Ben Westbeech is an English DJ, singer and producer originating from Hertfordshire who spent his formative musical years in Bristol, but who now lives in Amsterdam. Trained as cellist and vocalist, his influences include house, soul, jazz and hip hop.
Beginning career (2007-2008) edit:
Westbeech gave a CD containing his first single "So Good Today" to a friend in London. Two months later she played it to Gilles Peterson who snapped it up. This led to him being signed to Gilles Peterson's new label, Brownswood Recordings. His debut album Welcome to the Best Years of Your Life was released in March 2007.
He later appeared on Later... with Jools Holland alongside Paul McCartney and Björk. He also appeared on the track "Squeeze Me" on Kraak & Smaak's album Plastic People, released in April 2008.
There's More To Life Than This (2009-2011) edit:
More recently, he appeared on the track "I Can See", which was the main single for Jazzanova's album titled Of All The Things", released in January 2009 on Verve/Universal. Ben also sang on the song "Shame" for DJ Marky & Artificial Intelligence. Currently Ben is working with Professor Green (producing for his new record), Kutz (Soul Jazz), Redlight (Lobster Boy) and Rusko (Mad Decent).
In 2009, widely respected house label Strictly Rhythm approached Westbeech and suggested he record something for them. He released his second album, There's More To Life Than This on the label in September 2011. The record features an impressive roll call of collaborators - including Soul Clap, Henrik Schwarz, MJ Cole, Motor City Drum Ensemble and Georg Levin. Westbeech described it as "house inspired, rather than straight up house music".
Ben also produces and DJs under the moniker Breach.
Under the "Breach" moniker, he produced the track "Fatherless" released on PTN in 2010.
Breach has released music on Claude VonStroke's Dirtybird label and Pet's (Catz n Dogz' label). He also has releases planned on Lobster Boy.
Ben also wrote the vocal for Redlight's Breakthrough hit "Get Out My Head" feat Nicole Jackson.
He also owns the record label "Naked Naked" which releases tracks from Breach, Midland, Dusky and Dark Sky.
