Benjamin Clementine

North London newcomer Benjamin Clementine has announced a headline show at The Belmont, Austin on Friday, July 22 at 9:30 PM.  

Aged 27, Clementine left Edmonton - long rated one of the most deprived, crime ridden areas of London - for Paris aged just 20; there had been trouble with a flat-mate, a broken relationship, and an overwhelming urge to get away.  When his money ran out, he started sleeping rough and then busking inside the Metro at Place de Clichy station.

From there, what was born out of a need to survive, became a calling for Clementine and an experience for the thousands of Parisian commuters that saw him perform daily for nearly two years, building his voice and refining his craft, as he made enough money to move first to a hostel and then into a room of his own.

Press quotes:

“Visceral doesn’t even begin to describe Clementine’s songs, which combine the hurt and danger of Nina Simone, Antony Hegarty’s tremulous passion and Laura Mvula’s boundary-straddling music - a thrilling debut EP” - Sunday Times Culture

“’Cornerstone’ is packed with emotion: loneliness, fear and isolation – driven by relentless piano and haunting lyricism that recalls Clementine’s difficult past” – The Lines of Best Fit

“An extraordinary new musical talent. Incredible” ***** - Evening Standard (London’s Purcell Room, Dec 13)

"Memorable, powerful, emotionally honest" - Pigeons & Planes

"Sombre piano balladry that goes straight for the gut" - DIY Magazine

“The 24 year old marries the intimacy of Antony Hegarty with the passion of Aretha Franklin and the intensity of Edith Piath, delivering his introspective lyrics about integrity and vulnerability with an almost operative soul sensibility that recalls Nina Simone” - The Independent