Rider Essentials: Ben Ransom

Ben Ransom recently released his fourth studio album, Brave New World. The title comes from the 1931 novel by Aldous Huxley, which explores the same themes of life, love, relationships, where we're going and where we've been as the album, and features the singles Night After Night, Coming Down In Spades and Mamma Said.

Ben has traveled, toured and performed all over the globe with a style that is a blend between country, blues and pub-rock. Since 2001, he has worked with and supported top Australian and International recording artists, along with appearances at just about every major music festival around the country.

We've asked Ben to tell us the five things he always takes on the road with him for this week's Rider Essentials.

1 - Guitar and accessories

Simple, obvious and slightly boring answer I know ... but, that’s where the magic starts and with that, the potential is practically limitless! When I was living, working and travelling around Europe, as soon as I was off the plane in London I bought a new Takamine guitar. To this day, every scratch, dent and blemish tells a story - not to mention the tunes I wrote on it and the good times I had with it.

2 - Motivational CDs

I don’t mean Tony Robbins or Shia LaBoeuf’s ‘do-it’ monologue - I mean my favourite music to get me pumped and fired up before a gig and stretch the vocal chords to! That, combined with some warm up exercises, is the best recipe for getting ready to explode on to the stage and really gets you in to the zone.

3 - Ben Ransom Jerky

My new line of artisan, handmade, secret recipe, best ever, Australian made (by me) beef jerky. High in protein, low in fat and paired perfectly with a cold beer and live music. It’s also a well-loved and popular part of my merchandise store (nearly as tasty as the music!) so the punters can get a sample of what I’m talking about!

4 - Swiss Army Wife

Just like its famous utility counterpart, this version has absolutely EVERYTHING you need to survive! Beautifully designed, intelligently assembled and if she can’t troubleshoot any immediate problem, her handbag contains enough nik-naks to establish  a small city. She’s the one thing that will never ever let you down and no road trip would be the same without her. 

5 - Clothes

'Cause rock and roll sometimes ain’t pretty! You need to cover it up! I’m no stylist, so I rely on others to help and/or suggest stage outfits ... if it was up to me, I’d likely end up somewhere between KISS and Liberace. Good clothes and a good stylist are the icing on the cake for any artist when put in front of an audience. P.S. If anyone has any tips, please feel free to shout them out! 

Keep up to date with Ben Ransom on his Facebook page here.

For more of our Rider Essentials series, go here.

Image: Supplied