Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Benjamin Francis Leftwich (born 4 September 1989) is an English indie folk singer-songwriter from York, known for his introspective acoustic music and poignant lyrics exploring themes of love, loss, and personal growth.[1] Born to South African and Australian parents, Leftwich experienced a nomadic childhood split between the United Kingdom and Sydney, Australia, before settling in his native Yorkshire.[2] He began playing guitar at age ten, drawing early influences from artists like Damien Rice and the Beatles, and started writing songs as a teenager inspired by folk figures such as Fionn Regan and Damien Jurado.[3][4] Leftwich rose to prominence with his debut studio album, Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm (2011), which peaked at number 35 on the UK Albums Chart and featured singles like "Pictures" and "Atlas Hands."[5] His follow-up albums—After the Rain (2016), Gratitude (2019), To Carry a Whale (2021), and Some Things Break (2024)—have continued to showcase his evolving sound, blending folk with subtle indie and alternative elements, often produced in collaboration with artists like Matty Healy of the 1975.[3][6] Throughout his career, Leftwich has navigated significant personal challenges, including struggles with substance abuse following the death of his father, Adrian, from cancer in 2013, leading to a period of rehabilitation in early 2018; he has maintained sobriety since and channeled these experiences into themes of surrender, recovery, and renewal in later works like Gratitude and To Carry a Whale.[4][7] Now based in London, he continues to tour internationally and release music via labels like Dirty Hit, with recent singles such as "New York" (2024) and "Lately" (2025) highlighting his ongoing exploration of emotional highs and lows in relationships.[3][1]Early years
Childhood and family background
Benjamin Francis Leftwich was born on 4 September 1989 in Heworth, a suburb of York, England.[8] His family background reflected an international mix, with his father, Adrian Leftwich, being a South African-born anti-apartheid activist and academic who worked as a professor of politics and international relations at the University of York.[9][10] His mother, originally from Sydney, Australia, brought Australian heritage to the family dynamic.[11] Leftwich has a younger sister, Madeleine Rose Leftwich, with whom he shares a close bond.[12] Leftwich was primarily raised by his father in York, where the family established their main home amid the city's historic and culturally rich environment.[13] His childhood was marked by a nomadic quality due to his parents' origins, as he frequently traveled and spent significant time in Sydney, Australia, splitting his early years between the two countries.[14] This back-and-forth movement between England and Australia exposed him to diverse cultural influences from a young age, shaping a worldview attuned to transience and connection.[2] One of Leftwich's earliest memories is being held by one of his parents during Christmas in the family's first house in York, where the twinkling lights of the tree left a vivid impression.[15] Growing up in the spacious, unhurried setting of York provided him with ample time for reflection, fostering a contemplative approach to life that echoed the introspective themes evident in his later personal outlook.[16]Education and early musical influences
Leftwich attended Hempland Primary School, a state school in York, where he received his initial formal education.[17] He later enrolled at Bootham School, a Quaker independent school in York, from 2001 to 2008, during which time his interest in music began to develop alongside his studies.[18][19] Around the age of 10, Leftwich started playing the guitar, beginning with a couple of lessons at Hempland Primary School before quickly abandoning formal instruction due to his aversion to structured learning.[18] He became largely self-taught, experimenting with the instrument during his school years and drawing initial inspiration from his family's musical environment.[20] By his mid-teens, he was writing songs and performing, including gigs with a schoolmate rock band called The Nicoles at age 16, which marked his early forays into live music within York's local scene.[18] Leftwich's early musical influences were eclectic, beginning with classic rock and soul acts like The Rolling Stones, Nina Simone, and The Beatles, introduced through his father's record collection, which shaped his foundational appreciation for melody and storytelling.[17][21] As a child, he was particularly captivated by Cher's "Believe" at age 6 for its soaring melody, an unlikely but pivotal spark that highlighted his openness to pop's emotional depth.[21] In his teens, he discovered folk and indie singer-songwriters such as Nick Drake, Bob Dylan, and Elliott Smith, whose introspective lyrics and acoustic arrangements profoundly influenced his own emerging style of vulnerable, narrative-driven folk-pop.[17] Additional inspirations included Arcade Fire's expansive sound, Ryan Adams' raw songcraft, and Bruce Springsteen's heartfelt Americana, with Leftwich citing Springsteen's album Nebraska as his all-time favorite for its lo-fi intimacy and thematic honesty, elements that echoed in his early compositions.[22][16]Musical career
Debut and breakthrough
Benjamin Francis Leftwich signed with the independent label Dirty Hit in 2010, becoming one of its inaugural artists alongside future acts like The 1975.[23] His debut EP, A Million Miles Out, followed later that year on October 25, produced by Ian Grimble and featuring the track "Shine," which introduced his delicate acoustic folk style marked by introspective lyrics and gentle guitar work.[24] The EP's release garnered initial attention in the UK indie scene, setting the stage for broader exposure.[25] In early 2011, Leftwich released his second EP, Pictures, on March 6, which included the titular lead single and tracks like "Sophie" and "The Boat," further honing his hushed, emotive sound influenced by folk traditions.[26] This led to his debut studio album, Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm, released on July 4 and also produced by Ian Grimble, who recorded and mixed the project at his London studio.[27] The album debuted at number 35 on the UK Albums Chart and received positive critical notice for its imaginative songwriting, with tracks like "Box of Stones" praised for their seafaring imagery and violin accents, though some reviewers noted its occasional sentimentality.[28][29] Key singles such as "Atlas Hands," released as a promotional single in September 2011 with remixes, played a pivotal role in building buzz through radio play and online sharing, establishing Leftwich's folk-indie aesthetic of whispered vocals and looped guitar motifs.[30] Early live performances, including a support slot on Noah and the Whale's UK tour, amplified media interest from outlets like BBC Music, which highlighted the album's pretty melodies despite its repetitive tone.[31][32] Leftwich's breakthrough continued with extensive UK and European headline tours in 2011-2012, where his intimate stage presence and acoustic sets solidified his reputation in the indie-folk circuit.[33] By 2016, he returned with his second album, After the Rain, released on August 19 via Dirty Hit, peaking at number 53 on the UK Albums Chart.[34] The record, self-produced with contributions from Esben and the Witch's Daniel Copeman, explored themes of renewal and personal growth amid loss, drawing from Leftwich's experiences and featuring singles like "Some Other Arms" and "Kicking Roses."[35] Critics lauded its fragile, hope-infused folk-pop, with the Irish Times awarding it 4.5 stars for its sophisticated handling of sadness and awakening, while Clash noted its cohesive uplift at 6/10.[36][37]Mid-career developments
In 2019, Benjamin Francis Leftwich released his third studio album, Gratitude, on March 15 via Dirty Hit Records, marking a period of personal reflection following significant life changes.[38] The album explores themes of recovery and emotional rebuild, with tracks like the title song drawing from his experiences of upheaval and gratitude for sobriety.[39] Production incorporated electronic elements, jazz saxophone, and subtle piano motifs, creating a mellow yet layered sound that departed from his earlier acoustic roots toward more indie-infused arrangements.[40] Critically, Gratitude received mixed reviews; while praised for its intimate refinement and heartfelt lyricism, some noted its over-production and lack of bold innovation, describing it as pleasant but not groundbreaking.[41][42][43] Leftwich's sobriety, achieved in early 2018, profoundly shaped the album's creative process, enabling clearer introspection and renewed belief in his songwriting after periods of doubt during active addiction.[44][7] This milestone infused the work with a sense of vulnerability, as seen in singles like "The Mess We Make," which highlighted his evolving emotional honesty.[45] To support the album, Leftwich embarked on a UK tour in March and April 2019, including intimate in-store performances that emphasized his shift to a more produced, introspective stage presence blending folk intimacy with indie textures.[45] This period solidified his stylistic evolution, moving from stripped-back acoustic folk toward richer, electronically enhanced indie elements that added depth to his narrative-driven songs.[46] By 2021, Leftwich delivered his fourth album, To Carry a Whale, released on June 18 through Dirty Hit, delving deeper into emotional burdens and the beauty of resilience.[47] The record examines themes of carrying personal weight—metaphorically represented by the title—as an alcoholic navigating recovery, with sombre yet enchanting tracks that convey heartfelt clarity and human vulnerability.[48][49] Reviews highlighted its beautiful introspection and genuine appreciation for life's complexities, even in darker moments, though it did not achieve notable chart success.[50][51] This release further refined his sound, emphasizing emotional depth through subtle production that balanced indie expansiveness with raw folk sincerity.[52]Recent work and collaborations
In 2024, Benjamin Francis Leftwich released his fifth studio album, Some Things Break, on February 9 via Dirty Hit, marking a subtle evolution in his sound with richer instrumentation and broader vocal range compared to prior works.[53] Produced by Grammy Award-winning Jimmy Hogarth, the album features collaborations with songwriters Mikky Ekko, Jamie Squire of The 1975, and Jon Green, contributing to its emotionally open exploration of resilience, love, loneliness, and personal growth—themes partly shaped by Leftwich's sobriety journey.[54] Key tracks include the lead single "Moon Landing Hoax" (released October 2023), which delves into doubt and hope; "Break In The Weather" (November 2023), reflecting on emotional renewal; and the title track, emphasizing endurance amid fragility.[55] The full tracklist comprises ten songs: "I'm Always Saying Sorry," "Moon Landing Hoax," "Break In The Weather," "New York," "Some Things Break," "Spokane, Washington," "God's Best," "A Love Like That," "Tilikum," and "Going Out The Same Way" (featuring Hayden Thorpe).[56] Reception for Some Things Break was mixed, with critics praising its mature, fearless compositions and sonic expansion while noting occasional lyrical clichés. The Irish Times described it as "tender folk pop riddled with eye-rolling lyrical platitudes," awarding two stars, whereas NARC Magazine lauded its "lovely, mature compositions" and truthful intent, and Clash highlighted the album's bolder soundscapes as a natural progression.[57][58][23] Following the album, Leftwich issued the single "New York" on January 9, 2024, an acoustic piece capturing the highs and lows of love while navigating urban isolation and the struggle to move on.[59] Lyrically, it portrays fleeing to "big shiny cities" for excitement yet confronting deeper loneliness and a yearning for simple human connection, as Leftwich explained in promotional materials.[3] The track received positive attention for its introspective folk style, aligning with the album's themes of vulnerability.[60] In September 2025, Leftwich released the single "Lately" in collaboration with cheapcuts, further showcasing his ongoing songwriting contributions in the indie scene.[61] Leftwich's recent collaborations extend beyond his solo work, including co-writing credits with artists such as The 1975 (notably Jamie Squire's involvement on Some Things Break), Holly Humberstone, and CMAT, alongside Nick Mulvey, Jasmine Jethwa, and Rachel Chinouriri.[23][59] These partnerships, often through his Dirty Hit label affiliations, have focused on songwriting for their respective projects, enhancing his reputation as a versatile contributor in the indie-folk scene.[62] From 2024 onward, Leftwich has maintained an active touring schedule, launching a UK headline tour in April 2024 that included intimate venues and sold-out London dates, prompting an added show. Into 2025, he performed at festivals like Moonbeams in July and August, with further UK dates scheduled, including a December 5 headline at Union Chapel in London.[63] These live outings, featuring acoustic sets and full-band arrangements, have showcased material from Some Things Break alongside earlier hits, earning acclaim for their emotional authenticity.[64]Personal life
Family and relationships
Leftwich was raised primarily by his late father, Adrian Leftwich, who died of cancer in April 2013, after his parents separated during his childhood.[13][10] He maintains a close relationship with his sister, whom he texts as a pre-show ritual before performances, and has collaborated with his brother on recent music projects.[65][66] Public details about Leftwich's romantic relationships are limited, with interviews occasionally referencing past girlfriends as influences on his life experiences.[4][67] He has expressed caution in discussing or incorporating certain personal matters into his work to avoid impacting ongoing relationships or causing harm to others.[4] No information is publicly available regarding marriage or children. Leftwich relocated from his hometown of York to North London in his early adulthood to pursue opportunities in the music scene, where he has resided since.[13][68] In recent years, he has voiced a desire to leave London, citing a preference for other locations such as Barcelona or even Canada.[69][65]Addiction and recovery
Following the release of his debut album Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm in 2011, Benjamin Francis Leftwich developed a dependence on alcohol and drugs, which intensified following the death of his father in 2013 and during the pressures of touring and industry expectations in the mid-2010s.[7][38][70] By 2017, he was using substances daily, leading to periods of creative doubt where he questioned his ability to continue making music.[7][38] The addiction profoundly affected Leftwich's mental health and daily life, manifesting as an "emotional rock bottom" characterized by denial, isolation, and a pervasive sense of emptiness despite professional success.[13][4] He described sitting alone in a London flat with a "hole in his heart," unable to manage the unyielding grip of addiction, which strained relationships and exacerbated feelings of fear and ego-driven self-reliance.[13][4] These challenges peaked in late 2017, prompting him to enter a 28-day rehabilitation program on January 2, 2018.[7][13] Leftwich achieved sobriety in 2018 through the structured support of rehab, which included therapy sessions, group meetings, and building camaraderie with others in recovery.[13][7] He has maintained continuous sobriety since, as of January 2025 marking seven years, crediting external help from his record label Dirty Hit, family, and friends, as self-reliant efforts repeatedly failed.[7][4][71] In interviews, such as those with The Line of Best Fit in 2019 and Clash in 2021, he has openly shared his journey, emphasizing the role of honesty, compassion, and surrendering control as key to his recovery.[7][4][13] This period of recovery marked a creative renewal in Leftwich's mid-career trajectory, infusing his subsequent work with themes of gratitude, surrender, and the weight of personal burdens, allowing for more authentic and cathartic expression without the haze of substances.[4][7][13]Discography
Studio albums
Benjamin Francis Leftwich's debut studio album, Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm, was released on July 4, 2011, through Dirty Hit Records. The album marked his breakthrough in the indie folk scene, featuring introspective lyrics and acoustic arrangements that drew comparisons to artists like Bon Iver. It peaked at number 35 on the UK Albums Chart. The tracklist includes: 1. "Pictures" (2:57), 2. "Box of Stones" (2:44), 3. "1904" (4:07), 4. "Butterfly Culture" (2:57), 5. "Atlas Hands" (2:53), 6. "Stole You Away" (3:37), 7. "Look at the Stars" (3:04), 8. "Heartbeat" (3:25), 9. "I'll Be There for You" (3:52), and 10. "She Will Be Loved" (4:16).[72] His second studio album, After the Rain, arrived on August 19, 2016, also via Dirty Hit, and was produced by Charlie Andrew and Benjamin Francis Leftwich. The record explores themes of personal loss, recovery from addiction, and natural renewal, inspired by the death of Leftwich's father and his own struggles during a period of hiatus. It reached number 53 on the UK Albums Chart. The 12-track album features: 1. "Tilikum" (4:46), 2. "Some Other Arms" (3:30), 3. "She Will Sing" (3:44), 4. "Kicking Roses" (3:35), 5. "Summer" (3:41), 6. "Just Breathe" (4:04), 7. "Cocaine Doll" (3:40), 8. "Groves" (3:28), 9. "Day By Day" (3:52), 10. "Immortal" (3:15), 11. "Mayflies" (4:23), and 12. "After the Rain" (4:28).[35][37][73] Gratitude, Leftwich's third studio album, was released on March 15, 2019, by Dirty Hit. Self-produced with a focus on raw emotional vulnerability, it delves into themes of sobriety, self-forgiveness, and appreciation amid ongoing recovery, receiving positive reception for its intimate folk-pop sound and standout tracks like "Sometimes" and "Look Ma!". Critics praised its honest portrayal of personal growth, though some noted a slower pace compared to prior works. The tracklist comprises: 1. "Gratitude" (2:49), 2. "Look Ma!" (2:56), 3. "Sometimes" (3:54), 4. "Big Fish" (4:03), 5. "Tell Me You Started to Pray" (3:00), 6. "Luzern" (3:07), 7. "Life to Come" (3:28), 8. "The Mess We Make" (3:45), 9. "Thanks" (3:12), 10. "Old Flame" (3:36), and 11. "Attic" (3:21).[40] The fourth album, To Carry a Whale, came out on June 18, 2021, through Dirty Hit, with production handled by Sam Duckworth and Eg White, emphasizing a polished yet atmospheric indie folk direction centered on addiction's lingering effects and tentative healing. Leftwich handled vocals and primary instrumentation solo, with the collaborators enhancing the sonic depth through subtle electronic elements. The 10-track effort was lauded for its concise runtime and evocative storytelling. Tracks include: 1. "Cherry in Tacoma" (3:42), 2. "Oh My God Please" (3:15), 3. "Canary in a Coalmine" (3:01), 4. "Tired in Niagara" (2:48), 5. "Every Time I See a Bird" (3:33), 6. "Wide Eyed Wandering Child" (3:20), 7. "Sydney 2013" (3:10), 8. "The Way Things Go" (3:05), 9. "Standing Still" (3:25), and 10. "To Carry a Whale" (3:40).[74][50][75] Leftwich's fifth studio album, Some Things Break, was released on February 9, 2024, via Dirty Hit, showcasing a subtle evolution toward brighter, more reflective indie pop while maintaining his signature introspection on relationships, change, and resilience. Produced by Jimmy Hogarth, with all 10 tracks written and performed by Leftwich. As of November 2025, the album has supported an extensive tour, including UK and European dates, with no major reissues or expansions announced. The tracklist is: 1. "I'm Always Saying Sorry" (3:30), 2. "Moon Landing Hoax" (2:50), 3. "Break in the Weather" (3:32), 4. "New York" (3:19), 5. "Some Things Break" (2:55), 6. "Nevermind" (3:09), 7. "I Don't Want to Wait" (3:26), 8. "The Hardest Part" (3:21), 9. "Life Is Sweet" (3:04), and 10. "The End" (3:57).[56][76]Extended plays
Benjamin Francis Leftwich's extended plays served as pivotal releases in his early career, offering concise collections that showcased his evolving indie folk sound and helped build anticipation for his full-length albums. These EPs, typically featuring four tracks each, allowed Leftwich to experiment with intimate songwriting and production while establishing his reputation through limited-edition or digital formats. His debut EP, A Million Miles Out, released in October 2010 on Dirty Hit Records, introduced Leftwich's signature blend of acoustic guitar-driven melodies and introspective lyrics. Produced by Ian Grimble, it included the tracks "Atlas Hands," "More Than Letters," "Maps," and "Hole In My Hand," with "Atlas Hands" emerging as a breakout single that highlighted his emotive vocal style and garnered early radio play. This release marked Leftwich's entry into the UK indie scene, drawing comparisons to artists like Bon Iver and Bonde do Rolê for its raw, atmospheric quality.[77][25][78] Following the success of his 2011 debut album, Leftwich issued Pictures EP in March 2011, a promotional collection that bridged his initial breakthrough with further exploration of personal themes. Self-released via Bandcamp and digital platforms, it featured "Pictures," "Sophie," "See You Soon," and "The Boat," emphasizing stripped-back arrangements and narrative-driven songs about memory and transience. Key track "Pictures" captured the EP's wistful tone, reinforcing Leftwich's ability to craft relatable, heartfelt folk narratives shortly after his album's chart entry.[26][79][80] In November 2012, In the Open EP arrived on Dirty Hit, serving as an experimental follow-up that expanded Leftwich's sonic palette with subtle electronic elements amid his core acoustic roots. The four tracks—"In the Open," "Break the Day Open," "Manchester Snow," and "Is That You on That Plane"—explored themes of longing and urban isolation, with the title track standing out for its layered harmonies and evocative storytelling. This EP helped sustain momentum post-debut, offering fans deeper insight into Leftwich's songcraft during a transitional phase toward his sophomore album.[81][82][83] Leftwich's most recent EP, I Am With You, released in August 2018 on Dirty Hit, represented a more introspective and production-focused effort amid his mid-career evolution. Comprising "4AM in London," "Power Down," "Numb," and "I Am With You," it was constructed from voice memos and featured autotuned vocals on select tracks, marking a departure toward electronic influences while retaining emotional depth. The title track, with its themes of reassurance and vulnerability, underscored the EP's role as a bridge between albums, providing brief production notes on its lo-fi origins during touring breaks. This release highlighted Leftwich's adaptability, paving the way for subsequent full-length explorations.[84][85][86]Singles
Leftwich's singles often serve as album lead-ins or standalone releases, blending folk, indie, and electronic elements, with emphasis on emotional lyricism. While not achieving major commercial chart peaks, several tracks have garnered critical acclaim and substantial streaming numbers, particularly on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, contributing to his cult following in the indie scene. The following table lists his notable solo singles chronologically, including release dates and key context:| Title | Release Date | Album Association | Notes and Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box of Stones | June 19, 2011 | Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm | Debut single; received early radio support from BBC Introducing. |
| Atlas Hands | September 5, 2011 | Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm | Breakthrough track with over 100 million Spotify streams; featured in TV shows and playlists for its anthemic chorus. https://open.spotify.com/track/3COPM9n97OADsfKA2Nhch5 https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC4vxxMMrynvDoU_d12mLddg |
| Pictures | February 20, 2012 | Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm | Follow-up single emphasizing nostalgic themes; gained traction in indie blogs. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/benjamin-francis-leftwich/395432602 |
| Shine | April 2014 | Standalone (later on After the Rain deluxe) | Named Spotify's most addictive track of 2014 based on repeat listen data; Kygo remix boosted electronic crossover appeal. https://www.xsnoize.com/white-lies-headline-stand-up-to-cancer-at-union-chapel-on-11th-february-2020/ https://open.spotify.com/track/4ePlZMnWntH6rq9xUpalnr |
| Tilikum | April 2016 | After the Rain | Lead single; praised for its heartfelt balladry and wilderness-themed video, evoking emotional depth. https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/benjamin-francis-leftwich-ventures-through-the-wilderness-in-new-video-tili https://open.spotify.com/album/1MtLUUOXyPcioYiJoPJXfx |
| The Middle | 2016 | After the Rain | Promotional single highlighting introspective lyrics; featured in Apple Music playlists. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/benjamin-francis-leftwich/395432602 |
| Gratitude | November 2018 | Gratitude | Title-track lead single; incorporated electronic production, marking a sonic evolution. https://open.spotify.com/album/7lw3uz3hewTcux0x8lQ9vP https://www.mysticsons.com/article/benjamin-francis-leftwich-returns-new-single-gratitude |
| Cherry in Tacoma | March 18, 2021 | To Carry a Whale | Opening track single; explored themes of vulnerability, with over 1 million streams shortly after release. https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/benjamin-francis-leftwich-announces-4th-album-with-opener-cherry-in-tacoma https://open.spotify.com/album/32peyMgk2J7Ro7X6rLjxZR |
| Tinsel in the River | 2021 | To Carry a Whale | Atmospheric single reflecting personal recovery narratives. https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC4vxxMMrynvDoU_d12mLddg |
| Moon Landing Hoax | 2023 | Standalone/Promotional | Indie-folk release with cryptic lyrics; built anticipation for later work. https://open.spotify.com/track/235mWaTu830G0ldfqES9dJ |
| Break in the Weather | 2023 | Standalone/Promotional | Upbeat shift in sound, emphasizing resilience. https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC4vxxMMrynvDoU_d12mLddg |
| New York | January 9, 2024 | Some Things Break | Lead single evoking urban longing; noted for its soaring pop structure and emotional introspection. https://www.xsnoize.com/benjamin-francis-leftwich-releases-new-single-new-york-from-his-forthcoming-album-some-things-break/ https://open.spotify.com/album/5wCzmTcZCedAueCDuH9USU |
| Lately | 2025 | Collaboration with cheapcuts | Recent release exploring contemporary relationships; available in multiple versions including a Chinatown remix. https://open.spotify.com/album/5wCzmTcZCedAueCDuH9USU https://open.spotify.com/artist/7D5oTJSXSHf51auG0106CQ |