RANSOM-(Ben Ransom) hailing from Sydney, Australia is an outstanding talent that has quietly snuck under the radar and is about to explode onto the Country Rock scene.

With powerful vocals and infectious melodies, RANSOM embodies all the hallmarks of a classic artist and performer, who is determined to be heard in the music scene for a long time to come.

RANSOM reflects all that is great about Australian music, with tracks translating perfectly from recording to live performance. Continuously delivering a smoking hot and energetic live show, RANSOM proves how much he respects his audience.

Born and raised in Sydney, Ben started playing guitar and writing songs since the age of 15. From early days, his constant exposure to a broad range of musical influences, like Irish Folk, traditional country and classic standards, through to Australian 'Pub Rock' and modern pop, has led Ben to develop an appreciation and knowledge for many styles of Music. This knowledge is incorporated into his multi-faceted approach to his song writing which has an uncanny ability to draw in the listener on several different levels.  Ben was constantly drawn towards the country, as if it was where he belonged and spent many years backwards and forwards between the 'Heartland' and the 'Big Smoke' following bands and touring around, before setting his sights overseas.

Leaving Australia in 1999, Ben spent two and a half years in Europe, honing his skills and developing his style.  He cut his teeth in the heart of London’s West End with a permanent residency in one of the most happening venues and quickly became one of the hottest, most sought after artists in that scene. It was often said he “brought the spirit of a B&S Ball to the heart of London” with every performance!  Ben toured extensively throughout the UK and Europe, proving a hit with his searing raw talent and good natured stage persona, before returning to Australia where his passion in music held root.

Now back in Australia, RANSOM continues a grueling performance schedule. Based in Sydney and touring all over Eastern Australia, he's notched up over 2500 shows.

After supporting some of Australia’s best artists such as Ian Moss, Richard Clapton, Diesel, James Reyne, Mental As Anything, Jenny Morris, The Radiators, Swanee, Cotton and Keyes & Morris, Pseudo Echo and 1927, RANSOM was finally able to start recording his debut album.

In October 2010, RANSOM completed his first album (THE LONG WAY) at Level 7 Studios(formerly the legendary 301 studios) in the heart of Sydney, engineered by Indy superstar Anthony The and mastered by the World Famous Don Bartley.  Like so many other unsigned artists, successfully navigating the road to success is tough, but sheer grit and determination (which are Ben's prime characters) will always win out!  But far from being his definitive debut album, 'THE LONG WAY' was a labour of love that gave him a vehicle of expression, exploring all facets to his personality and allowing him to display his passion for music.
 
It was during the recording of these sessions that RANSOM caught the ear of Don Bartley who put him in contact with Matt O'Connor of The A&R Department (formerly of Warner Music and proprietor of Australia's first and only A&R service for independent musicians). RANSOM's untapped potential astounded Matt, who, with many commercial Top 20 Hits and a stack of Gold and Platinum Albums to his credit, saw in him the incredible talent that makes stars! 

In May 2011, RANSOM released his first single 'BOURBON&SUNSETS',  a song in the tradition of classics that turned into a runaway Top 10 Hit, peaking at No.2 on the Hot Country Top 50 and performong solidly in CMC's Top 50...A rare feat for an unknown, unsigned artist!  In conjuction with his debut release RANSOM picked up three nominations in the 2011 AIADA's (The Australian Independent Artists Development Awards). Following the success of his debut single, RANSOM has cemented his name in the industry to prove that he is no 'flash in the pan' with the release of his follow up single 'LONG HOT DAYS'! 

This follow up single saw RANSOM team up with industry heavyweights and Award wing line-up Glen Hannah and Matt Fell, to deliver a smash hit! 

This year has been a rollercoaster so far, displaying his song writing ability and raw talent, which will no doubt highlight him as one to watch in the Australian music industry. Stick around for the ride!