Ben Poole reveals “Empty”
British blues-rock guitarist Ben Poole has released his new single, “Empty,” the second preview of his upcoming studio album Post-Midnight Behaviour, due September 25 via Gypsy Soul Records. “Empty” is a song full of emotion, dynamics and features some of his strongest songwriting to date.
The new album marks Poole’s first collection of original studio material in eight years, following 2018’s Anytime You Need Me. While rooted in blues rock, the album also explores elements of rock, soul, country and alternative rock.
“Empty was one of the first songs we wrote for this new album and really helped shape the direction we took going forward with the songs from that point,” says Poole. “I wanted there to be a mix of darkness and light throughout as I’ve always valued dynamics both emotionally and musically in music.”
“I honestly feel this is one of the strongest songs I’ve ever written. We poured so much time, care, and energy into every detail, musically and lyrically, and I can’t wait for people to hear it. I really hope listeners feel the passion behind it and connect with it on a much deeper emotional level.”
Poole said the song’s arrangement was built around a dramatic shift from a minor key in the verses to a major key in the chorus.
“I’ve always loved that rush you get when a song lifts from minor to major, and it was exciting to really push that idea in ‘Empty.’ The verses sit in this solemn, emotionally heavy E minor sequence before everything opens with a dramatic dynamic and musical shift as that huge E major chord kicks off the chorus.”
“I employed a similar approach on an older song of mine, ‘Hanging in the Balance,’ but this time I wanted to make the lift even more powerful by landing the first note of the vocal melody on a major third. It’s also a thrill to play with that contrast in the guitar solo, and I already know this is going to be one of my favourite moments to perform live on the upcoming album release tour.”
Poole also discussed the gear he used to record the track.
“I used my Gibson Les Paul on most of the rhythm guitars and in the guitar solo. I really love the dynamics you can get with a Les Paul when switching between fingerstyle and with a plectrum. It can be smooth to aggressive depending on the approach and the technique. We used a Volt amplifier on this one, and a key pedal in the solo sound was my Fuzzrite by Mosrite which is an incredible vintage Fuzz pedal from the 1960s.”
Speaking about Post-Midnight Behaviour, Poole said the album reflects his musical growth after years of extensive touring.
“I wanted this album to showcase my evolution as guitarist and singer songwriter,” says Ben. “For several years, I have performed over 150 shows a year across more than 20 countries. My guitar style and technique have developed, my singing voice has matured, and my influences have varied. The new album is a journey that combines Blues, Rock, Soul, Country, and Alternative Rock. I still get to let loose on the guitar, but within a more subdued and reflective manner. Ambiance inspired the name of the album, Post-Midnight Behaviour.”
“I have released a few live albums in recent years. They are much quicker and a time stamp on where you are at that moment. I took my time over the new album so that it would be super-realized in every aspect. My writing team and I really pushed ourselves. We dug deep to make sure the songwriting was of the highest quality, and the arrangements were carefully structured and perfectly executed. My fans are going to really like what we have created. It was well worth the wait!”
