G'day :)
I hope you are all having a fabulous day!
Today I have an incredibly talented country music singer in my company,
Ben Ransom. He has a voice so well suited to country music, husky, twangy and powerful. I reckon he's going to make it, big time!
In kicking off 2012, Ben was successful in becoming a finalist in the coveted Toyota Star Maker competition and in July 2012, became a Graduate of the CMAA Academy of Country Music.
Welcome, Ben, it's so great to have you here today.
So let's get to it...
1. What inspired you to become a country music artist?
To be honest I wasn’t inspired to become a ‘country’ music artist as such, rather...I got categorised in that genre because of the way I write, look, perform and act. I was inspired to become a singer/performer from the feelings and emotions that music can evoke and the energy that it generates... There’s nothing like the buzz you get from performing!
My most recently released song was two weeks ago...called “Truck Stop Honey”. It is the first single from the forth coming album ‘Slow Burn’ which will be released in January (2013) at Tamworth. It’s an up-beat rollicking song about love and life on the road. Inspired in part by actual events... I was travelling back from Canberra to Sydney and pulled into a truck stop for petrol and a drink; when I got a laugh out of a truckie trying his best to pick up/impress the girl behind the service counter. He he...classic!
3. What are you working on now?
I am currently working on getting the album together, ready for release in January. Also getting the show together for the festival.
4. What is your favourite song to perform?
My favourite song I like to sing changes all the time with my mood. One song that always makes me get a shiver up my spine when I sing it live is a cover of Cold Chisels’ Flame Trees’.
5. Swag or room service
for a romantic date?
Definitely room service for a romantic date! I rough it all the time and there is less space to get your moves going in a swag.
6. Holden, Ford...or something else?
I have a ford at the moment and it’s a piece of shit. But it has been an extremely reliable piece of shit that continues to perform even though its owner should be arrested for neglect!
(I'm still chuckling at this, Ben!)
7. Favourite food?
Spaghetti Bolognaise
8. Favourite Movie?
Too many to list... I love escapism though and
Star Wars always takes me away.
9. Favourite Aussie saying?
She’ll be right!
10.
If you could have a kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile, galah or python as a pet which one would you choose, and why?
Crocodile... closest living relative to the dinosaurs and I loved dinosaurs as a kid.
11.
Who would you like to trade places with for a day, alive or dead, and why?
Hmmmm.... Elvis! It’s good to be the king!
12. What would I find in your fridge right now?
Beer and meat! (Have to admit there is some salad tucked away in the crisper...the wife looks after me!
13. Craziest thing you've ever done?
Skydiving! Who in their right mind would jump out of a perfectly good plane? Amazing ride down though.
14. If you were going on a holiday tomorrow where would it be?
Tour through South America... I haven’t been there yet.
15. Four words to describe yourself, Ben?
Hard Working, Loyal, Fun, Loving.
Thanks for popping by, Ben. It's been wonderful chatting with you!
If you'd like to find out more about Ben please swing by his website...
Next time I have the very gifted Harmony James chatting to me. Her voice is absolutely amazing and her country songs are so beautiful. Make sure you pop on by to learn all about her in the new year.
I won't be back blogging until January the 10th as I'm taking a few weeks off to enjoy time with loved ones over the festive season. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for believing in me as an author and supporting me by buying Rosalee Station and Jacaranda. Massive hugs to you all! I feel truly blessed to be where I am today in my career and I couldn't have done it without each and every one of you beautiful people. Cheers! May you all have a wonderful Christmas filled with love, laughter and memorable moments! Catch you next year! :)
Until next 2013, keep smiling and dreaming!
Mandy