening track “Tilikum” is particularly striking, beginning with a lilting Paul Simon-esque acoustic guitar riff that soon becomes awash with the Leftwich’s hauntingly lovely harmonies.

Still being discovered by Stateside audiences, Leftwich has already amassed a loyal, enthusiastic following in his native England. His 2011 debut album, Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm, has gone on to sell over 100,000 copies worldwide and – on the strength of standout tracks like “Box of Stones” and “Shine” – generated over 150 million global plays on the streaming service Spotify.

After the Rain contends chiefly with themes of loss; the death of Leftwich’s father in 2013 ushered him into a dark period of personal and professional struggle. Writing and recording new material was a necessary process in finding hope out of despair. “In some ways, making After the Rain was healing and cathartic,” Leftwich explains. “Some days in the studio you feel like you’ve reached heaven and some days you feel like you’re in the eye of the storm. So it really depends on the day.”

With the new album now in the public’s hands, a top forty record in the books, and twenty or so upcoming tour dates on the horizon that will give him a chance to share his art with audiences in small venues across the country, Leftwich will hopefully find more to celebrate in the coming months.

The title of the album’s first track is “Tilikum,” which in America it might evoke some negative connotations because there was a national controversy involving a killer whale of the same name and its life in captivity. I’m curious if there’s a connection to that at all – or if not I wonder why the name is significant you?

“I fell in love with ‘Tilikum’ as a name and as creature after watching the movie Black Fish. I loved everything the whale represented, and from a musical perspective I loved the sound and music within the word itself. Me and someone I was close with had the idea of calling a baby Tilikum, so the song is kind of a love song and a prediction of the play out of the future.”

I’ve always found the differences in the UK and U.S. music markets to be fascinating. Sometimes they’re in sync and sometimes they’re not. I feel like British listeners are much less concerned with mass consumption versus what connects with them in the moment. What is your take on why they’re so disparate?

“Wow, that’s a deep question. I do know what you mean. Ultimately, great songs are always going to connect with people and sometimes the most unlikely or underdog things make the cross over into the mainstream, which is in my opinion a beautiful thing because it means more and more people can hear the music and it can continue to grow and inspire.

I don’t like the idea that mainstream music or daytime radio music or chart music is less powerful, important, or beautiful than what is top of the indie charts, you know? Ultimately a great song is a great song and it connects with lots of people it is a blessing as well. I definitely get the feeling that the US mainstream media is extremely powerful and omnipotent perhaps to more of an extent than the UK’s is. But I don’t mind that. There have been some amazing records at the top of US charts recently and also some amazing records at the bottom. One song can change everything.”

The album, like your first, is ethereal – beautifully sung, and so lush. Are you decidedly a balladeer, or do you foresee yourself maybe shifting to something uptempo in the future if it moves you?

“I don’t really see my songs as ballads, but thanks for the compliment. I will always do what is right for the songs and try to stay honest and inspired musically. I’m moved by a much wider range of music than people realize. (Currently) I’m listening to DVSN’s September 5th. Such a beautiful record.”

I have to ask about “The Middle,” which you just freshly released as a standalone single. What enticed you to create your own version?

“Jimmy Eat World’s Bleed American album has soundtracked so much of my life and is one of my all time favorite records, so I wanted to sing a song from it. I love all the songs on it. ‘The Middle’ cover was recorded live in the jungle of Yorkshire with my friend Sam Forrest, so I have good memories of its creation.”

A reviewer described the new album’s tracks as “hymnal.” You’ve obviously drawn your new music from a very personal place – but is there a level of spirituality that figures into the equation, too?

“I’m open to it. I haven’t met him or her yet. I am a spiritual person, I think about a lot of things…too much sometimes.”

You’ve dealt with a tremendous amount of loss and hardship since your last album. In what ways has your music given you an opportunity to process – and heal – after those difficult years?

“Music is everything to me, it’s all I think about and move with, apart from my sister. After the Rain is an album I had to make and I’m pleased I did and shared those moments of my life. As an artist you are always thinking about what’s next, though. I’m excited to release new songs soon and get back in the studio again. I’ve been on tour since March and am going to be until March next year.

I see songwriting as an audio will sometimes. Like…would I have said everything I need to say in a considered and honest way if something would happen to me? That’s my mindset in making music – and I’m proud of After the Rain, but I’m already looking forward to opening up whatever is next and to seeing more of this wild world over the coming months in the run up to Christmas.”

Benjamin Francis Leftwich will perform on Monday, November 7, 7:00 p.m. at The Basement (391 Neil Avenue) in the Arena District. Tickets are $15.00 (plus taxes and fees) and available through Ticketmaster; the venue is general admission, standing room only. More information about the artist can be found via his website.