Hailing from the picturesque valleys of South Wales, BenSem blend the captivatingly introspective lyrics of Ben Semmens with a unique and powerful sound provided by fellow band members Gez Alexander, and Ritchie Beech. The result is something which has not only caused a stir in the UK, but one that has also attracted a dedicated global fan base with independent street teams in the U.S, London and Japan.
In 2008 the band released critically acclaimed album Western Lights, a twelve track debut receiving over 50,000 downloads worldwide. Despite Western Lights being recorded with a different line up of musicians to the current BenSem, it showed the potential of Ben Semmens as a songwriter and hinted at what the band could achieve once the right musicians were in place. It was then that Ben met his true BenSem in, Gez and Ritchie.
Mastered by Howie Weinberg of ‘Nevermind’ fame and produced at the legendary Twin Peak Studios, Western Lights features a diverse range of material. From the emotive epic ‘Constant Dream’ to the upbeat fan favorite ‘Sunshine’, BenSem transcend genre and simply can’t be pigeonholed. If they had to, it would go in the category of acoustic, alternative, pop:

“Their attitude for creating first and foremost quality music is an attitude which has so far, judging by rave reviews and critical acclaim, stood them in good stead for the future.” God is in the TV Zine

“….they have recorded what is destined to become one of the 'classic' love songs of the twenty-first century.” Lee McFarland of Spin Magazine

“World class, starting a new music religion”- Plugged In Magazine

After performances at renowned venues such as the Cardiff CIA, the band look to take their energetic live sound on the road in 2009/10. Already notorious on the Cardiff scene for creating a special and unrivalled live atmosphere of intimacy and togetherness, fans across the UK have much to look forward to.

For Ben the music has always been about reaching as many people as possible, and bringing them together as fans of BenSem. This vision is becoming more of a reality with songs such as Apathy being played on MTV flagship The Realworld, courtesy of Bunim Murray Productions, who have currently licensed BenSem for seven TV shows. Ben, Gez and Ritchie invite you into a musical world of their own, one of inspiration, realism and hope.