For years a fear of singing held Ben Glaros back from fulfilling his aspiration to be a solo artist and bandleader. In 1997, on a transformational journey to the deserts of New Mexico, he not only got over his fear but discovered that he had a true gift as a vocalist. Along with a newfound enthusiasm for singing, he came home with a new confidence in his identity as a songwriter, and has become just as well known for these talents as for his abilities as a guitarist
In his solo work Ben’s role models are artists like Neil Young, Paul Westerberg, Robyn Hitchcock and Richard Thompson; musicians who write songs strong enough to stand on their own with just acoustic guitar and voice, but who can’t simply be classified as “singer/songwriters” because they are equally devoted to plugging in an electric guitar and rocking.
In addition to his recent "Celebrated Summerteeth" EP, Glaros' releases include his self produced 2004 debut EP “Solo” and his first full length album “Lovesong Roulette” released in 2008. Both received glowing reviews and were included in yearly “best of” lists in City Pages and the Onion.
“Lovesong Roulette” was celebrated with a release party at the Cedar Cultural Center with Ben’s hero and friend Slim Dunlap opening, and led to many great opportunities; an opening slot for Jose Gonzalez in front of a sold out crowd at the Cedar, his first performance on the First Avenue mainstage, and live radio appearances on 89.3 the Current, KFAI, and even the super popular “Lori and Julia” show on 107.1 FM.
And in a beautiful irony for someone who used to be deathly afraid of singing in front of people, Ben was included in the Minneapolis StarTribune’s feature “Who’s Next From the Land of 10,000 Singers”
Check out the audio player for the complete "Celbrated Summerteeth" and “Solo” EP's and selections from “Lovesong Roulette” as well as live recordings. Browse the videos for clips of Ben’s performances including unreleased songs and his incorporation of loopers into his live shows.
Sample and purchase Ben's music, including the new "Celebrated Summerteeth" EP here:
The guitar is Ben Glaros' first love and he is one of the most instinctive and versatile musicians around. He has performed and recorded in an astonishing range of styles and always brings his distinct musical voice. See and hear audio, video and photos from his long musical history on up to his recent work with Fathom Lane here.
Ben Glaros loves sharing his musical gifts and experience as much as he loves playing and has become one of the Twin Cities most respected and in demand music instructors, offering lessons in guitar, songwriting and music theory. Learn more and access educational resources such as backing tracks, instructional videos and Ben's "Top Ten Tips for Developing Guitarists" here.
The guitar is Ben Glaros' first love and he is one of the most instinctive and versatile musicians around. He has performed and recorded in an astonishing range of styles and always brings his distinct musical voice. See and hear audio, video and photos from his long musical history on up to his recent work with Fathom Lane here.
Ben Glaros has emerged with a strikingly unique artistic voice of his own, displayed in his critically acclaimed recordings and live performances. Learn more, hear and purchase the music and see videos here.
Ben Glaros loves sharing his musical gifts and experience as much as he loves playing and has become one of the Twin Cities most respected and in demand music instructors, offering lessons in guitar, songwriting and music theory. Learn more and access educational resources such as backing tracks, instructional videos and Ben's "Top Ten Tips for Developing Guitarists" here.