D E S C R I P T I O N

I am a Yorkshire-based sonic artist, composer, performer, and improvisor. I studied at the RNCM, Manchester Metropolitan University, and the University of Sheffield where I was awarded a PhD. I have been nominated for a British Composer Award, an Ivor Novello, and I am a professor at Leeds Conservatoire.

I have performed at jazz festivals (as part of Jazz North northern line), contemporary music festivals (including HCMF), and venues across the UK. I have performed at Andrew Lloyd Webber's house (with the composer in attendance), in castles, at comedy festivals (including the Edinburgh Fringe), and probably other places I've now forgotten. My performance of Jacob Thompson-Bell's piano music was broadcast on BBC Radio 3, and I regularly play with the Sheffield-based experimental post-minimalist ensemble, Emergence Collective.

I am now promoting myself as a solo performer, building on work I developed on the Manchester Jazz Festival hothouse scheme. It also incorporates what I learned whilst studying Bouffon (clowning) at École Philippe Gaulier in 2024.

My solo set features fixed electronic backing tracks (created by me), which accompany my live performance/improvisation. These backing tracks are extremely sophisticated (using cutting-edge software), and are mixed/mastered to sound great on PA systems, regardless of the size of the venue.

My main instrument is the melodica, and my improvisations draw from contemporary classical, free improvisation, and jazz traditions. I make music about where I live (Leeds/Yorkshire) and my experiences, exclusively using sounds I record myself. Audiences can expect a gig that combines high levels of artistry with a unique sense of humour. My music is full of contradictions; beautiful and bombastic, refined and rambunctious, serious and silly.

• Quick setup (I use very little equipment, I am easy to soundcheck, and perfect for festivals and support slots)
• Expansive but not expensive (with my fixed electronics I create a big sound, but because I am just one person, my fees are budget-friendly)
• Flexible duration (I can construct bespoke sets of almost any duration)
• Suitable for all (my music contains no swearing, is free from offensive content, and can be enjoyed by both adults and children)
• Professionally talkative (as a professor, I am very comfortable speaking in public, I am happy to introduce my music, interact with the audience etc.)
• Adaptable (my music can be bizarre and hectic or chilled and relaxing, as demonstrated by the two tracks below; I can construct a set specific to the vibe/atmosphere you desire)

R E V I E W S

"heartfelt" "lively" "finely etched"

(Musical Opinion)

"almost cartoonish" "bold, clear-headed and original"

(BBC Music Magazine)

"That makes me feel weird..."

(Gayle Lofthouse, BBC Leeds, when listening to my melodica playing)

S P E C S

I will bring:

My laptop (with the fixed electronic backing track file)

An interface (to connect to your DIs) 

Melodica and other instruments (depending upon the agreed-upon set)

 I can bring:

A microphone (I can bring an SM-57 for live performance, but venues tend to provide their own equivalent or better)

I can provide:

Fixed electronic backing track files in advance (some venues prefer to have the backing tracks loaded on to their laptops; something I am perfectly happy with)

I will need:

DIs and cables (or we can use the 3.5mm jack out on my laptop)

A microphone (if you would rather I use your house microphone)

PA system

Additionally:

If you have a piano, a Nord, or similar I can easily incorporate this into my set if you'd like (as my music is improvisational in nature).

If monitors are provided, I like the monitoring to be identical to the sound the audience will hear (same balance between electronics and melodica).

I am very flexible and adaptable. If you want me to be joined by acrobats, dancers, clowns etc. then I will probably say yes. If you want me to accompany film or theatre, I will probably say yes. I have performed my music alongside other improvisers; if you want to book me as part of a festival, many of my pieces are suitable for many, many improvisers playing simultaneously, so I will probably say yes. I am very friendly, easy to work with, and love collaborating, so do not hesitate to email me at ben@bengaunt.com or gauntcomposer@gmail.com if you would like to chat!