Ben Key is an alternative artist blending groove-heavy rhythms, soulful vocals, and ambient synths, creating a sound that bridges vintage grit with modern electronic textures. As a founding member of the platinum-selling band New West, he has spent years shaping the sonic landscape of alternative music. Now, stepping into his own, Ben embarks on a solo journey that showcases his raw storytelling and genre-defying sound.
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Ben’s influences range from the boundary-pushing aesthetics of Gorillaz and Tame Impala to the soulful grit of Alabama Shakes and Chet Faker. His music captures the full spectrum of the human experience—from the highs of life’s most joyful moments to the personal struggles that shape us every day.
With New West, Ben has toured the world, playing festivals such as Osheaga, Pukkelpop, Leeds/Reading, Austin City Limits, and Lowlands, while sharing stages with artists like Charlotte Cardin, X Ambassadors, and Kodaline. The band’s breakout single, “Those Eyes,” became a global hit, leading to a JUNO Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year and cementing their place in alternative music history.
Now, Ben is carving out his own artistic identity, ready to introduce a fresh, deeply personal chapter of his career. His debut solo project arrives March 14, led by the single “James Dean”—a bold first step into uncharted creative territory.
(Now, Ben has carved out his own artistic identity, launching a fresh and deeply personal chapter of his career. His debut solo project showcases his distinct sound and marks a bold step into uncharted creative territory.)
For those who’ve followed his journey, this is Ben Key like never before.
