Taste Test: Benjamin Francis Leftwich

First album I bought with my own money was…
I got a couple of “pop” compilations when I was younger I think. But the first album I went out to buy was Nebraska by Springsteen. It has and always will be my favourite album. It is so calming and beautiful, and also haunting and unsettling in its own way. Atlantic City is my favourite song ever.

Album I'm loving right now is…
I'm loving lots of stuff at the moment. I really love the latest Tallest Man On Earth record There's No Leaving Now - it's so great. I also have been getting back into Augie March in a big way, especially Watch Me Disappear - great record.

My favourite party album is…
Plans – Death Cab For Cutie. I like chilled parties and this is perfect for that - amazing stuff.

My favourite comedown album is…
Fionn Regan – 100 Acres of Sycamore. Always loved Fionn. I've been lucky enough to play with him a few times -amazing live!

First gig I ever attended was…
I went to see a folk singer called Amy Wadge at Fibbers in York. I remember meeting her afterwards and being kind of star struck haha! Hayley Hutchinson was opening the show and she ended up singing backing vocals on my debut album and EP's. She has a wonderful voice.

Weirdest gig experience I've ever had (as performer or punter)…
I'm on tour in the US and Canada at the moment, and a girl the other night shouted out if she could stick her tongue in my ear. That was kind of weird.

The biggest non-musical influences on me have been…
My dad, my sister and my hometown of beautiful York. And all the great musicians who I've grown up playing with in my home town.

The coolest person I ever met…
Hmmm, perhaps my Label mates Little Comets. They are pretty cool guys!

The biggest celebrity crush I've ever had is...
My friend in a well-known Swedish Band. But I can't say which one because she'll find out and it will be awkward. Slow and steady wins the race!

If I could hang out in any time and place in history it'd be…
Aztec times! I love the colors and the costumes and I love eating people's hearts.

If I wasn't making music I'd be…
Trying to make music or working as a deep sea diver. I like the idea of being underwater a lot. I'm sure it's pretty calm.

Benjamin Francis Leftwich will open for Michael Kiwanuka on the upcoming 'Heavenly Sounds' tour.

Tuesday 26 March - St Michael's Church, Melbourne VIC
Wednesday 27 March - St Stephen's Uniting Church, Sydney NSW
Tuesday 2 April - St John's Cathedral, Brisbane QLD