Name: Ben Stewart
Artist Name: Congrats

Ben Stewart has a familiar face and a distinctive vocal, so the minute you hear it you know you’re in for a nostalgic trip at the trigger of the play button. But this time it’s not the calling of his 9-5 band, Slowly Slowly, that brings our hair follicles to attention. It is the new side hussle of Stewart, Congrats, that has our interest piqued as it presents the usually 90’s rock-inspired songwriter in a glowy, new light with a more electronically based sound.

At Home With wants you to get to know a bit more about Ben Stewart, the man behind Congrats.

Where are you from? 

Melbourne, Australia

Why do you want to make music? 

I couldn’t imagine a version of myself that didn’t, it’s stitched into me so innately. The need to make music has been there for as long as I can remember and feels so automatic.

What’s the most valuable thing that comes from being a musician?

A home for your thoughts, whether that serves as a sanctuary that you compartmentalise painful experiences or as somewhere joyful you want to snapshot. I think having a place I can tangibly represent myself is very central to my creative drive. 

Do you prefer to write songs from love or a broken heart?

I feel it’s harder to convey love, but more rewarding. The narrative of the broken heart is so beautiful as well though and I buy into it a lot, but being in love and being able to communicate that in a way that isn’t fatiguing for the listener is a great challenge.

Should the art be separated from the artist?

It should be up to the individual to make that distinction & of course on a case by case basis. I don’t buy into censorship, but understand the complexities of supporting artists who mistreat others. I don’t feel educated enough to make sweeping statements on the relationship people should have with an artist’s work.

What song do you wish you had written?

Chaka Khan - Ain’t Nobody

Home is…

Home is stained glass, pine trees & sun warmed wooden stairs. 

The debut single ‘Cut Down the Middle’ is out everywhere.

All images by She is Aphrodite.