SOMETHING NEW: SCOTLAND’S BEN LAUDER OPENS UP ON MAKING A FRESH START

INTERVIEW | BEN LAUDER by Anne Kelly

They say first impressions are everything, and for South Ayrshire’s Ben Lauder, 2026 is all about the ‘Grand Re-opening.’

While he’s been performing in various forms his entire life—making his official artist debut in 2024 supporting Katie Nicoll—Ben is currently drawing a line in the sand. With a refined focus and a sharper pen, he’s clearing the archives to make room for a new era.

We sat down with Ben to talk about his ‘delusional’ new single ‘Wedding Store,‘ the bravery of starting fresh, and why he’s finally embracing his inner critic.

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers…

Hi I’m Ben Lauder, I’m from South Ayrshire and I’ve been performing in different capacities my whole life but my first performance as an artist was in 2024 supporting my friend Katie Nicoll.

You have been teasing the release of your new single ‘Wedding Store’ , what can you tell us about it? What’s the inspiration behind the track?

Me and my friend Sarah were on a bar crawl for a friend’s birthday and ran into a guy we had met a couple of times before on nights out, we also met his friend for the first time that night. We invited them back to our flat for ‘afters’ and I thought the friend was cute, to make a long story short it became evident that he was definitely interested in Sarah and not me, we still talk about it as one of the funniest nights of our life. On paper it sounds like a tragic story but the entire thing was so hilarious and deserved to be documented in an equally funny and ridiculous song.

Does ‘Wedding Store’ feel more like a ‘happily ever after’, or is more ‘ditched at the alter’ kind of drama?

I think it sounds like a happier ever after song but the lyrics are more ditched at the altar, the lyrics are just pure delusion and being like “I know you’re not interested in me at all, but in my head, I’m planning our wedding”

Your social media presence would appear like you’re just starting out, but this isn’t the case – is it?

No, I released my first project when I was 15 and have been dropping singles here and there since then. I decided to remove my first project called ‘Inspired’ from streaming because I didn’t think it showcased my skills and I wouldn’t want it to be someone’s first impression of me. The singles I put out are still up though.

It’s a risky move to draw a clean slate in this industry, what led to the decision to re-launch your music? Why was it important to draw that line in the sand now

I finally feel confident in my ability to execute my vision and give each song the time it deserves. Drawing a line in the sand felt important because I want to build a clear world around my music, something that’s engaging but easy to step into, without overwhelming people. I hope starting somewhat fresh will give me that freedom.

When you reflect on your songwriting journey, what do you think has been the biggest part of your evolution?

Becoming more self-critical has been the biggest change. I used to write very quickly and decide a song was finished without ever questioning it. Now I obsess over whether a lyric fits just right or if a melody is good enough. It’s a double-edged sword, my songwriting has improved massively, but my productivity has definitely taken a hit because I’m a lot more detail focused. 

If you could give your 16 year old self any advice about getting into music, what would you tell him?

Stop working for free, your time and effort has value and even if it’s just a gesture or £20, it’s still important that you get paid for your work. Also start going to more gigs, you’ll meet some of your best friends.

Since we’re leaning into the ‘Wedding Store’ theme for the show on Friday, if you had to follow the tradition of Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue for your show at the Classic Grand on Friday, what are you bringing to the stage?

Something old will have to be my previously released songs, something new will be ‘Wedding Store’ and some unreleased music, something borrowed will be a couple of cover songs and maybe I’ll have to work something blue into my outfit.  

Have you anything else exciting lined up over the next couple of months?

Yeah, I have a music video coming out for ‘Wedding Store’, I filmed it with friends and Edinburgh Uni film students. It was a three day shoot and one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done. I’m so excited to see the end result, I’m just waiting for the edit ! 

Finally, if you could have written any song by another Scottish artist, what would it be and why?

I have two answers for this. One would be ‘Immaterial’ by SOPHIE, she was such a ground breaking producer and despite her passing, her influence is still being felt at all levels of the music industry. Two would be ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’ by Eurythmics, it’s such a brilliant pop song, it’s so dark and powerful sounding, that synth solo… come on !

Wedding Store is out Friday 13th February and you can pre save it now!

Ben Lauder will perform alongside Jasmin Jet, Ryan Brown, Gambit and Annie and The Jays on Friday 13th February. Tickets are on sale now!