Ben Ottewell (Gomez)

BEN OTTEWELL: THE VOICE OF MERCURY PRIZE-WINNING BAND GOMEZ Ben Ottewell is a British musician best known as the gravelly-voiced frontman of the indie rock band Gomez. Ottewell began his musical journey at a young age, inspired by his father's eclectic record collection. In 1996, he co-founded Gomez with Ian Ball, Tom Gray, Paul Blackburn, and Olly Peacock while studying at university in Sheffield. Gomez quickly gained attention with their debut album, "Bring It On," released in 1998, which won the Mercury Music Prize. Ottewell's distinctive vocals and songwriting contributed to the band's unique sound, characterized by a blend of blues, folk, and rock elements. The band went on to release several critically acclaimed albums, including "Liquid Skin" (1999) and "In Our Gun" (2002). Throughout Gomez's career, Ottewell's soulful voice and introspective lyrics resonated with fans, earning him a dedicated following. His solo career saw him exploring a more stripped-down acoustic sound, showcasing his raw talent and emotive storytelling. In 2011, Ottewell released his debut solo album, "Shapes & Shadows," followed by "Rattlebag" in 2014 and 'A Man Apart' in 2017. With a career spanning over two decades, Ben Ottewell continues to captivate audiences with his powerful performances and evocative songwriting, cementing his legacy as one of the most distinctive voices in British rock music.