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Ben Watt
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Ben Watt
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Key Information

Benjamin Brian Thomas Watt (born 6 December 1962) is a British musician, singer, songwriter, author, DJ, and radio presenter, best known as a member of the duo Everything but the Girl.[1]

Early life

[edit]

Watt was born in Marylebone, London, and grew up in Barnes, the son of Scottish jazz bandleader and arranger Tommy Watt and Welsh showbusiness writer Romany Bain.[2] He has four older half-brothers and half-sisters.[1][3]

Recording artist

[edit]
Main article: Everything but the Girl

Watt began recording in 1981 on the indie label Cherry Red. His first single 'Cant' was produced by folk-maverick Kevin Coyne and featured Richard Allen on viola and tambourine. His second release, 1982's 5-track EP Summer into Winter featured Robert Wyatt on backing vocals and piano.[4] His debut album North Marine Drive was released in 1983 and reached UK Independent Album Charts Top 10. He then put his solo career on hold and joined forces with vocalist Tracey Thorn, with whom he wrote and recorded for 17 years—together they created nine studio albums as Everything but the Girl (EBTG) after signing to Blanco Y Negro through Warners in 1984, and then Virgin in 1995. EBTG have received eight gold, and one platinum album BPI Certifications in the UK, and one gold album RIAA Certification in the US.[5] The song Missing reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1996.

Watt with Tracey Thorn in the late 1990s

Following EBTG's self-imposed hiatus in 2000, Watt immersed himself in the world of underground electronic music both as a DJ and recording artist/producer. His recorded output during this period includes club tracks such as Lone Cat (Holding On), A Stronger Man featuring Sananda Maitreya (formerly known as Terence Trent D'Arby), the Outspoken EP Part 1 including Pop A Cap in Yo' Ass featuring Estelle, Just a Blip and Guinea Pig.[6]

In 2014 Watt returned to his folk-jazz roots and released Hendra, his first solo album since 1983, the content of which was recorded with a new band including Bernard Butler, formerly of the band Suede—Watt explained that he knew that Butler would be the "perfect counterpoint to bring some darkness to the light."[7] Watt also worked with Berlin-based producer Ewan Pearson, and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd. The album was released on a new record label, Unmade Road, founded by Watt in 2014.[8][9] Watt completed over sixty live shows in support of Hendra including tours of UK, North America, Japan and Australia. The album won the 'Best 'Difficult' Second Album' category at the AIM Independent Music Awards 2014.[10] It was included at No 27 in Uncut's Top 75 Albums of 2014.[11] Rolling Stone (Germany) made it number two in its list of the best albums of 2014.[12] Japan's Music Magazine made it their No 3 best album of 2014.[13]

April 2016 saw the release of his third solo album Fever Dream. Self-produced at RAK Studios in London, it continued his relationship with Bernard Butler, and added guest cameos from MC Taylor of North Carolina folk-rock band, Hiss Golden Messenger, and Boston singer-songwriter Marissa Nadler. It received a 9/10 review in Uncut magazine.[14] In a four-star review, The Guardian said: "In his early 50s, he is making some of the best music of his career."[15]

In late 2022, Watt and Thorn announced a new Everything But The Girl album. [16] Fuse, released in April 2023, was the first EBTG album released in 24 years.

Writer

[edit]

Watt's first memoir, Patient – The True Story of a Rare Illness (Penguin, 1996), describes his life-changing ordeal with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a rare life-threatening autoimmune disease with which he was diagnosed and hospitalized in 1992, on the eve of a North American tour with Everything But The Girl. "An astonishingly assured anatomy of his ordeal, by turns terrifying, mordantly funny and intensely moving. Many people suffer the pain and indignities of intensive medical treatment; but few have written about it with quite such alarming vividness or clarity", wrote Mick Bown in The Daily Telegraph.[17] The book was listed as a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, a Sunday Times Book of the Year chosen by William Boyd and a Village Voice Literary Supplement Favorite Book of the Year, and was also a finalist for the Esquire-Waterstones Best Non-Fiction Award in the UK.[18]

His second memoir, Romany and Tom—a portrait of his parents' lives and marriage—was published by Bloomsbury in February 2014.[19] "Neither sentimental nor savage, yet often wise, moving and entertaining within the same paragraph, Romany and Tom is a major achievement to rival any of Watt's recordings", said The Guardian.[20] "Watt captures what real life feels like, and he captures it with breathtaking clarity, beauty, and precision", said the Los Angeles Review of Books.[21] In September 2014 it was long-listed for the Samuel Johnson Prize 2014.[22]

DJ, remixer, label owner

[edit]
Watt performing in 2009

Lazy Dog (1998–2003)

[edit]

In 1998 Watt established the London deep house Sunday club night and compilation series Lazy Dog with Jay Hannan. The club night – where both Watt and Hannan DJ'd in a tag-team style – was hosted twice-monthly at the Notting Hill Arts Club in west London, and later every two months at The End in central London. Success led to appearances at the Miami Winter Music Conference and several tours of the United States.[23] Watt produced a string of dance remixes for Sade, Sunshine Anderson, Zero 7, Maxwell, Meshell Ndegeocello and Sandy Rivera. Lazy Dog ended on 16 May 2003 with a farewell closing party at The End in central London. Two mix compilations – Lazy Dog Vol. 1[24] and Lazy Dog Vol. 2[25] were released by Virgin Records in 2000 and 2001 respectively.

Neighbourhood and Cherry Jam (2002–2005)

[edit]

For three years between 2002 and 2005, Watt was a co-owner/founder of the West London nightclubs Neighbourhood and Cherry Jam.[26] Under Watt's creative direction Cherry Jam hosted underground club nights, art exhibitions, the inaugural events for the long-running spoken word night Book Slam[27] and The Libertines' official debut show.[28][29] At Neighbourhood, Watt brought in artists such as Groove Armada and many international DJs to perform at his own in-house club nights. Watt also hosted the 25th Anniversary of the Rough Trade Records music label[30] and the inaugural House Music Awards ceremony.[31]

Buzzin' Fly Records (2003–present)

[edit]

In April 2003, Watt launched his own independent deep house and techno record label Buzzin' Fly Records (named after the Tim Buckley song). The label proceeded to foster the careers of young and emerging producers/DJs such as Justin Martin,[32] Mademoiselle Caro & Franck Garcia,[33] and Rodamaal.[34] The label hosted Watt's own club productions as well as work from remixers such as Ame, Radio Slave, Charles Webster and John Tejada. Between 2003 and 2007 Watt also compiled and mixed four compilation albums, Buzzin' Fly Volumes 1–4, mixing tracks from the label with tracks from other artists.

Buzzin' Fly won Best Breakthrough Label at the House Music Awards in 2004,[31] and was awarded the Runner-up Best British Label by the DJ Magazine Awards in both 2007 and 2008.[35] In April 2013, on the label's tenth anniversary, Watt announced he was scaling back the label's activities to focus more fully on his own creative work.[36]

After a period of relative inactivity in 2017 Buzzin' Fly took control of the majority of the Everything But The Girl back catalogue, previously held by Warner Music. The transfer of rights was the result of Warner Music's obligation to release assets into the independent sector as part of the conditions surrounding its acquisition of EMI assets from Universal Music. A licensing deal with Chrysalis Records was simultaneously arranged for the shared curation of the catalogue.[37] A new Buzzin' Fly website was launched the same year presenting a new home for all three labels within the Buzzin' Fly group – Buzzin' Fly, Strange Feeling and Unmade Road.[38]

DJ

[edit]

After several years of mostly London residencies, Watt performed as a DJ on the festival circuit in 2005, appearing at the Good Vibrations Festival in Australia, Homelands[39] and Lovebox in the UK, Coachella in the US,[40] and Ireland's Electric Picnic. In 2008 he opened the Sonar Festival in Barcelona,[41] appeared at the Exit Festival the same year and was a resident DJ from 2007 to 2009 at We Love Sundays on the Space Terrace in Ibiza. Giant Step promoted his three-year residency at Cielo in New York, and he played on the main stage at the inaugural Electric Zoo Festival on New York City's Randall's Island in 2009.[42] He was nominated four years running (2008–2011) as Best Deep House DJ at the global DJ Awards held in Ibiza, and for Outstanding Contribution to Dance Music at the DJ Magazine Best of British Awards 2009.[43]

Strange Feeling Records (2007–present)

[edit]

Building upon the foundation of Buzzin' Fly, Watt launched Strange Feeling Records in 2007 as a sister label that would release alternative/indie music. The critically acclaimed Copenhagen band Figurines and the Hungarian trio The Unbending Trees were early signings of Strange Feeling. The label globally released and distributed the third solo album Love and Its Opposite by Watt's wife Tracey Thorn on 17 May 2010; the album was the label's fifth release.[44] This was followed by her alternative Christmas album, Tinsel and Lights, in 2012.[45] 2015 saw the release of Thorn's original soundtrack to The Falling – the debut feature film by British film director Carol Morley.

Unmade Road (2014–present)

[edit]

In 2014, Watt launched Unmade Road, a new label and production company to act as a vehicle for his return to recording and touring as a singer-songwriter. He secured a licensing deal for the label with Caroline International. The label released Watt's albums Hendra in 2014 and Fever Dream in 2016.

Radio presenter

[edit]

In 2006, Watt launched the online Buzzin' Fly radio show to showcase upcoming music from the label, new releases and guest mixes. It was re-broadcast on the Galaxy Network[46] and Kiss. In 2009, after more than 150 editions, Watt presented his last show and accepted an invitation to move to the BBC Radio 6 Music's flagship electronic radio show as a resident DJ on the 6 Mix; this show was cancelled in 2014.[47]

Personal life

[edit]

Watt lives with his spouse and creative partner Tracey Thorn in Hampstead, north London. They met at Hull University in 1981; after 27 years together, they married in 2009 at the Chelsea Register Office.[48][49] They have three children.[50]

In 1992, Watt was diagnosed with Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), an extremely rare and potentially deadly autoimmune condition.[51] He eventually had 5 m (15 ft) of necrotized small intestine removed (about 75%), leaving him on a permanently restricted diet. He later wrote the memoir Patient about his experiences with the disease and recovery.[51]

Watt is part of an environmental advocacy group that advocates for cleanup and care of the Welsh Harp reservoir. He launched the group Cool Oak as part of his advocacy. [52]

Discography

[edit]
See also: Everything but the Girl discography

Albums

[edit]

Singles and EPs

[edit]
  • Cant (June 1981, Cherry Red)
  • Summer into Winter EP with Robert Wyatt (March 1982, Cherry Red)
  • Some Things Don't Matter (February 1983, Cherry Red)
  • Lone Cat (Holding On) (April 2003, Buzzin' Fly)
  • Buzzin' Fly Vol 1 EP includes A Stronger Man with Sananda Maitreya (January 2004, Buzzin' Fly)
  • Outspoken Part 1 includes Pop a Cap in Yo' Ass with Estelle and Attack, Attack, Attack with Baby Blak (January 2005, Buzzin' Fly)
  • Buzzin' Fly Vol 2 EP includes Lone Cat (Holding On) (Justin Martin Remix) and Pop a Cap in Yo Ass (Dubstrumental) by Ben Watt with Estelle (April 2005, Buzzin' Fly)
  • We Are Silver EP includes Old Soul with Baby Blak, and Lone Cat (Dennis Ferrer & Steve Martinez Special Re-Rub) (April 2007, Buzzin' Fly)
  • Buzzin' Fly Vol 4 EP includes Just a Blip (June 2007, Buzzin' Fly)
  • Guinea Pig (October 2008, Buzzin' Fly)
  • Bright Star by Stimming, Ben Watt & Julia Biel (Feb 2010, Buzzin' Fly)
  • Forget (includes acoustic version of The Levels recorded with David Gilmour). (July 2014, Unmade Road)
  • Golden Ratio EP (remixes by Charles Webster/Ewan Pearson) (Dec 2014, Buzzin' Fly)
  • Gradually (Jan 2016, Unmade Road)
  • Between Two Fires (Feb 2016, Unmade Road)
  • Storm Shelter EP (April 2021, Unmade Road)

Compilations mixed by Ben Watt

[edit]
  • Lazy Dog Vol. 1 with Jay Hannan (October 2000, Virgin)
  • Back to Mine with Tracey Thorn as Everything but the Girl (May 2001, DMC)
  • Lazy Dog Vol. 2 with Jay Hannan (March 2002, Virgin)
  • Buzzin' Fly Vol 1: Replenishing Music for the Modern Soul (March 2004, Buzzin' Fly)
  • Buzzin' Fly Vol 2: Replenishing Music for the Modern Soul (April 2005, Buzzin' Fly)
  • InTheMix 2006 (Australian release; 2 CDs; one compiled and mixed by Ben Watt, one by Ivan Gough) (November 2006, inthemix.com.au)
  • Buzzin' Fly Vol 3 (June 2006, Buzzin' Fly)
  • Buzzin' Fly Vol 4 (May 2007, Buzzin' Fly)
  • Buzzin' Fly – 5 Golden Years in the Wilderness (Compiled and unmixed by Ben Watt) (June 2008, Buzzin' Fly)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ben Watt

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Benjamin Brian Thomas Watt (born 6 December 1962) is a British musician, singer-songwriter, record producer, DJ, and author, best known as one half of the electronic-tinged pop duo Everything but the Girl alongside Tracey Thorn.
Born in London to jazz pianist and bandleader Tommy Watt and actress-turned-journalist Romany Bain, Watt began his career as a folk-influenced solo artist, releasing his debut EP Summer into Winter in 1982 and the album North Marine Drive in 1983, which reached number 9 on the UK Independent Albums Chart. In 1983, he formed Everything but the Girl, with whom he co-wrote and produced nine studio albums between 1984 and 1999, achieving commercial success including twelve UK Top 40 singles—four of which reached the Top 10—and seven UK Top 20 albums, highlighted by the global hit "Missing" (UK No. 3, US Billboard Hot 100 No. 2 in 1995) and the platinum-certified Walking Wounded (1996), for which Watt received a nomination for Producer of the Year at the Q Awards.
In 1992, during preparations for an Everything but the Girl world tour, Watt suffered a life-threatening bout of Churg-Strauss syndrome, a rare autoimmune vasculitis, requiring months of hospitalization and detailed in his critically acclaimed memoir Patient: The True Story of a Rare Illness (1996). Following the duo's hiatus in 2000, Watt pivoted to electronic music, founding the labels Buzzin' Fly Records (2003), Strange Feeling (2007), and Unmade Road, while establishing himself as a DJ with nominations at the DJ Awards (2008–2011) and a residency on BBC Radio 6 Music's 6 Mix (2011–2014); he also produced for artists including Beth Orton and remixed tracks for Sade and Maxwell. Watt resumed solo recording with Hendra (2014), winner of the AIM Independent Music Awards' Best Second Album, followed by Fever Dream (2016) and Storm Damage (2020). In 2023, Everything but the Girl reunited for their eleventh studio album Fuse, which debuted at No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart. Watt later published Romany and Tom (2014), a biographical account of his parents' lives.

Early life

Family background and upbringing

Ben Watt was born on 6 December 1962 in , , to Tommy Watt, a working-class Glaswegian , arranger, and who achieved prominence in 's 1950s entertainment scene, and Romany Bain, a middle-class actress trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art who performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company before transitioning to and showbusiness writing. His parents, both previously divorced, met at a party in 1957 and began a five-year affair complicated by their prior commitments; they married in October 1962, six weeks before Watt's birth, making him their only child together. Watt grew up in Barnes, southwest , alongside four older half-siblings from his mother's first , in a household shaped by his parents' contrasting backgrounds and careers in music and the arts. The family dynamic was intense and volatile, characterized by frequent arguments, reconciliations, and alcohol use, with Watt later describing his parents as "huge characters" and "big forest creatures" whose passionate interactions alternated between conflict and affection. His father's socialist leanings and playing fostered early musical exposure, including bonding over records and football, while his mother's showbusiness connections immersed the home in industry influences. At age nine, Watt began playing guitar, drawing initial inspiration from this creative environment.

Musical career

Formation of Everything But the Girl and early recordings

Ben Watt and formed the musical duo in 1982 after meeting as 19-year-old students at the in . had previously fronted the post-punk band from 1980 to 1983, while Watt had released experimental solo folk-jazz recordings. The duo's name derived from a Hull shop sign reading "," reflecting local cultural observations. Initially drawing from , , and influences, Watt handled guitar, keyboards, and production elements, complementing Thorn's songwriting and vocals. They signed with the independent label , a Warner Music , enabling their shift from indie roots to polished recordings. Their debut single, "Each and Every One," was released in late , showcasing Thorn's introspective lyrics over understated instrumentation. The band's first album, Eden, was recorded in September 1983 and released on June 4, 1984, produced by Robin Millar. Featuring a mix of original compositions and covers like "Funny How Love Is" from , the 10-track LP emphasized acoustic textures, elements, and subtle pop arrangements, peaking at number 14 on the Indie Chart. A revised version, titled Everything But the Girl, followed later in 1984 for international markets, incorporating additional tracks such as "Mine." Subsequent early releases included the 1985 album Love Not Money, which expanded on literate, jazz-inflected pop with tracks addressing emotional and social themes, and 1986's Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, incorporating more rhythmic and adventurous production. These works established the duo's reputation for blending literary sophistication with accessible melodies, though commercial success remained modest in their initial phase.

Solo albums and mid-career work

Ben Watt released his debut solo album, North Marine Drive, in February 1983 on . The record, encompassing and contemporary folk genres, included saxophone contributions from Peter King. It peaked at number 9 on the UK Independent Albums Chart. The album also featured a cover of Bob Dylan's "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go" and later reissues incorporated bonus tracks. Following the 1992 health crisis that nearly proved fatal and subsequent focus on Everything But the Girl's electronic pivot with albums like (1996), Watt shifted toward production and remixing in the late 1990s. He produced several tracks for Beth Orton's Central Reservation (1999) and mixed her follow-up Daybreaker (2002). Watt resumed solo songwriting and recording in the 2010s, releasing Hendra on April 15, 2014, via his Unmade Road label, distributed by Caroline International. The album featured guitar work from and a guest appearance by on "Levels," blending folk, jazz, and rock elements. It earned the Best Second Album award at the 2014 AIM Independent Music Awards. In April 2016, Watt issued Fever Dream, continuing themes of personal rumination with contributions from Marissa Nadler on backing vocals and M.C. Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger. The album incorporated open-tuned folk-jazz arrangements and distorted rock influences, earning a 9/10 rating from Uncut magazine. Watt's fourth solo album, Storm Damage, arrived on January 31, 2020, performed by a trio featuring piano, bass, and drums. The record explored anxiety and change through sonically adventurous compositions, receiving 9/10 from Uncut and praise from The Sunday Times for its coherence across genres.

Transition to DJing, remixing, and electronic production

Following the electronic reinvention of Everything But the Girl's sound on albums such as Walking Wounded (1996) and Temperamental (1999), which Watt co-produced with an emphasis on house and drum-and-bass influences, he expanded into independent remixing and electronic production. In 1999, Watt produced two tracks for Beth Orton's album Central Reservation, marking his entry into external electronic production work. He followed this with remixes including Sade's "By Your Side" (Ben Watt Lazy Dog Remix, 2000), Maxwell's "Lifetime" (Ben Watt Lazy Dog Extended Remix, 2001), Sunshine Anderson's material, and Meshell Ndegeocello's tracks, focusing on deep house interpretations that gained club play. Watt's shift to DJing commenced in 1998 when he co-founded the Lazy Dog deep house party series with Jay Hannan, hosting events at venues like Arts Club and The End in , accompanied by U.S. tours and two mix compilations released on Virgin/ between 1998 and 2003. This period solidified his transition from band production to solo electronic performance, blending his production skills with live sets emphasizing and electronic grooves. In 2002, he mixed Beth Orton's Daybreaker, further honing his electronic aesthetic through layered, atmospheric arrangements. The establishment of Buzzin' Fly Records in 2003 represented a pivotal entrepreneurial step in Watt's electronic career, with the label specializing in deep house and techno releases such as "Lone Cat (Holding On)" and Estelle's "Pop A Cap in Yo Ass" (2005). Watt compiled five Buzzin' Fly mix albums from 2004 to 2008, including Buzzin' Fly Volume One (2004), which showcased his curatorial eye for club-oriented electronic music. The label earned accolades, including Best Breakthrough Label at the 2003 House Music Awards, underscoring Watt's growing influence in electronic scenes. By 2005, his DJ work extended to major festivals like Coachella and Homelands, transitioning from underground parties to international electronic circuits.

Record labels and entrepreneurial ventures

In 2003, Ben Watt founded Buzzin' Fly Records, an independent label specializing in and music, named after a track by Tim Maas. The label operated actively for a decade until 2013, releasing electronic music and hosting associated club nights and events. Watt also compiled and mixed five volumes of Buzzin' Fly series between 2004 and 2008, featuring tracks from artists such as St Germain, , and . In 2006, Watt established Strange Feeling Records as a sister indie imprint to Buzzin' Fly, focusing on alternative pop and emerging artists. The label signed acts including Danish band Figurines, whose debut single "Silver Ponds" featured a by Watt and marked their introduction in early 2007. Strange Feeling emphasized deconstructed and experimental sounds, aligning with Watt's production interests beyond house genres. In 2014, Watt launched Unmade Road, a and dedicated to his solo work, facilitating releases like the Hendra. This venture supported his transition back to acoustic and narrative-driven music, distinct from the electronic focus of his earlier labels.

Writing career

Key publications and themes

Ben Watt's primary publications are two memoirs that draw on personal and familial experiences. His debut book, Patient: The True Story of a Rare Illness, published in 1997, recounts his 1992 hospitalization for Churg-Strauss syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that nearly proved fatal and required surgical interventions to remove infected tissue from his intestines. The narrative interweaves his medical ordeal with reflections on childhood, family dynamics, and his relationship with partner , blending clinical details with and humor to critique aspects of the healthcare system. Themes include the vulnerability of hood, the limits of medical expertise in diagnosing obscure conditions, and the psychological toll of prolonged uncertainty, emphasizing resilience amid institutional inefficiencies. In 2014, Watt released Romany and Tom: A Memoir, a biographical account of his parents—mother Romany Bain, a romantic novelist of Scottish-Romany descent, and father Tommy Watt, a Glaswegian bandleader and active in the mid-20th-century British music scene. Drawing from family letters, photographs, and archives, the book traces their bohemian lives, marriage, professional peaks, and later declines marked by alcoholism, depression, and mortality. Central themes encompass intergenerational legacies, the interplay of creativity and personal dysfunction in artistic families, and the of reconciling parental ideals with their human frailties, culminating in meditations on forgiveness and inheritance. The work was longlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction. Watt's writings consistently explore autobiographical introspection, prioritizing raw encounters with adversity over , and have been noted for their literary craftsmanship in rendering intimate histories accessible to broader audiences.

Radio broadcasting

BBC Radio shows and style

Ben Watt served as a on BBC Radio 6 Music's 6 Mix, the station's flagship program for electronic music, from 2009 until the show's discontinuation in 2014. In this role, he curated two-hour broadcasts that delved into and electronic genres, drawing on his expertise as a and founder. Episodes typically featured seamless blends of tracks spanning decades, prioritizing groove and emotional depth over high-energy peaks. Watt's 6 Mix style emphasized dance music, alt-electronic pop, , and rediscovered classics from his personal record collection, often incorporating finds from international DJ residencies. He balanced historical influences—such as foundational recordings—with contemporary electronic productions, fostering a narrative arc that highlighted evolution within the genres. This approach reflected a curatorial mindset rooted in his Buzzin' Fly label's focus on independent electronic releases, avoiding mainstream trends in favor of textured, introspective selections. In 2023, Watt co-hosted an eight-week residency on BBC Radio 6 Music's Lose Yourself with... alongside of , presenting mellow, transportive mixtapes tailored for late-night listening. These shows shifted toward chilled electronic and ambient-leaning tracks, with spoken introductions providing context for selections like works by and , maintaining Watt's signature blend of accessibility and discovery. The format underscored a relaxed, reflective style suited to introspective audiences, contrasting the more club-oriented energy of his earlier 6 Mix outings while preserving an eclectic electronic core.

Personal life and challenges

Relationship with Tracey Thorn and family

Ben Watt and met in 1981 at the , where Watt arranged for Thorn to be paged over the student union's system on their first day of term. Watt had previously seen Thorn perform with her band the Marine Girls. Initially friends bonded over shared interests in music and film, they formed the duo in 1982 while still students. Their romantic relationship developed shortly thereafter, though they did not publicize it during the band's early years. Watt and Thorn have maintained a partnership spanning over four decades, residing together in North London since their university days. After 28 years together, they married in 2009. The couple has three children: twin daughters Jean and Alfie, born in 1998, and son Blake, born in 2001. They balanced parenting duties with their careers, alternating responsibilities to support individual solo projects. Blake has pursued music, releasing work under the moniker Family Stereo.

1992 health crisis and recovery

In early January 1992, Ben Watt began experiencing symptoms including worsening asthma attacks, severe stomach pains, and chest discomfort, which intensified over the following months. By summer 1992, on the eve of a planned U.S. tour with Everything but the Girl, his condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to hospitalization in London where he was diagnosed with Churg-Strauss syndrome (also known as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis), a rare and potentially fatal autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation of blood vessels, eosinophil overproduction, and multi-organ involvement. Watt's treatment involved prolonged intensive care, multiple surgeries to remove infected portions of his —including most of his —and management of life-threatening complications such as and organ failure; he lost significant body weight, temporarily lost his voice, and remained hospitalized for approximately two and a half months. The disease's rarity initially baffled physicians, requiring trial-and-error approaches with immunosuppressive drugs like and steroids to halt vascular inflammation and eosinophil-driven damage. Recovery was gradual and incomplete, with Watt regaining sufficient health by late 1993 to resume limited musical activities, though he continues to manage condition through ongoing medication and monitoring to prevent relapses. In 1997, he documented the ordeal in his memoir : The True Story of a Rare Illness, which details the physical toll, psychological strain, and systemic challenges within the UK's during his treatment. The experience profoundly influenced his perspective on vulnerability and resilience, prompting a shift toward introspective work while halting Everything but the Girl's touring for over a year.

Local environmental activism

In 2021, Watt founded Cool Oak, an environmental pressure group focused on the preservation and restoration of the , also known as the Welsh Harp, a 400-acre in northwest where he resides. The initiative aims to address long-term neglect, including from discharges, degradation of marshlands, and inadequate flood defenses, by advocating for cleaner water, habitat restoration, and enhanced . Cool Oak operates as an alliance of local residents, birdwatchers, and environmentalists, pressuring authorities such as Brent Council and the for actionable reforms. Watt has publicly highlighted the reservoir's role as a vital urban , supporting species like and bitterns, while criticizing regulatory failures that exacerbate issues such as algal blooms and proliferation. In January 2022, he formally launched the group to counter perceived inaction, emphasizing community-led monitoring and policy advocacy over top-down interventions. Watt documents the campaign through monthly diaries published in Caught by the River, detailing fieldwork, negotiations with local government, and ecological observations, such as water quality tests revealing persistent E. coli contamination from upstream sources. These efforts have garnered media attention, including a 2021 Guardian feature where Watt discussed integrating activism with his music career amid the COVID-19 lockdowns, underscoring the reservoir's mental health benefits for urban dwellers. As of 2023, Cool Oak continues to push for wetland revival commitments from figures like Labour's Steve Reed, though measurable outcomes remain limited by bureaucratic delays.

Reception and legacy

Critical assessments

Ben Watt's solo music has been praised for its introspective lyricism and acoustic craftsmanship, often drawing comparisons to his early influences in British folk traditions while evolving through personal adversity. Critics have highlighted the maturity in his songwriting, particularly in albums released after a long hiatus from solo work, noting a return to rootsy instrumentation that contrasts with his electronic productions in . North Marine Drive (1983), his debut, received acclaim for its sparse, melancholic beauty and guitar-driven simplicity, with reviewers describing it as timeless and emotionally resonant despite modest commercial success. Subsequent releases marked a critical resurgence, with Hendra (2014) lauded for its emotional depth and superb songwriting, blending alt-folk elements with a strong sense of place and personal reflection on aging and loss; outlets like The Guardian and Uncut commended its decorous quality and confidence. Fever Dream (2016) continued this trajectory, earning praise from Pitchfork for Watt's exploration of live instrumentation and keen-eyed observations on human frailty, though some noted its contemplative pace as occasionally restrained. Storm Damage (2020) was similarly well-received, with PopMatters and NARC Magazine highlighting its intimate energy, genre-crossing precision, and unflinching lyrics on mortality, anxiety, and middle-aged disillusionment, positioning it as a mature peak in Watt's solo output. Watt's DJ and production work, including mixes and his Buzzin' Fly label, has been respected within electronic music circles for its eclectic curation and influence on and scenes, though critical analysis often frames it as a complementary rather than defining facet of his career, emphasizing over solo acclaim. His memoir (1996), detailing his near-fatal 1992 illness from Churg-Strauss syndrome, garnered strong reviews for its candid, unsentimental prose and absence of self-pity, earning designation as a New York Times Notable Book and praise from for transforming medical horror into a compelling of and dynamics. Later writings, such as Romany and Tom (2014), were noted by for their raw emotional complexity in exploring parental legacies. Overall, assessments underscore Watt's versatility and authenticity, with critics attributing his enduring appeal to first-hand experiences informing a realist lens on life's contingencies, free from overt sentimentality.

Commercial impact and influence

Ben Watt's contributions to Everything But the Girl (EBTG) significantly drove the duo's commercial success, particularly through his roles in production, songwriting, and musical direction. The 1994 album , co-produced by Watt, sold over one million copies worldwide, bolstered by the house remix of "Missing" which became a global number-one single and achieved multi-platinum status across multiple territories. Similarly, the 1996 album , for which Watt received a nomination for Best Producer at the Q Awards, also exceeded one million in sales, peaking at number four on the and featuring electronic influences that Watt championed in the duo's shift from to house. EBTG's overall discography under Watt's involvement garnered substantial certifications, including one UK platinum album and six UK gold albums, reflecting sustained commercial viability over nine studio releases from 1984 to 1999. The duo's 2023 reunion Fuse, co-produced by Watt, debuted at number three on the , marking their highest charting release and demonstrating enduring market appeal amid renewed interest in electronic pop. Watt's solo career, while more niche, extended his commercial footprint into electronic music via DJing and label ownership. After EBTG's hiatus, he founded Buzzin' Fly Records in 2003, releasing underground house tracks that sustained a dedicated following without mainstream blockbuster sales, emphasizing quality over volume in a post-rave electronic scene. His influence lies in bridging EBTG's pop accessibility with club culture, inspiring subsequent artists in and by integrating organic songcraft with electronic production techniques, as seen in his residencies on 6 Music's electronic-focused shows from 2011 to 2014. Solo albums like Hendra (2014) and Fever Dream (2016) received critical attention but prioritized artistic evolution over chart dominance, aligning with Watt's pivot to introspective folk-electronica hybrids.

Discography

Solo studio albums

Ben Watt has released four solo studio albums, spanning from his early indie folk beginnings to later introspective singer-songwriter works. His debut album, North Marine Drive, was issued in February 1983 by and peaked at number 9 on the UK Independent Albums Chart. After a 31-year gap focused on and other projects, Hendra appeared on 14 April 2014 via his own Unmade Road imprint (distributed by Caroline International), achieving a peak of number 46 on the with one week in the Top 75. The follow-up, Fever Dream, released on 8 April 2016 by Unmade Road, reached number 53 on the , also charting for one week. Storm Damage, his fourth solo effort, came out on 31 January 2020 through Unmade Road, continuing themes of personal reflection without entering the Top 75.

Singles and EPs

Ben Watt's early solo releases on included the single "Cant", released in June 1981 and produced by , featuring tracks "Cant", "", and "". This was followed by the collaborative EP Summer into Winter with in 1982, comprising five tracks recorded in December 1981 and emphasizing acoustic folk elements. His second single, "Some Things Don't Matter" backed with "On Box Hill", appeared in February 1983, aligning with the indie folk style of his debut North Marine Drive. After a long hiatus focused on and DJ production, Watt returned to solo vocal work in the 2000s via his Buzzin' Fly label. The single "Lone Cat (Holding On)", featuring Sarah and Wayne Howard, was issued in April 2003 and reached number 84 on the UK Singles Chart. "Outspoken – Part 1", featuring Estelle and Baby Blak, followed and peaked at number 74 in the UK. "A Stronger Man", with (formerly Terence Trent D'Arby), charted at number 94. Subsequent singles supported Watt's 2010s albums on Unmade Road. "Bright Star" was released as a single in 2010. From Hendra (2014), "Nathaniel" and "Golden Ratio" (including remixes) served as promotional singles. "Between Two Fires" appeared as a 2016 promo single ahead of Fever Dream. "Irene" preceded Storm Damage (2020), with the Storm Shelter EP following in 2021, featuring additional tracks from the album sessions. These later releases shifted toward introspective indie rock with electronic influences, reflecting Watt's matured songwriting.

Compilation mixes and production credits

Ben Watt compiled and mixed the Buzzin' Fly Volume One DJ compilation in 2004, drawing from tracks released on his Buzzin' Fly Records label, including his own "Lone Cat (Holding On)" and contributions from artists such as Rodamaal and Automagic. This was followed by Buzzin' Fly Volume Two in 2005, featuring selections like a of "I Love You" and tracks from label affiliates. Volume Three appeared in 2006, continuing the series' focus on soulful electronic music. The final installment, Buzzin' Fly Volume Four, was released in 2007, incorporating live and studio cuts aligned with Watt's DJ aesthetic. Prior to the Buzzin' Fly series, Watt contributed to the Lazy Dog Volume 1 mix compilation in 2000, blending house and electronic tracks for the club's associated release. In 2008, he curated the unmixed retrospective Buzzin' Fly: 5 Golden Years in the Wilderness, selecting 27 tracks spanning the label's initial output without DJ transitions. Watt's production credits extend to remixing and producing for other artists, notably his 2007 remix of Zero 7's "Home" featuring vocals by Tina Dico, which emphasized atmospheric electronics. Through Buzzin' Fly Records, he produced or co-produced singles for acts like Jerk House Connection ("New York Style") and Manoo & Francois A ("Five Seasons"), often handling mixing and arrangement to shape the label's signature sound. His broader credits include over 360 documented roles as producer, remixer, and songwriter across releases, primarily in electronic and indie genres.

References

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