Ben Rogers: A Changed Man
The Americana-accented BC singer/songwriter teases an upcoming album with this powerful track. It addresses the theme of domestic abuse, and his haunting vocals are complemented by Dallas Green's tastefully spare production.
By Kerry Doole
Ben Rogers - “A Changed Man” (Still Records): Look for this Americana-accented BC-based singer/songwriter to make a splash in 2019. He is readying a new album to be released (date TBA) on Still Records, a new imprint from Dallas Green (aka City and Colour).
The label link makes sense in that Rogers has a vocal approach steeped in melancholy, similar to Green, who also takes on the role of album producer.
This advance single from the album also demonstrates his songwriting prowess, as it is a powerful narrative on the subject of domestic abuse.
In a label press release, Rogers explains that "A Changed Man" is “loosely based on a true story. But, the more I wrote, the more I realized that it is based on many true stories. Far too many. Domestic violence is endemic, and I dedicate it to the victims and survivors of abuse.”
“A Changed Man” is the first song Rogers wrote for his upcoming album. “It opened up a different aspect of my voice that I hadn’t previously been in touch with,” he says. “In a way, it felt like the first time I’d ever actually sung in my life. It was the beginning of my rebirth as a songwriter and performer.”
His haunting vocals are framed in a sparse well-constructed arrangement, while the lyrics pack a punch. Sample: "It takes a bullet to get it through their head." Impressive stuff.
Rogers has two earlier well-received albums to his name, 2015’s The Bloodred Yonder and 2013’s Lost Stories: Volume One.
From March 18-27, Rogers supports Bahamas on eight Ontario shows.
Links
Publicity: Ken Beattie, Killbeat
Mike BilcoxJordan Letkemann (London, Ontario)
Not By Choice in Japan.Daisuke Ihorihara (Hiroshima, Japan)