Premiere: Land Lion track “Ribs” is a Ben Wendt song eight years in the making
Local recording musician, Ben Wendt, is thrilled to announce the release of his latest solo track, “Ribs,” after eight years in the making.
When Wendt began writing “Ribs,” he was a part of The Way Way Back, a pop-punk group that did not quite fit the sound he was looking for. Breaking off from his former group, and paving his way as a solo artist, allowed Wendt the opportunity to start something new. He records and performs under the name Land Lion, and is greatly inspired by the sounds of Bruce Springsteen and the group Bright Eyes.
[Feb. 17 is the Farewell Show for The Way Way Back, which we’ll be out for in full force. Join us.]
He says that his latest song was written and performed by his present self, for his past self. At the time that he initially started writing, he was struggling heavily with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. He has always turned to music as a way to deal with difficult emotions, but he felt that a majority of songs on the topic were too disingenuous. His own experience with healing has been much messier than these songs described.
Wendt explains, “I happen to be privileged to have the gift of words. I have a lot of friends who have gone through things like this that struggle to verbally articulate what it’s like. It feels like a privilege, but also like an obligation on my end.”
Wendt hopes that, if nothing else, those that take the time to listen to “Ribs” come away feeling understood by his lyrics. He hopes that those that have experienced similar struggles will feel seen, and that those that have not can develop a better understanding for those that have.
“Ribs” is out right now, and can be found on all main streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and TikTok. Wendt will also be performing a show on Feb. 23 at The Rino with friends Say that Again, for their latest album release.
Tickets can be purchased at The Rino.
Ben Wendt live // Photo courtesy of Ben Wendt
