Exclusive Interview with BEN SWISSA

Ben Swissa is an Australian teenage multi-instrumentalist, producer, singer and songwriter. A bonafide music geek lifer who’s played since the age of 4, his music is a bold and kaleidoscopic take on contemporary, groove-heavy pop music. Check out the exclusive Interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

Ben Swissa: I’m Ben Swissa. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, and I’m 18 years old. Music’s been my heartbeat since I was 4. My dad’s love for music got me started early—I’ve got these funny pics of me on his lap playing drums as a baby. He was serious about me practicing, and that discipline stuck with me. I picked up the guitar at 5, but it wasn’t until I was 11 that I fell in love with it and knew it was my path. Since then, I rarely leave home without my guitar.

2. Did you have any formal training, or are you self-taught?

Ben Swissa: A bit of both, really. I did the guitar lessons thing for a while, which helped with the technical stuff, but most of my learning came from locking myself in my room and playing for hours. I just got into this routine of waking up, going to school, coming home and playing guitar until I’d fall asleep. I’d spend hours listening to my favourite records, learning them by ear, creating jams and loops and just getting lost in that world. I think those 10,000 hours I spent allowed me to find my own way around the instrument.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences, and why the name ‘Ben Swissa’?

Ben Swissa: as to why the name Ben Swissa – it was a decision I didn’t have much of a choice in, unfortunately. My parents named me Ben and my father’s last name is Swissa… the end. But a lot of people have asked me if it’s my real name or an alias like Elton John or something.

My musical influences span wide; from Bob Dylan to D’Angelo, to Stevie Ray Vaughan. As a guitarist, I first worshipped the blues/rock legends like BB King, Mark Knopfler, and SRV. They’re still my heroes, but my taste has broadened to appreciate artists like Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Lenny Kravitz. Their music is complex yet simple, and I strive for that balance.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

Ben Swissa: More than anything, the groove and feel are some of the most important elements for me in the music I make. It’s hard to describe or put into words, but it just has to feel right. I think what it comes down to is the performance of each instrument. I try to play every instrument on my songs and there has to be an intention behind each note choice, vibrato, chord change… it all comes from feel. But really I hope that everyone is able to take something different from the music. Whatever resonates with them. What’s so great about the artists I admire is that every element of their songs are perfect in their own way: the groove, lyrics, chords, arrangement, vocal delivery, etc. That attention to detail they had is definitely something I try to nurture, even if it means recording vocals 300 times until you get the right one (this is a true story). If I had to describe my music, where it is right now, I would call it “Groovy-Soul-Pop”.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you?

Ben Swissa: It’s taken me my whole childhood to find my feet as to what my sound is today. I would say my musical journey has been defined by emulation. I wouldn’t be who I am today if not for it. There’s this really great quote: “Your sound as an artist is defined by your failure to sound like your heroes”, which I feel is so true. I spent hours trying to play like Jimi Hendrix, and while I’m no Jimi, those hours helped me find my style. It’s not about copying but seeking the essence of what inspired my heroes. Always go further, always go deeper and you’ll find the actual root of what inspired you, then you’re learning from the original source and you’re bound to come up with something 10x more original. But, to be honest, this is all something I’m still working out, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop that growth process. I don’t think you should ever feel like you’ve “arrived at who you are” – waking up from a big epiphany or whatever. I think that’s the beautiful thing about being an artist, you always feel you’ve got more to master, more to grow, it’s a never-ending journey.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles?

Ben Swissa: Ignoring these themes would be ignorant. Music is a powerful force; it speaks for us and becomes part of our identity. I write my lyrics to be open enough for listeners to insert their own stories, whether it’s about personal struggles or broader themes. One of my upcoming EP tracks really shows this. I’m excited for you to hear it.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it?

Ben Swissa: At some point, paying rent from this would be nice, haha. I’ve only just released my first song, it’s all just getting started. But I can say the “ fulfilment “ element for me happens when I see my music has positively affected people. I’ve just been on tour with Six60 all around Australia, and at some of these shows I’ve seen people singing the lyrics to “Angel” before it was even out, or some people would come chat to me after the show saying how much my music means to them. That is everything to me. That’s when I feel I’m doing my part.

8. Could you describe your creative processes?

Ben Swissa:

It’s different every time. Sometimes I have full song ideas in my head, and when I get into the studio it’s all about translating it out of my head into a record. Sometimes I get behind the guitar and I don’t know what I’m gonna play. Sometimes I have a lyrical idea and the song revolves around that. I can say, more recently it’s been starting with musical ideas, like a guitar riff of something, and then I hear what the music is trying to say and that defines the lyrics. Collaboration is something I love too, because I feel it’s great to work with someone to make sure you’re not getting stuck inside your own head, and to keep you in the moment/on the vibe.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

Ben Swissa: I’m still early days, but staying mentally healthy and on your game is the most important thing of all. If you’re not headstrong, everything crumbles. There are small ups and downs but, personally, I’m actually loving how this whole experience is thickening my skin. And anyways, It’s all part of growing up.

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud, or significant point in your life or music career so far?

Ben Swissa: I mean look, there’s the obvious ones such as signing a record deal, playing on tour to sold out shows with Six60, I’ll be playing in arenas with Tash Sultana in 2025, which I’m absolutely stoked about. It’ll be my first time playing in an arena, which is crazy! But again, I feel most fulfilled when I see my music has connected with someone. Seeing people sing your songs back to you on stage has been one of the wildest experiences for me. It feels really special. That connection is success.

11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general?

Ben Swissa: Social media’s a wild ride, right? There’s always gonna be haters and critics. I try to focus on the love and positivity from people out there. Criticism can be constructive, but I don’t let the negativity get to me. Everyone’s got an opinion, but at the end of the day, I’m making music that feels true to me. I’m here for the journey and the growth, not the applause.

12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?

Ben Swissa: Both have their magic. Creating in the studio is like painting on a blank canvas—I get to explore and experiment. But nothing beats the energy of a live audience. Seeing the crowd vibe with your music, feeling that connection, it’s electrifying. It’s where the music comes to life in a whole new way. That live interaction is what fuels me.

13. Do you think it is important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

Ben Swissa: There’s a story and emotion behind every song, but I love when listeners find their own meaning in my music. It’s like a mirror—they see their own reflections, their own stories. That’s the beauty of music. It’s personal and universal at the same time.