INTRODUCTION

Hello everyone, it’s your host Jrake, and today I have with me the incredible Ben Heyworth from Ancoats Marina. He is here to discuss an EP with a captivating aura, “Creatures.” Welcome, Ben Heyworth. Before we begin our interview, to new fans out there just hearing about him for the first time, here is what you need to know about him.

Ben Heyworth draws inspiration from his surroundings, which are a blend of urban grit and creative soul, and he channels it into music that reflects the people and places that define his Manchester roots. His songwriting is rich in narrative and emotion, combining the nostalgic hues of ’90s British indie with lush harmonies, warm organ tones, and a fresh take on folk. He calls it “urban folk”: a genre hybrid that feels both timeless and entirely his own.

After years of shaping soundscapes behind the scenes and under aliases, Ben Heyworth steps back into the spotlight with a new EP under his own name, and it feels like a homecoming. A familiar name in Manchester’s music circles, Heyworth made his mark in the early 2000s with Minorplanet, later experimenting with electronic pop as This Morning Call on Sweden’s Substream label. Now, in 2025, he re-emerges more acoustic, more introspective, and still unmistakably melodic.

Having this brief Introduction for everyone just hearing about him for the first time, I’m sure we are excited about this Interview today.

To begin with, let’s review your recent work. What is the inspiration behind “Creatures EP”?

My name is Ben Heyworth, and I am a singer-songwriter from Manchester in the UK. After a long hiatus, I have a new project, showcasing brand new material. I’m older, hopefully wiser, more acoustic and slightly less ginger, but I like to think still as melodic and soulful as ever. And for the first time, I’m releasing under my own name “Ben Heyworth”, rather than a pseudonym – I’ve previously released under the name “This Morning Call” – have a look on Spotify, there’s tons of stuff. This time I was inspired to do something completely different, much more stripped back, trying to capture the live performance rather than lean into production. These new songs tell stories about the people, places, and events that have shaped my life in Manchester UK, including the strange cornucopia of residents that live around the creative hotspot (and bakery central) Ancoats marina where I live.

This is quite a huge project for you. What does it mean to you as an individual?

It’s just so delightful and life-affirming to finally have some new music out in the world once again.

Could you describe how this release is different from your previous work and where this one belongs in the sequence of your career?

I’ve always leaned into heavily produced electronic and dance music projects previously, and with this one I wanted to do something that was organic, acoustic, and live – and in the studio, try to record live takes off the click rather than rely on the edit. I’ve never tried that before, and it was uncomfortable – and being uncomfortable as an artist is usually good. I’m there in Blueprint Studios in Salford, UK, for a couple of days surrounded by microphones and simply singing and playing and trying to give it as much emotional welly as I can. I really hope that comes across to the listener. And in terms of my career – well, this is really a professional hobby isn’t it, I wouldn’t go as far as calling it a career, if you know what I mean.

What do you wish people to get from ‘Creatures EP’?

Joy, curiosity, and intrigue

Is there a particular song other than this one, you are keen on that seems to communicate your message best and why?

“Creature Double Feature” seems to be landing well, and this is where we have a whole range of abstract and bizarre characters described that may or may not be different versions of myself or people I know, and these are the ‘creatures’ – and of course the song title references a d1950’s drive-in double bill of B-movie creature features. As Lady Gaga says, we are all little monsters in our own heads.
The degree of introspection in my songs varies like with most artists. With this EP, I’m present as myself in some of the lyrics but I’m also inhabiting characters, so the perspective in Narrowboat, for example, is the old guy sat on his barge contemplating life, love and death. Whilst I can see these guys in the Ancoats marina from my apartment, I can’t say I’ve ever lived on a boat and I’m certainly not old enough – and I absolutely don’t smoke a pipe!
I’m really enjoying just picking up the guitar and playing these songs in a very free and easy manner at the moment and I’ll be taking that into a live space over the coming weeks. After that it will be back into the studio to record the next EP, which is already written.

What are some of the difficulties you encountered and some of the highlights in ‘Creatures EP’ making process?

With this one, I had to bring my a-game into the studio for the recording sessions and there is really no where to hide when it’s mainly just you and an acoustic guitar. Very organic, very naked. It was a very different experience for me, playing naturally, not against a click track, and trying the capture the best “take” with no editing. And avoiding creaking floorboards which did cause us problems at one point. I was pleased with the results, but it could easily have been a disaster.

How do you see this project fitting in with the present stage of your life, both as an individual and an artist?

I’m quite happy enjoying my songwriting as I meander my way through middle age. I know that doesn’t sound exciting. But sometimes just picking up the guitar is an achievement. To get some songs written after a decade of creative hibernation is nothing short of miraculous.

Since you released a ‘Creatures EP’, what has the reaction of the fans been?

Well, so far so good but it’s only been a week so I guess time will tell. I think some people were quite surprised it wasn’t dance music.

How can your fans reach you and your music whether through the internet or in person?

Answer: I have a lovely website www.benheyworth.com and I welcome emails and enquiries. Of course I can also be found on all the streaming platforms and socials, and I tend to lean into Instagram the most.

What’s next for you after this release? Are there any new projects or surprises that are coming soon?

Yes, I have a lot of new material ready to go. At least two more three track EPs and maybe a standalone Single. So that will keep us going for the next two years without a doubt and I’ve some proper bangers lined up.

How do you cope with the responsibilities of being an artist while trying to have a personal life?

Being an artist is my personal life!

What is one thing that your fans do not know about you but would want to reveal?

I resemble a giant tomato especially after being in the sun for too long.

Would you like to add any concluding thoughts to your fans or new listeners hearing about you for the first time?

Thank you. And while you are here, please dive into my back catalogue as This Morning Call.

In summary

This has been an exciting discussion for us all. Thank you for this wonderful response Ben Heyworth. I believe fans and anyone out there just discovering your music for the first time are equally excited about ‘Creatures EP’.

Ben Heyworth’s EP “Creatures” is a beautifully introspective musical journey that blends quiet acoustic intimacy with experimental flair, anchored by soulful vocals and poetic storytelling. From the meditative calm of “Narrowboat” to the imaginative depth of “Creature Double Feature,” the project explores themes of life, identity, and emotion with haunting beauty and emotional clarity.

Finally, to all our fans, I urge you to listen to ‘Creatures’, add it to your playlist, and be inspired by it. On behalf of Dulaxi, I like to thank you all and hope to see you at our next Interview.