Artist Background – This Guy Ben

The journey of This Guy Ben is a masterclass in shedding the noise to find what is “real”—a lesson every aspiring producer needs to hear. From his roots in the electric energy of the early ’90s Belfast rave scene to mastering a signature style defined by “warm basslines and textures that breathe,” Ben’s evolution is marked by a vital shift: moving away from the trap of chasing technical perfection and expensive plugins to trusting raw, honest instinct.

In this candid interview, Ben speaks directly to the creative and technical hurdles that define the modern producer’s path. He reflects on the influence of his musical parents, the liberation of “failing forward,” and the pivotal role of persistence when the industry feels silent. Whether you are just starting your first project in a DAW or you’re an intermediate producer refining your room acoustics, Ben’s philosophy of “aiming for real, not perfect” offers a refreshing roadmap for growth.

Let’s dive into the mind of an artist who advocates for humility, patience, and the courage to become your own biggest fan while navigating the beautiful, non-linear process of making electronic music. Ready?

⸻  The Early Years: Roots & Development

Where did you grow up, and how did your surroundings influence your connection to music? 

I grew up in Belfast. The early ’90s rave scene set the tone for my journey into electronic music — a vibrant underground shaped everything. David Holmes and his club Sugar Sweet were huge influences.  

What’s your earliest memory of creating music? 

I was always drawn to instruments as a kid, but my first attempt at making dance music came around 2004, experimenting with Logic and then Ableton 4.  

3. Who was the most impactful figure in your life during your musical development? 

My dad — a brilliant guitarist who toured with Van Morrison and opened shows for him in the U.S. My mum’s also musical and artistic, so it’s just in the blood, I guess.  

Reflecting on your first projects, what’s something you would approach differently now? 

I’d focus more on creating and less on chasing technical perfection. I wasted years thinking more plugins or courses would make the difference — real creativity comes from instinct and emotion.  

If you could advise your younger self at the start of your journey, what would it be? 

Don’t chase other people’s sounds. Just create, even when it’s rough. Momentum and consistency matter far more than perfection early on. 

⸻  Career & Personal Evolution  

How has your sound changed as you’ve grown personally and artistically? 

My sounds become more honest — less about imitation. I’m driven by melody and energy now. I started with tech house, but I can’t even listen to that stuff anymore.  

Who has been your biggest supporter throughout your career, and how have they influenced your success? 

My wife. She keeps me grounded and reminds me not to be overly critical. She’s helped me find confidence and joy in what I create.  

What’s one major sacrifice you’ve made to stay dedicated to your music? 

In the early years, it was family time. I was obsessed — constantly thinking about making music instead of being present. I’ve learned balance is key to happiness and longevity.  

What’s the most surprising lesson you’ve learned in your career? 

That progress isn’t linear. The moments when you think you’re lost often become the ones that move you forward most.  

Why is it important for artists to share their struggles as openly as their successes? 

Because struggle teaches you more than success ever will. People connect to truth, not highlights. Balance, patience, and enjoying the process matter more than chasing perfection.  

⸻  Industry Realities & Perseverance  

What’s one thing about the music industry that caught you off guard? 

How labels really work. Reputation moves faster than music. Being slightly different, genuine, and open to learning from others goes further than trying to impress everyone.  

What’s one of the hardest parts of sustaining a music career that people don’t often discuss? 

The waiting — those silent periods between releases. It’s tough, but I’m learning to enjoy the process more. Working one-on-one with Erik Heirman from Rapid Flow has helped reshape that mindset.  

Why is persistence such a crucial part of succeeding in the music industry? 

Because there’s no straight line. Persistence builds trust — with yourself, labels, and your sound. You need to become your own biggest fan first, with humility and patience.

⸻  Artist Profile

Which artists or sounds had the biggest influence on your style early in your career?

I was hooked on people like Eric Prydz and Jody Wisternoff in the early 2000’s but was always a big fan from the mid-nineties of Sasha, John Digweed, Anthony Papa, Deep Dish, etc. Their tracks had feeling and weight at the same time. That blend of energy and emotion really shaped how I hear music.

Is there a sound or technique that best defines your style?

I build tracks in layers. Melodies weave in and out, and the emotion builds slowly. It’s more about movement and tension than a big hook.

I like space in my mixes — warm basslines, washed-out pads, textures that breathe. The best part of a track is often the second before everything lands or the buildup in the break, and I love doing pauses.

What advice would you give to an artist struggling to find their sound?

Stop chasing trends. Make what actually moves you, even if it sounds weird at first. The only way to find your sound is to make loads of music and fail a few times.

If you’re honest with yourself, the real sound starts to appear. Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for real.

What’s the most common mistake you see other producers making?

Overthinking. People spend weeks tweaking kicks and forget about the emotion. A clean mix means nothing if the track says nothing.

Another one is never finishing anything. Fifty half-finished projects won’t teach you as much as one track you see through to the end. Try and do things live, then take the best parts and start to make something with them. Rapid Flow is something that I am really starting a journey on, and I hope to implement their ideas in all future productions. 

How do you keep pushing your creative limits?

I tend to be my worst critic, so I am always trying to do better. Experimentation and learning different things always keep things fresh. I hate making the same song over and over. Yes, that means you don’t actually have a defined genre all the time, but your style carries through, I think. Working with others helps too. You have to let go of control, and that’s when new ideas appear. Curiosity is the main driver.

What helps an artist’s music stand out today?

Honesty and patience. Listeners can tell when something’s real. Don’t copy what’s hot — make what feels true to you.

And stay consistent. Build your own world through your sound, visuals, and how you tell your story. That’s what people connect with now.

Be different. Be realistic that not everyone will like your music. Be your own fan first. Take some holistic therapy to help you have confidence in what you are doing, and don’t chase fame. Just focus on making music that you love. 

Ben.