Mercury Prize-winning British composer, pianist, singer-songwriter and filmmaker Benjamin Clementine makes his Australian debut with the ‘Back to Basics’ tour.
Returning to the essence of his artistry, ‘Back to Basics’ presents Clementine with one voice, one piano and his songs in their purest form. Stripped of unnecessary production, each performance places the focus on the precision of his musicianship, the emotional force of his writing and the rare presence that has made him one of the most compelling live performers of his generation.
Clementine’s concerts unfold as conversations rather than spectacles, with silence carrying as much weight as sound and every performance developing its own character. A recent review from London called him “one of the most compelling live performers of his generation,” with a “remarkable” ability to command the stage.
Born in London and artistically shaped during his formative years in Paris, Clementine rose to international prominence with his 2015 Mercury Prize-winning debut album, At Least for Now. His work moves freely between classical music, chanson, poetry, theatre, orchestral composition, solo piano and cinematic songwriting.
His vocals have drawn comparisons to Nina Simone, while his sparse piano work recalls Erik Satie’s minimalist intensity.
The tour arrives alongside his latest single, “Pizza Mind”, a surreal and satirical meditation on the desire for wisdom, fulfilment and originality without the labour or sacrifice required to achieve them.
‘Back to Basics’ offers Australian audiences their first opportunity to encounter Clementine’s deeply personal, spontaneous and uncompromising live work up close.
“Every word, every key … performed with an incredible certainty and purpose.”
— The Independent