At 24 years old, British musician Benjamin Clementine made his television debut on BBC 2’s Later… with Jools Holland recently (22/10/2013). The Paris based artist, whose informal, close up gigs have acquired cult status, performed “Cornerstone”, the title track of his debut EP, which is available now on iTunes – but has an official UK release coming in January.
Clementine left Edmonton – long rated one of the most deprived, crime ridden areas of London – for Paris aged just 20; there’d been trouble with a flat-mate, a brief infatuation with a woman who was half-Brazilian, half-French, 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, where he would put his grey Kangol hat on the floor to collect donations and sing acapella.
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.
Clementine will perform two headline shows at London’s Purcell Room on December 12th and 13th (with the second date added due to demand), along with a support slot for Woodkid on their forthcoming headline show at Brixton Academy on November 13th.
Benjamin Clementine – “Cornerstone” video:
“Sombre piano balladry that goes straight for the gut” – DIY Magazine
“A male Nina Simone?” – The Guardian
“yearning vocals and trembling piano” – Q
Benjamin Clementine 2013 London, UK tour dates:
(Dates and information subject to change.)
November 13th, 2013 – London, Brixton Academy (supporting Woodkid)
December 12th, 2013 – London, Purcell Room (headline show) SOLD OUT
December 13th, 2013 – London, Purcell Room (headline show)
Photo credit: Micky Clement
For the latest tour dates and information, please go to: