Sussex singer-songwriter Ben Westwood is back with his first new music in several years. The entirely self-penned 10-track album We are Human showcases Ben’s unique style, blending soul and folk roots with blues and alternative rock. Ben Westwood’s distinctive voice draws on classic influences – from Motown soul to The Beatles and Leonard Cohen.

Ben has already seen success this year with soulful ballad Step Into The Light and anthemic title track We are Human. The two singles have racked up over 150k video views and 20k Spotify streams between them so far. Both are produced by local Mark Edwards, who has worked with artists including Katie Melua and Paul Weller.

Filmed on the seafront of Ben Westwood’s hometown Eastbourne, Step Into The Light’s video reflects the song’s message of hope and optimism, featuring Ukrainian refugee and now Eastbourne resident, Pilates instructor Olga Litvinova. The song has been played on dozens of radio stations nationwide, including playlisting on Boom Radio (audience 750,000). Watch the video above for Step into the light.

The album is also accompanied by the single When you’re Gone, an upbeat soul-influenced track featuring a choregraphed dance video.

Ben previously had success before the pandemic with his album Sing Like Your Life Depends On It, which dealt with his struggles through grief as a widowed single father, including songs such as Falling and Time Heal Me. A remastered version of Time Heal Me is included on the new album.

Ben has been writing songs since the age of 14 and studied music in London with respected artists Tom Baxter and Ben Cullum, brother of Jamie. He has played at venues including the Brighton Dome and Ronnie Scott’s, and received airplay on BBC radio.