exclusive interview by Peter Barnett

photograph by Steve Schofield

“Music’s for the soul, not a karaoke show; Watch me as I shine and fade away.”
Poignant lyrics from one of Ben Mills’ latest tracks destined for release on his forthcoming album, Freedom.
It is a cracker of a song that puts the whole media circus surrounding the television talent show genre under the musical microscope, something that Ben from Broadstairs knows more about than most, from his vantage point as a finalist on the 2006 series of The X Factor.
He said: “Don’t get me wrong, the whole TV thing was a fabulous experience and it has enabled me to become the working musician I want to be, meet respected players and develop my career how I want it, too.
“The song really looks at the whole explosion of this type of entertainment for the masses; I have come out the other side with my career how I want it and I think I am lucky.”
Before the X Factor he toured Europe for four years in the critically acclaimed Doors tribute band LA Doors. He said: “It was rock’n’ roll madness - there wasn’t much we didn’t get up to but the shows were strong and the band was great fun. It was pretty much as close to Spinal Tap as you can get. It was the happiest of times for me.”
The original members of LA Doors return to the stage at the King’s Hall in Herne Bay for a one-off show on June 6 with Nigel Feist on vocals, Ben on keyboards, Dave Hole on drums and Phil Baxter on guitar.
He said: “It will be great to do it all again for one last time - but you never know what might happen after that.”
Meanwhile Ben, who added acting in panto to his CV with a stint at Margate last Christmas, is experiencing the effects of the credit crunch with the making of Freedom.
He said: “The economic situation has affected the release date because of some problems involving the label. It is a sign of the times, but I am hopeful of getting the album out as soon as possible and talks are continuing to make this happen.”
The sneak preview that I had showed a growing maturity in his writing, a powerful vocal style, strong arrangements and great all-round playing.
Influences from his favourite musicians - including Tom Waites, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, David Bowie, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Whitesnake and Deep Purple - drive him forward as he strives to develop his own musical freedom. Now that’s a good title for an album, Ben.