Benjamin Stevie

R&B/Soul Recording of the Year
Ben Stevenson Culvert*Universal
Dirty Laundry
“My parents weren’t musicians,” says Ben Stevenson. “Music wasn’t forced on me, I was just drawn to it. I started singing one day and I immediately felt that I could do it. And it felt good. Whenever I had opportunities to be involved in it, I was. I remember being at a party with my parents when I was like around eight and there was a band. I was so fascinated by it, I just picked up the drummers’ sticks and started playing. Even before that, I remember always annoying people banging on anything I could get my hands on. When I started in Our Mercury at 13, we were just kids and the local punk scene was what allowed us to be involved in music. Punk rock allowed us to have complete freedom and we were just drawn to that, being some wild kids. Having that freedom at a young age was life changing. Within that scene, I continued developing myself as a musician, as the band continuously evolved. I always played guitar, starting out playing by ear. One day someone taught me someone some basic chords and away it went from there. Musical creation is all about inspiration for me.”
Stevenson’s EP Dirty Laundry, is a tale of dealing with and overcoming personal struggle. “Music is so challenging,” says Stevenson, “ that I feel any project I do will only be a reflection of the state of “becoming” that I feel I will always be in.”
jacksoul Megawatt*Sony
Got To Have It
Over the course of the band’s career, jacksoul has been honoured with the SOCAN Award for R&B Song of the Year, a Canadian Urban Music Award for Songwriter of the Year, 3 JUNO Awards for Best R&B/Soul Recording; and achieved numerous #1 chart positions for singles and videos, across multiple radio formats, MuchMoreMusic and Musimax.
Haydain Neale created universally unforgettable music and succeeded in demonstrating that soul transcends the typical notion of genre. As a band, jacksoul was internationally heralded as incredible musicians who deliver soul rousing, powerfully intoxicating music. The energy of a jacksoul concert was electric – real, sweaty, human performances, and they shared the stage with James Brown, Patti Labelle, Jim Cuddy, The Guess Who and Nelly Furtado, among others.
JRDN Kuya*Fontana North
JRDN
Emerging Canadian R&B/hip-hop star Jordan Croucher is making up for a late start in his music career in a big way with the soulful songs from his forthcoming second album.
Croucher grew up in Halifax and Toronto and, even though it was evident that the youngster had an excellent voice, music took a back seat to basketball in high school and at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia – which led to a year playing professionally in France.
Croucher elected to give up on his hoop dreams and re-immersed himself in music by working with Halifax producer Trobiz and recording mix tapes with the groups N.E.P. and Triple Threat. He eventually hooked up with multi-Juno Award-nominated artist/producer Classified (Luke Boyd), who produced Croucher’s 2007 debut album, No Dress Code.
Melanie Durrant Independent
Four Seasons
Melanie Durrant is a talented singer-songwriter who embodies real artistry through her edgy, melodic and soulful music style.
Born and raised in Toronto, Melanie attended the Earl Haig School of the Arts and trained at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Citing influences that range from the soulful sounds of Shirley Bassey to the hard-knock of Aerosmith to the powerful “respect” melodies of Aretha Franklyn, this radiant artist has no problems crashing through the wall of sound.

Melanie Durrant has received multiple accolades though out her career. Her songs have led to multiple wins and nominations at major music awards such as the JUNO Awards and the Much Music Video Awards to name a few.
In addition to performing her own shows for audiences across the world, Melanie Durrant has shared the stage alongside Jay Z, 50 Cent, Jill Scott, Common, Cissy Houston, Sean Paul, Kardinal Offishall as well as many of Canada’s top artists.
Currently Melanie is preparing for her sophomore album Anticipation slated for release in February 2015.
The Weeknd The Weeknd XO*Universal
Often
- See more at: http://junoawards.ca/nominees/#sthash.oi0D00le.dpuf - The Juno Awards

Ben Stevenson is the second coming of Sting, as far as vocals go. His EP Dirty Laundry was an underground R&B hit, and it would be great to see what a Juno could do for his career. Melanie Durant and JRDN are two veterans who are unfortunately over the hill when it comes to creating interesting music, and The Weeknd is nominated for a song that sounds like every other Weeknd song ever recorded being played at the same time. jacksoul will likely win because he's a perennial hit maker whose contributions have been on the radio for the better part of the decade, so giving him a Juno would be the respectful thing to do. The Junos are all about respect. - Noisey

If anyone knows how to intrigue with sexy electric guitar chords and melodically smooth riffs during a hipster-packed CMJ showcase (that’s serving unlimited amounts of Smuttynose), it’s Ben Stevenson. Between his whirling lo-fi electronic beats and ’60s blue-eyed soul samples, this Toronto-based guitarist and singer is a master at setting the mood. During the event curated by Generate, the dapper musician paired up with a live DJ and especially awed the zealous crowed with “Dizzy,” which samples Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do For Love.” —Isabela Raygoza - MTV Iggy

This week on Snacky Tunes, hosts Greg and Darin Bresnitz are closing out the 2014 CMJ Music Marathon with a special music episode! In the last portion of the show Greg and Darin welcome fellow Canadian, Ben Stevenson. The group discusses that he first found a home in the reckless abandon of punk rock, but was Inclined to explore new musical directions. Eventually, Ben set out as a solo artist, immersing himself in the vintage soul music he had admired from a young age. Tune in for a this special CMJ inspired episode featuring some amazing performances! This program was brought to you by Rolling Press. - heritage radio network

We hadn't heard Dirty Laundry, the new EP from Toronto producer-turned-songwriter Ben Stevenson, when we made out list of crucial 2014 Cuffing Season records. That release, out November 4th, would fit snugly alongside the season's best; it features the sort of unapologetically lovesick pop that we like to bump around the office this time of year. His new song, "Still," is a nice example of that, its blustering production coming courtesy of LuckyMe artist Ango and Rare Beef co-founder Michael Imperial. When asked about the meaning of the single, Stevenson's response is appropriately romantic. "You can't un-love something, the feeling just transforms over time," he writes over e-mail. "Sometimes you go through so much shit with somebody or a certain thing and at the end of the day your feelings about it haven't really changed all that much. It's about being cool knowing that, while you may not hold something anymore, you still love it the same way." - The FADER

Canadian crooner and r&b spinner Ben Stevenson is giving us a taste of what he’s been cooking up north with a free stream and download of his solo debut Dirty Laundry EP. You may remember the velvety vocalist from his feature on 4th Pyramid‘s “A Little Out Of Line” last year, but that was just the tip of the jet-aged left-field ism Stevenson’s been churning up there. His latest effort binds a sonic partnership with producer Happy Perez, who’s been sculpting sophisticated PBR&B joints for some time now with the likes of Frank Ocean (Nostalgia, Ultra) , Miguel (All I Want Is You, Kaleidoscope Dream) and K. Michelle (Rebellious Soul.)What do you think?

Needless to say, Stevenson’s in good hands and his exciting solo run already seems formidable, blending the organic baritone of his vox with a spacey and atmospheric spin on the soul tradition; perfect for those in-between-the-sheets moments and a stoney after-work session (think John Legend‘s Get Lifted meets the melancholic haze of Channel Orange.) Dirty Laundry is available to stream down below and you can cop the album for free ninety-nine on Facebook page. So hit the link to get an early taste and check back for more a little later this week. - Okayplayer

The Canadian was best known as the singer and guitarist of indie punk band Our Mercury, but after the group called it quits in 2007, he began flirting with an alternative R&B style and now he has some 'Dirty Laundry' to show for it. - Arena.com

Nowhere than in the music of newcomer Ben Stevenson–Canada’s latest entry into the atmospheric r&b game–can you find a better pretty example of the ever more fluid connection between the flannel-clad punk scene to the melancholy left-field-ism of contemporary r&bibbity. Hailing from Canada’s ever-widening pool of punk-rooted pioneers, Stevenson has gracefully transitioned to the more soulful side of things with his debut solo record Dirty Laundry (which was premiered right here earlier in the week); an impressive 7-track treasury of moody-musical seduction that’s coated in just as much pain as it is in pleasure, helmed by Grammy-winning hit-maker Happy Perez. We recently caught up with the dulcet Canadian Crooner to rap about the new album, his transition from punk to funk and where he seems himself a little down the line. Peep the Q&A session below and head over to his Facebook page to grab a free copy of the album. Make note of the name Ben Stevenson, and take note as we continue the chart the ascent of one of Canada’s most promising young vocalists.What do you think?

OKP: Is Ben Stevenson your government name?What do you think?

Ben: Yes, that’s the name my parents gave me.What do you think?

OKP: What sorts of sentiments did you have at heart while writing the EP?What do you think?

I was dealing with a lot of emotions on writing this record, a lot of personal struggle relating to the choices I’ve made, all in the isolation that comes with artistic pursuits. At the time I was also experiencing an unfamiliar world of new cities, new sounds and people. Some of that was the darker side of these places, and the things that go on late night. The blue hours. I called it “dirty laundry” because it felt like a washing away of these times, and I felt that it was almost too much of an up close and personal look at my life. At the heart of it is love and I hope the feeling pervades that no matter how low, there is always a light.

OKP: Was it more vice than virtue?What do you think?

B: I would definitely say that certain vices were involved. When you create a world around yourself based on a neglect of your truer self the vices take over and can hurl you into darkness. I definitely experienced that through the course of making this music and it seems like it’s pretty apparent. I would again hope that the overriding idea is that love can save you. Love for your people, your art, yourself.What do you think?

OKP: Is punk still a core influence? How did you transition from that scene to the atmospheric r&b side of things? Was there a particular set of records you were tapping into for inspiration on this one? A particular mood or sound?What do you think?

B: My experience in punk is part of everything that I’ve done in music. Punk was a fertile ground for kids to make any kind of art in Edmonton where I grew up. Punk meant no authority figures telling us what we could and could not do so we really had to force our way through it. It was a beautiful way to grow up. As I grew older I chilled out a ton, got interested in different things style-wise and those influences naturally steered me to where I am. When I was touring in my old band we would pull up at a punk house in Oregon somewhere blasting ‘Pac and kids thought we were crazy. I think that kids nowadays see this much more commonly to the point of it being a non-issue and rather the way in which we are informed about music. I also grew up listening to a ton of reggae and classic soul music so I don’t really like to be stuck to one arbitrarily-defined style. I love that idea that music can be shared in many different ways and that identity is not fixed to a wholesale set of ideas and sounds.What do you think?

OKP: Where do you see yourself this time next year?What do you think?

B: I have no idea where I’ll be next year, for now I just take it a day at a time, working to get better at what I do. Definitely expect more records and live dates. - Okayplayer

Kindness-This-Is-Not-About-Us
PREVIOUS STORY
Kindness - This Is Not About Us
Billie-Black-x-Mura-Masa-This-Simple-Pleasure
NEXT STORY
Billie Black x Mura Masa - This Simple Pleasure

PREMIERE: Ben Stevenson – Perfect
78 SHARESShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Google+Share on TumblrShare on StumbleUpon
For Toronto-based singer/songwriter Ben Stevenson, a moment of many imperfections can become extraordinary with the right people around. He proves this with the release of "Perfect", an emotive, silky smooth 2-minute ballad that'll serenade your lady's eardrums mighty strong. The song was co-written with Meleni Smith and produced by Vinylz and can be found off his upcoming EP, Summer Dealer (Dirty Laundry) set to drop later this Fall. Looking forward to hearing more, stay tuned. - Hype Trak

Song Premiere: Ben Stevenson, “Summer Dealer”
Claire Lobenfeld
By Claire Lobenfeld
Features Editor
on 10.08.14 in News
@clairevlo
Fans of Frank Ocean and Miguel who have been jonesing for new music from them can find solace in Dirty Laundry, the upcoming EP from Toronto R&B singer Ben Stevenson. Its lead track, “Summer Dealer,” was produced by Nathan “Happy” Perez, the man behind the boards for Ocean’s “We All Try” and “Songs for Women,” as well as Miguel’s “Sure Thing.” Stevenson’s caramel voice befits Perez’s smooth subtleties. Summer may be over, but this track is an excellent carry-over as the weather gets cooler. Check it out below. Dirty Laundry is out November 4 on Culvert Music. - Wondering Sound

By Gregory Adams
Furthering his evolution from punk kid to soul man, Toronto-based solo artist Ben Stevenson is set to release a new EP next month. He'll air our his first solo effort, Dirty Laundry, November 4 through Culvert Music.

Following the classic soul style Stevenson cooked up with the Wondertones a few years back and some material prepped with Boi-1da, Dirty Laundry apparently has the musician working himself towards a contemporary R&B direction. This time around, the seven-song set had him working alongside Houston studio figure Happy Perez (Frank Ocean, Miguel), with a press release stating the EP "showcases Ben's smooth vocals and seductive production."

You can check out their tag-team track "Summer Dealer" down below.

While three of the seven songs on Dirty Laundry were worked on with Happy Perez, Stevenson said in a statement that he had forged a "strong bond" with the producer and that they are also "working on a big new batch of songs" together.

"While this is a 'solo project' I don't think I'll ever be 100 percent solo in this music," he said, tying together his time in teen punk band Misdemeanor to his current endeavours with Perez, "I thrive on collaboration and the building of energy between musicians. It's just the way I learned playing in a band for all those years."

Ahead of the official November 4 street date, Stevenson will be playing a record release party at Toronto's Drake Hotel on October 30. You'll find more concert details and the record's tracklisting down below.

Dirty Laundry:

1. Summer Dealer
2. Ecstasy
3. Still

4. Imagining You
5. Girls Like You
6. Love Could Be
7. Start Over - Exclaim

By Gregory Adams
Ben Stevenson's upcoming Dirty Laundry EP is poised to push the veteran musician into a new, modern R&B-exploring direction, but some habits die hard. Namely, the guy softly sings of the lingering effects of long-gone romances in his latest preview, "Still."

A beneath-the-covers bass line provided by producers Ango and Michael Imperial rumbles through the intro, with the track further blanketed by gigantic snap rhythms and the melting, trickled six-string flourishes. Stevenson's falsetto is both nostalgic and optimistic about the future, coming to terms with the passage of time despite the occasional nostalgic moment ("feel like I can taste it," he admits with a conflicted sigh).

You can take in the effects of Stevenson's leftover romantic residue down below, courtesy of The Fader.

Dirty Laundry shakes itself out in full November 4 through Culvert Music. - Exclaim

By Ryan B. Patrick
7
Right from the jump, Ben Stevenson's Dirty Laundry displays its reverence for the electronic R&B-pop sounds of singer-performer Miguel's most recent output, notably 2012's Kaleidoscope Dream and, to a lesser extent, 2010's All I Want is You. "That alcohol and Adderall has got you up all night," Edmonton's Stevenson coos on "Love Could Be," pretty much telling you the overall vibe of the debut project. Dirty Laundry grabs you and begs you to stay; organ chops and echoing vocals kickstart opening number "Summer Dealer," with the rest of the EP's seven tracks skimming along the same wavelength.

It's pleasant enough; Stevenson's musical creation skills are on point and the requisite themes of loves won and lost are consistent. On one hand, Dirty Laundry is unrepentant in its artistic origins; on the other, the project aims for greatness but is undershot into decent territory. This overarching style of ethereally dreamy, midtempo R&B — see tracks like "Still" and "Girls Like You" — is likely on the downswing, but Stevenson is earnest about showing the sound still has a bit of life in it yet.
(Culvert Music) - Exclaim

Home
New Songs
Ben Stevenson
Dizzy
Dizzy Cover
Ben Stevenson - Dizzy
Artist: Ben Stevenson
Producer: Drew Scott, Ben Stevenson
Album: Dirty Laundry EP
Avg Rating: 32101 3.7 ( 3 votes )

DOWNLOAD EMBED

With his debut EP’s fall release on the horizon, T-Dot crooner Ben Stevenson steps into The DJBooth with a freshly-minted single off the set. Here, producer Drew Scott‘s understated soul grooves accompany the artist as he woos a special girl, promising to do, “whatever makes you Dizzy, whatever takes you all the way, whatever gets you high.” The record incorporates elements from both 2Pac‘s Do for Love and the latter cut’s sample source, Bobby Caldwell’s What You Won’t Do for Love. Like what you’re hearing? Then watch our pages for more fresh singles leading up to the September arrival of Dirty Laundry.

Ben StevensonDownloadsR&B/PopIndie
Written by richard on 06/16/14 - DJBooth.net

This week Ben Stevenson began charting with a bunch of strong stations including KCSB [Santa Barbara, CA] @ #4, KUMD [Duluth, MN] @ #19, WRSU [New Brunswick, NJ] @ #4, WUSC [Columbia, SC] @ #6, WXVU [Villanova, PA] @ #23, and KRLX in Northfield, MN @ #16!

Additionally, Dirty Laundry started in the rotations at great stations like WRUV [Burlington, VT], WECI [Richmond, IN], WRKC [Wilkes-Barre, PA], KDUR [Durango, CO], WCFM [Williamstown, MA], and in WMHB in Waterville, ME! - Never Better Radio (Secondary/Non-Comm Radio)