An audience with folk-rock singer-songwriter Beau Bennett
Beau Bennett by Stella Tooth
Beau Bennett a folk-rock singer/songwriter from London who writes her own music. Lyrics are especially important to her, and she says she gets, “a spark when cleverly thought out lyrics intertwine with music.” Her debut single ‘Apricity’ was BBC Introducing’s ‘Track-of-the-Week’ and secured her and full band a summer of well-known UK venues and festivals, such as Boardmasters and Black Deer festival. She just released her debut EP ‘Palette’ described as “a collective catharsis, highlighting life as a palette of colours”.
Beau lives on a boat, convenient to Half Moon Putney, where I caught her performing for Independent Venue Week 2025. She spoke to me about her career.
What initially inspired you to start making music?
Since I was six months old, my parents took me to gigs and festivals. My mum always tried to immerse me in these wonderful music worlds which sparked my love for live music. Seeing artists such as Martha Tilston and Kate Rusby made me fall in love with folkier, lyric based music, and helped me understand how to express my emotions through song.
Martha Tilston Firefly by Stella Tooth
Your musical influences include Joni Mitchell and Martha Tilson, Fleetwood Mac. Why?
In my eyes, honesty is the most captivating thing you can do as an artist. I’ve always been a sensitive soul, and things affect me deeply, so seeing artists such as Joni and Stevie pour their hearts into their music motivates me to do the same. I also love when music enhances the story of a song and Fleetwood Mac get this right every time! Their sonic journeys of pain, heartbreak and angst bring their lyrics to life and make their music irresistible.
How do you typically approach songwriting?
For me, the chords and music tend to come first so I can get a sense of the melody, structure and musical skeleton of the song. I then start humming along and sometimes lyrics and words just fall out, especially if I’ve been going through a big life change or event. Other times I look back at my diary, and the notes I jot down when an interesting idea or concept comes to mind, and I use them to get the ball rolling.
Do you have any specific rituals or routines when writing music?
Even if I’m not writing songs or feeling in a ‘writers’ block’ (which usually happens when I feel overwhelmed by life), I always write down phrases, concepts or poetry in my notes app or diary. This tends to happen when I’m travelling somewhere, be that train, bus, plane. The movement of going from place to place has always given me space to feel inspired and acts as a lull in whatever I’m doing that day. This is where many of my song concepts start – from ‘Apricity’ (my debut single) to ‘Fight or Flight’ (an upcoming single).
What themes or messages do you try to convey through your music?
I don’t write songs with a theme in mind, I try to just stay as honest and transparent as possible with what I’m experiencing or trying to capture, in the hope the audience connects with me if they’re going through something similar. Music has always helped heal and comfort me when going through any emotion that’s hard to process, so I hope my music does the same for others. However, a constant theme and message is female empowerment, namely that we can achieve great things and deserve a space and platform to present ourselves for who we are, without shame, guilt or embarrassment.
Can you explain the meaning behind your latest single?
‘Palette’ is the title track of my debut EP which explores seeing life as a palette of colour rather than in black and white. This is a concept I’ve always struggled with and something I’ve felt makes me ‘weak’ or indecisive as an individual. But I’ve learned to accept that this is just the way I am and seeing the world in more colour can actually be rather beautiful.
What is your favourite part about performing live?
Live performance has always been the thing that captured me the most about being a musician. Being able to hear the songs you love live and see the artist in their true, authentic form is a magic that’s indescribable. I love being present with the audience and showcasing the material that I’ve been working hard on. Hearing them singing back with me is the greatest joy - even if it’s just a few people - knowing I’ve connected with them and vice versa. Human connection is a core value of mine, and live music encapsulates this.
What are your own most memorable live performances?
My shows at The Half Moon have always been electric as most of my fan base is in south-west London, so I was able to sell out and feel at home on the stage. The joy I felt radiating around the room from so many supporters was infectious. Another favourite of mine was Boardmasters - my biggest festival to date. Moreover, the pride and honour of making my debut on the BBC Introducing Stage was a dream come true. I was so amped and ready to go and rock out, no matter the turn out!
What are your aspirations for your music career?
I will be so happy if I am able to make a living out of writing, recording and performing my own music. It’s not about fame or huge stadiums, I just love what I do and despite the hardships of the career, I simply can’t not do it!
How do you plan to reach new audiences and grow your fanbase?
Shows away from my fanbase and getting support tours that enable me to reach new audiences and get on the map in the music world is the next step. Live performance is my main strength. Moving from Cornwall back to London has resulted in a lot of change so I need more than ever to gig as much as possible to help get me noticed. I’m also entering the next chapter of my journey (after releasing my debut EP this summer), so have a better strategy and plan for my next music releases and audience engagement.
How do you feel about the current state of the music industry?
Being honest, I often feel disheartened by it, due to the amount of pressure and importance of social media. I became a musician to make and play music, not to be an online influencer. I understand the importance of marketing yourself, but the competition and comparison involved in social media marketing overwhelms me. The base line of if you’re ‘doing well’ and attracting industry interest is how many followers you have and how many numbers your posts are getting. Many musicians are protesting against this infrastructure. Personally, I don’t believe the way I’ll break through is on social media because of who I am as an individual. I believe I’ll find a way through the maze by keeping doing what I love and keeping my social media marketing as honest as possible!
Beau's portrait is available here.
She will next be performing at the Half Moon Putney with Leah Weller on Friday 28 November 2025. To book click here.