BEN WALKER REFLECTS WITH BRAND NEW SINGLE ‘SIXTEEN’

By Kyan Gilfillan

Allow me to introduce you to Ben Walker, who in my opinion, is well on his way to become Scotland’s version of Sam Fender! At just 19 years old, Ben’s music career is already going from strength to strength – but it was an interaction with Kyle Falconer that propelled Ben’s career into hyperspeed.

Starting out with playing to just 5 people, to recently supporting Kyle’s Indie-Rock band “The View” for their tour across Scotland in December, it’s clear Ben’s career is accelerating super fast! And after a highly anticipated few months and Ben’s instagram and TikTok comments being flooded with eager fans demanding the release, his latest single, “Sixteen” is finally here! But what is it that makes the song special? Let’s take a look, shall we?

BEN WALKER (KYAN GILFINNAN/NORTHERN EXPOSURE)

SIXTEEN

Following his recent single “Lost” which released earlier this year and featured on radio stations across the country, Walker really made a proper name for himself in the Scottish music scene, supporting Scotland’s sweetheart, Rianne Downey at a packed out King Tuts in Glasgow. In the song “Sixteen,” Ben thinks about his childhood, particularly a strong friendship that he desired to transcend into a romantic connection. He reminisces about the times they spent at each-others houses, the shared experiences, and contemplates the choices he made during the course of the relationship. Walker implies that his actions consistently lead this individual to seek companionship elsewhere, potentially suggesting his desire for things to remain unchanged.

Nevertheless, circumstances have significantly diverged. And as a result, the song is dominated by a raw emotion that is both heard and felt throughout the song due to Walker’s captivating vocals – which truly show that songs like these, that are clearly deep and personal to Walker, are where his expressive vocals really stick out!

Despite his cheerful demeanour, Ben isn’t afraid to broach difficult subjects in conversation or songwriting. And, while playing guitar is what brought him to where he is, he says that for a few years, a campaign of intense, violent bullying at school left him more concerned with fitting in than sticking out. This is very clear in some of his other projects, for example his 2023 single “Just a Boy”. This single talks on the essential topics of self-esteem and coping with terrible previous events, with the track’s initial inspiration dating back to his school years, of which Walker sees as a “false start” due to being tormented for half of his school career. With this in mind, it’s clear Walker is a highly-skilled songwriter, using negative moments in his life and turning them into absolute bangers that are sure to get you up off your feet!

In conclusion, “Sixteen” is a brilliantly produced song that deserves to be heard for its aural sophistication. Walker’s folky earworm tune, featuring catchy hooks, a driving beat, and an irresistible bridge, comfortably displays influences from the likes of Jake Bugg, while continuing to demonstrate that he has a deep understanding of the authenticity that is required to create a memorable and flourishing sound. The mix of the drums and the guitar generates suspense in the lead-up to the pre-chorus build, and it is this combination that grabs the listener before the ecstatic explosion of the chorus. A great release, and one that I absolutely love, coming from an artist who has an infinite amount of potential and someone I personally cannot wait to watch flourish in the industry!

WORDS & PHOTOS BY KYAN GILFINNAN (KGSHOOTS)