Ben Grant Mitchell

It’s almost two years since we moved from Healesville, Victoria to the Northern Rivers of NSW. I spent most of my life growing up and living in Melbourne and still have some friends there. But I am very happy to have a new home and two years (almost) of new memories. And yet other memories, that seem surreal now—even having experienced them firsthand—are very slow to fade. Did that really happen? Yes, it did.

I spent many years feeling misunderstood. But it turns out I was misunderstanding.

I don’t know if life is too short but I do know life is precious. Have a magnificent day. Love, Ben

I’ve been to protests and I’m glad I went. I’ve written songs about ‘marching for freedom’ and being on a ‘convoy of freedom’. But you can also stand for freedom without pleading for it from those who seek to take it away. Being ‘sovereign’ to me is about taking full responsibility for your life. And you can’t be responsible if you view someone or something else as having power over you. We have the power. Unless we give it away by asking others for it. PS. My latest album, ‘Free Country’ is full of songs affirming our freedom as natural and inalienable.

NEW video teaser for The Full Moon Saloon, a new single and video coming Thursday 20th October. The Full Moon Saloon was inspired by a gig I did with a bunch of fantastic musicians early this year. The line up included folk singers, punk acts, classical musicians, blues dudes, rock goddesses and country characters. Everyone coming together in a spirit of inclusiveness at a time when so much division was the order (literally) of the day. From my new album, Free Country on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and Bandcamp. https://open.spotify.com/album/7DbhziEYwsvOfC5qBJvNMw?si=yherCoWfToCqjDkfm9IEJg

Rehearsals with the Mitchell Family Band (!) are going brilliantly. We're all looking forward to our debut gig this Saturday 8th October in Byron Bay at Coorabell Hall. If you are coming along here is a link to my new album on Spotify and some of the songs we'll be performing live for the first time this Saturday. Everyone welcome. Kids free. https://open.spotify.com/album/7DbhziEYwsvOfC5qBJvNMw?si=CHKy-kUiQz65ir2jIFbEwA

I’ve tried the alternative. Now I choose freedom. #freecountry

Next week on Saturday 8th October I am launching my new album, Free Country. Location is Coorabell Hall, Byron Bay. Time: 5.30pm–9ish. Special guests are my daughters Honey Rose, Cherry Jasmine and our great friend, Ari Manu. Our youngest daughter might get up and sing too—watching her sisters have so much fun rehearsing is strong motivation to join in the fun! It is a family friendly gig and you are welcome to BYO whatever you wish. Doors open 5.30pm. Running order not locked in stone but probably: 6pm Ben Mitchell (yeah, that’s me) doing songs from ‘These Old Blues’ 7pm Honey Rose (solo) 7.15pm Honey Rose and Ari Manu 7.30pm Ari Manu solo 8pm Ben Mitchell doing songs from ‘Free Country’ plus all the special guests joining as we build to the big finale! If you are coming it would be great if you could buy your ticket before the night but walk ups are welcome too. Tickets from https://www.stickytickets.com.au/3uglw/free_country_album_launch__ben_mitchell.aspx Children are free. #freecountry

Thanks for all the beautiful comments about ‘Australia’, my new song and first release from my latest album, ‘Free Country’. I really appreciate you each taking a moment to share something positive about a track I put my heart and soul into. ‘Free Country’ is available exclusively on Bandcamp until 29th September when it will be available everywhere (almost) else. https://benmitchell.bandcamp.com/album/free-country #freecountry #australia #countrymusic

When I was a child I sang ‘God Save The Queen’. I don’t sing that song anymore. #freecountry

I’m really excited to share this song and video today. ‘Australia’ is my attempt to tap into the mighty spirit of a nation of many nations. The lyrics celebrate our connection through the elements to all that is. We have all been through so much over the last few years and when I was writing what became ‘Australia’ I realised I was writing a song that focussed on the best qualities and highest ideals of my fellow countrymen, women and children. And no matter who or what may seek to uproot and divide us we are each and all connected by a profound and simple truth: where we live. Australia. It is my dearest hope that this song can somehow contribute to firing up the spirit of compassion, courage, understanding, forgiveness and optimism that I sense, hope and pray is rising again in this country. And all countries. Love, Ben https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVxfmgomsGI&t=4s

To me, music stands for something. Courage.

Did a podcast interview yesterday and was asked how I cope with being censored and shadow banned, as an independent musician. My answer was that I do what I have always done: whatever I can with what I have, wherever I am. Action, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, is empowering. Now, back to editing a new music video for my upcoming single, ‘Australia’, a track on my upcoming new album, ‘Free Country’. Tickets for Byron Bay album launch here: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/3uglw/free_country_album_launch__ben_mitchell.aspx

Hanging with Smoky Dawson in Tamworth. Will be back in Tamworth for the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January 2023, performing tracks from my upcoming new album, ‘Free Country’. Thanks to the Tamworth Songwriters Association I’ve got a couple of gigs at the Tamworth City Bowling Club (Thursday 19th January and Sat 21st January) and one at Oasis Hotel (Friday 20th January). Before Tamworth I’m launching Free Country on Saturday 8th October at Coorabell Hall, with special guests my eldest two daughters, Honey and Cherry and our friend Ari Manu opening up—and joining me for some singing and playing along. Family friendly night with kids free. Adults $35. Tickets from: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/3uglw/free_country_album_launch__ben_mitchell.aspx

Thanks very much to everyone letting me know how much you are enjoying my latest album, 'These Old Blues'. I really appreciate every comment. If you haven't had a listen yet here is the Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/album/3v1Jvw77wypE4hvprzmxnz?si=gwQnwGOvSTKsIwDdv_2ObA

“Every morning, every day and every night I got the 24/7 blues alright.” If you can relate to that lyric you might enjoy this video for ‘24/7 Blues’, a track from my current album, ‘These Old Blues’. Listen on Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon and Spotify (among others). https://linktr.ee/BenMitchellSong

Three strangers on a plane. A few months back I flew to Melbourne to do a gig. I was a bit apprehensive as I hadn’t flown for a while, and not since the self-suffocating trend took hold of the minds of so many travellers. Luckily I sat next to a couple of legends who were happy to chat and show their faces. We talked about deep stuff too: love, relationships, self-love, selfless-love, spirituality. We really opened up our hearts for an hour and a half or so. I thought this encounter was such a beautiful reminder of the good we often miss in the random people all around us I asked if it was okay for me to take a group selfie. They said yes, of course. And suddenly we weren’t strangers on a plane anymore. At least for a little while, we were friends.