Fifteen Minutes With Spielmann

Perched like Bielsa on a bucket, the country has watched in stuporous wonder as Leeds has slowly become one of the most important artistic hubs in the UK. In recent years, the city has been responsible for producing some of the most exciting acts on the scene and now, we can add another name to that growing list of vital cultural exports…Spielmann.

Spielmann is the brainchild of Leeds based producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Ben Lewis, and today, he announces his debut EP Fifteen Minutes With Spielmann, alongside the release of the project’s lead single 10,000 Hours. 

A perfect introduction to his anthemic brand of sardonicism, the track takes a wry look at everybody’s favourite mechanism for modern machismo, the podcast. Showing off his flair for astute, witty lyricism and set against a euphoric backdrop of punchy drum machines, indulgent synths and rousing guitars, this Springsteen-esque toe tapper is prime festival fodder, best enjoyed with a baked can of Budweiser and a fist full of chips.

Ahead of the release of 10,000 Hours we caught up with Spielman to find out a little more about the man behind the music…

Credit: Thandiwe Zivengwa

So, who is Spielmann?

A visionary, an enigma, a generational talent...but mostly a bit of an idiot, who makes and sings songs for anyone who'll listen.

What would you say the key differences between Ben Lewis the man and Spielmann the artist are?

Ben Lewis doesn't really wear a cap that much, or wear as many suits. Spielmann is more fun on a night out, but also more likely to get punched.

10,000 Hours the lead single taken from your upcoming debut EP is out now, how would you describe the track?

A banger, a real stone cold banger. I wrote it as a bit of a joke initially to send to a friend trying to write the most hooky shindie song you could, then realised I quite liked it so have converted it to be a bit more Spielmann, added some trademark wit and and a bunch of synths etc.

What kind of stuff were you listening to when you were writing the single and putting together the EP?

10,000 Hours was pretty indie heavy, Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, Phoenix. On the EP, always Springsteen, always McCartney, always The Cars, always . Lyrically Joe Jackson, Billy Joel, Alex Turner, Father John Misty, Matt Berninger are all knocking about in there.

Credit: Thandiwe Zivengwa

You were previously involved in bands such as Menace Beach, sonically these are very different to your upcoming project. How would you say you have evolved as an artist since those days?

Yeah I played guitar with them for a while. I guess the biggest evolution has been a bit of a journey of self discovery, feeling more comfortable being the person in the front than at the side. What I'm doing now is definitely much more representative of a large percentage of my music taste throughout my whole music listening life, rather than a 'what am I into right now' or what's hot right now kinda thing. If you boil down a lot of the influences across various projects there'll always be some crossover, generally stuff with catchy, hooky, poppy business going on.

The new single takes a wry look at the current podcast boom, what do you think the explosion in this kind of content says about where we are as a society?

We love the sound of our own voices. We all think that what we have to say is very important. We all crave validation. There's a podcast I was sent by a friend where some blokes who have worked in bars here for years just talk to other people who have worked in bars here for years, and I don't really have anything else to say about that.

So, would you rather have dinner with Joe Rogan or a Rogan Josh for dinner?

Joe Rogan, just to ask him what's going on, see if he's alright, find out what his deal is, is he just a madman for engagement, cos, y'know, can relate...and I'm terrible with spicy food.

Away from your own personal projects, I understand that you work with promoter Super Friendz, booking artists to play gigs in Leeds and the surrounding area. What typically catches your attention when looking out for new acts?

Good hair and good shoes.

Credit: Thandiwe Zivengwa

How has playing and working around Leeds affected you as an artist over the years?

I've got less hair than when I started doing it, my trousers aren't as tight as when I started. I've gained a very valuable group of friends who also make music and will always listen to my demos and tell me when it's crap, so I can aim to release as little crap as possible. That's been helpful, learning standards and that.

What do you make of the current scene there?

Thriving, obviously Yard Act and English Teacher are doing big big bits. Not sure it's a 'scene' as such but loads of other great acts doing slightly smaller bits, Adult DVD, Fuzz Lightyear, Carpet, Braithe, Drumwife, Babes In Love all doing really great stuff.

You are originally from Sheffield and are a big Sheffield United fan, how do you rate their efforts so far this season?

We're staying positive over here, we've got faith in big Chrissy Wilder, we've got the faith in the lads, we will bounce back. It's only a five game unbeaten streak needed with no one else around us picking up points.

Your upcoming EP is called Fifteen Minutes With Spielmann what would we learn about you after spending fifteen minutes in your company?

I always worry I'm quite a heavy breather and have bad breath, so I think it'd be more about what I could learn about myself, like am I heavy breather, and do I have bad breath? Aside from that, you'd probably get some pretty insightful, witty and articulate conversation.

10,000 Hours by Spielmann is out now via EMI North.