When I first came across 19-year-old Cardiff, Wales singer-songwriter Ben Ellis, he was performing cover songs on TikTok. I was automatically a fan of his smooth tonality, range, and sweet personality that emanated through the screen from his videos. His covers were fantastic but I was ready for him to release original music…and finally, it happened! Ellis released his debut single, “not this time” on March 9th, 2022.
“not this time” starts off with a simple acoustic guitar playing behind Ellis’s buttery tone. As the song gains traction the beat is unraveled starting with the electrifying drop before the chorus. With relatable yet honest lyrics combined with a vibrant pop beat, this song will be on a loop in your mind for days to come.
Although catchy, this track discusses real and honest sentiments about how Ellis was constantly told he wouldn’t make it in the music industry, even though it has always been his dream. Turning negative comments into a positive anthem, Ellis rebelliously created this anthem to show his haters (as well as fans) that he will follow his dreams no matter what anyone else says.
Singing for as long as he can remember, songwriting at 10, and playing the guitar starting at 14 years old, Ellis has been musically inclined ever since he was a young boy. Writing a multitude of songs during the pandemic by himself and collaboratively with others, Ellis is sure to keep his momentum going with new music to bless our ears yet again.
Be sure to listen to “not this time” today, follow him on TikTok, and if you get lucky, find him busking by the Thames in London!
