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Praise for 'then there you are'
"an atmospheric quality that transcends the typical boundaries of folk music" - SONO (UK)
"(Benson's) voice, meanwhile, is a moving sound that guides us through the song with a sense of peace and spiritual connection." - End Sessions (Mexico)
"raw and vulnerable" - Each Measure (US)
"Said Sara’s unique, deep voice is laden with raw honesty and poetic grace, delivering a performance that feels both intimate and powerful." - The Further (France)
"Then There You Are is a unique fusion of indie folk and poetry that invites you to find light in the darkness" - Indie Dream (Colombia)
"pushes the boundaries of folk conventionalism" - Rotate (US)
"David Benson’s journey from the aggressive riffs of Acephalix to the elegant melodies of Said Sara is an astonishing display of his versatility and depth as a musician." - Plastic Magazine (UK)
"There is so much to enjoy on this song, and repeated listening unveils a level of depth that is richly rewarding, time-worn and tailored. Then There You Are is the measure of a man in full dedication to his craft. With this track, he has demonstrated once again his talents as a singer-songwriter and the single does nothing but enhance his already well-established reputation as a darling of the folk circuit." - Cultartes (Romania)
"I find SAID SARA’s ability to spin diverse threads into a cohesive, aiming harmony nothing short of alchemical. Through Then There You Are, Benson proves himself not only a versatile musician but also a guardian of the soul’s whispers across the veil." - Get Music News (UK)
"The sensitivity that hides behind each note is overwhelming. A sumptuous male voice subtly slips in, bringing character to the whole song. Each tone hides an emotion that makes you shudder from within and offers, with the support of sublime guitar chords, a sublime symphony that plunges the audience into a state of trance. You will be touched by the incredible depth of the lyrics and notes of Then There You Are." - Iggy Magazine (France)
"an acoustic affair with plenty of emotional clout" - York Calling (UK)
"Like an ice crystal, injected with colors that increase its beauty to the eye" - Music for All (Brazil)
"A key strength of Then There You Are lies in Benson's multidimensional and skillful acoustic guitar playing. He composed vibrant and atmospheric textures through an array of finger-picking techniques and rhythmic approaches. His picking remains rooted in service to the emotional content of the song. The guitar acts as the piece's rhythmic engine at some junctures, propelling propulsive Americana-tinged picking that engages the listener physically. During more pensive sections, his fingers dance languidly over the strings, imparting a sense of textural flow." - EDM Rekords (US)
"Then There You Are strikes at the heart of things, at the love of things. It is a single worth every breath it takes to sing, every movement it takes to play, and every second it takes to listen to. When the buck stops and the song comes to a close -- that's it. We're left wondering, whatever could be next, after something as stunning as that?" - Plectrum Magazine (UK)
"All in all, Then There You Are is a superb fusion of roots and folk music, performed with a sincerity and passion that is both deeply emotional and invigorating." - The Musical Road (Poland)
"...delivered with a laid-back intensity that’s very touching and real." - Space Sour (UK)
"Absolutely captivating" - Undiscovered Music (US)
"Said Sara's voice is a familiar comfort on this track. There's a rawness to his delivery, a vulnerability that recalls a mix of Billy Corgan and Neil Young." - Edgar Allan Poets (US)
"...this combination results in a near-perfect sonic landscape that enhances the song’s emotional depth and introspective quality." Hit Harmony Haven (UK)
"I have more the feeling of being at a live concert than having a thoroughly produced studio single in my ears. The dynamics, the feeling and the minimalist instrumentation immediately caught my eye" - Berlin On Air (Germany)
"captivating songwriting and emotional vulnerability that hits you in the feels. The song gives you the impression it’s being played right in front of you, perhaps in a small local venue or park, which truly hits the mark of a genuine and raw folk song." - The Intelligence (US)
"Given the metaphysical indications and profoundness of the lyrics, it is tough not to get totally carried away by the song. Then There You Are is arresting in a soul-stirring, invigorating sense." - Lost in the Manor (UK)
"Said Sara continues to showcase gripping songwriting" - Our Sound Music (US)
"Armed with emphatic, yet deeply affectionate vocals, Benson crafts a harrowing tribute to the departed, questioning whether they might be showing themselves in nature and the air around you." - Broken8 (Australia)
"(Then There You Are) mixes the truthfulness and raw performance of punk with a folk arrangement" - Background Animal (US)
"a mix of my favorite styles" - Talkish Rock-ish (Netherlands)
"nothing short of electrifying. Said Sara tells a story through sound" - Sonic Selector (US)
"a thought-provoking and emotional piece" - Musica en Parablas (Argentina)
“Then There You Are showcases his distinctive style and emotive delivery, solidifying his place in the contemporary music scene. Debuting live last year in four nations, he has shown himself, a full-fledged creative." - Illustrate Magazine (US)
"Then There You Are invites listeners into this spectral ballet and insists your spirit sway along." - Music Arena GH (UK)
"We’re blown away by the attention to detail, which is like stepping into a dream. " - Lefuturewave (Netherlands)
"Benson uses a rich tapestry of imagery to convey the themes of loss and the subtle signs of connection we experience through nature. " - My Music Den (US)
"the clever slips and slides of different eras quickly weave into something off-kilter and eclectic as Said Sara pushes the boundaries of folk conventionalism." - Other Side Reviews (Germany)
"(Said Sara) manages to capture all the power without going overboard on the instrumental, a real feat in composition and songwriting." - We Write About Music (US)
"Drumming in heavier bands might be where David Benson makes the biggest sonic impact, but Said Sara is the place where his voice is heard." - Dancing About Architecture (UK)
"a thrilling musical arc of suspense." - Mango Wave (Germany)
"an exceptional blend of folk and acoustic rock. The lyrical work is profound, with a beautiful acoustic approach and rock inspired vocal delivery" - Songs Behind the Music (UK)
"(Then There You Are) carries whispers of his classic influences while weaving in darker threads reminiscent of Neil Young and Nick Cave, creating a tapestry that is both familiar and refreshingly modern." - Elvar Music Magazine (US)
"Said Sara's Then There You Are is a lyrical masterpiece bringing together ideas about freedom, change, and self-knowledge." - AML (US)
Said Sara
SAID SARA
2023 was the most expansive year for dark/pop/folk/prog solo acoustic artist/singer-songwriter David Benson, aka Said Sara, who debuted live in 4 countries.* Succeeding the victory of dissemination that was 2023’s Same, Said Sara has created the emphatic but affectionate Then There You Are out of pure stardust.
As a child of the 70’s, David grew up on the singer-songwriters of that era of emergence: Baez, Stevens, Croce, Taylor, Buckingham, Mitchell. But Benson was/is a metalhead and then a punk, and then a punk and then a metalhead -- from the 80s to the 90s and beyond. In 2008, he joined crust punk-turned death metal warhorse Acephalix as the drummer. David continues to hold that seat.
There is a 2-way passage between the dark but accessible, acoustic-rooted Said Sara and the aforementioned strains of sonic extremity: Transition. David spent 15 years as guitarist/vocalist-turned vocalist of this genre-obscuring clique, whose sole full-length, 1994’s Spine, was released by Black Flag guitarist Greg Ginn’s ultra-legendary SST Records.
*England, France, The Netherlands, and the U.S.
Photo: Chris Johnston
Praise for 'Same'
"Same is brilliant" Nene's Butler (Italy)
"It glints with the freshness of the morning and trembles with the essence of being. The artist has a magnificent musical range. As an avid fan of roaring metal and tremulous punk styles, the artist originally found his musical expression in their obscure and obsidian characteristics. And now coming full circle, he largely explores the infinitesimal magic of living and loving with acoustics tuned to a folk frequency." Sinusoidal (India)
"While the acoustic-inspired melody can hold its own, it is Benson’s rich vocals that take ‘Same’ to another level. Rich and warm but with a gruff, vulnerable intensity, Benson exposes the grittiness of human fragility and trauma." OSR (Germany)
"'Same,' Said Sara's latest release, takes the listener on an effusive tour through broad meadows and gloomy caverns. The song is a dark pop, alt-folk anthem that is meant to transform hearts and is bound to become an instant classic thanks to its somber, contemplative lyrics and prominent, soulful vocals." Saiid Zeidan (UK)
"The track’s aura is quite touching to hear" Illustrate Magazine (USA)
"With a touch of melancholy and a hint of hope, “Same” is a song that speaks to the human condition in a way that is both intimate and universal." Find No Enemy (India)
"We would have never guessed Sara’s past as a metalhead and fierce punk rebel – is it not inspiring to find such delicate songwriting after years behind monstrous distortions? This is perhaps a sign that music is an attitude, rather than a process. Said has the sensitivity for it, and it shows." Mesmerized (UK)
"Listeners end up holding their breath to try and decipher their own emotions." Rising Artists (USA)
"The voice and the banjo combine to create a song that has that instant classic potential. I was amazed by the high notes reached halfway through the song." AP (Chile)
"Una canción perfecta para descansar y desconectarse un rato al escuchar los maravillosos sonidos que emite la guitarra con la autoridad y talento de la voz, me parece espectacular." Musica en Parablas (Argentina)
"'Same' is a poignant and moving single that showcases Benson’s ability to create a powerful emotional connection with his audience. The track is a stellar demonstration of his songwriting skills and his unique style of progressive folk, which draws on a wide range of influences to create a sound that’s both personal and relatable. With its understated yet powerful production, “Same” is a must-listen for fans of heartfelt and emotive music." Plastic Magazine (UK)
Praise for 'Bleedways'
"What a wonderfully little odd duck of a song this is. The vocals are pure folk-punk and the guitar playing is classic 70’s singer-songwriter. Banjo and piano come in on the choruses and shove it over into the folk-punk realm and then out of nowhere a boomy drum loop leads you into a Zeppelin III-esque bridge that morphs into a synth wood flute part. And yet, it all works somehow for what we’re calling prog-folk-punk." -Postcard Elba (USA)
"The moment the song begins and the lead vox cuts through the moody strumming it straight away gives off that Led Zeppelin kind of acoustic vibe, with a more husky vox appeal. Appreciate the raw, unfiltered execution as well as the thematic lyrical work. Clearly you have a flair for such an interesting musical motif. The banjo adds warmth through the buildup. Once the song transitions to a rather psych-pop-tinged atmosphere it gives off a curious, immersive tone. Ultimately the coda hints at some Ben Howard folk character." -Unxigned (Czech Republic)
"We can't find the right category for Said Sara, which of course makes it interesting. I more than appreciate "Out of the box" tracks. So we have to say Achtung: Somewhere in the dark, where pop folk ends and alternative starts you can find Said Sara, but only at that moment." - Nene's Butler, (Austria)
"newest single "Bleedways" is a song with a dark folk touch, although it brings elements of progressive. It is from those songs that the guy takes a guitar and shares his soul, under a somber, melancholy poetry, not in a way to feel sorry for himself, but for those who face the truth of things as it really is. Perhaps because Benson was born during the 70s and accompanied metal and punk, a time when the essence prevailed, and the music was written with an open truth." -Roadie Music (Brazil)
"(David's) amazing sound is full of his energy, pressure and creativity. The recently released single 'Bleedways' is clear proof of this. A strong and representative song, a powerful and energetic voice, perfectly combined with the guitar, reminded us of the Rolling Stones, a delightful to hear, authentic and joyful rock, with an innovative folk chorus, we love it so much. The composition can be divided into two musical parts. In the first, Said Sara reveals the motif of the song with the help of an acoustic guitar in the folk format of Jimmy Page's acoustic search of the early 70s. The author of the song 'Bleedways' suports the acoustic rhythm in a hardcore manner with drive vocals and this combination is interesting from the point of view of combining the incompatible. In the second part of the composition, Said Sara suddenly turns into an electronic dark with a smooth minimalist rhythm and free speech. In just 4 minutes we hear a whole fusion of compositional solutions and talented arrangements. Said Sara's charisma is also in his own vision of music and fearless to experiment." -Indie Dock (UK)
"Said Sara brings us one of those songs that sounds of pure honesty - a song that does not need computerized effects to express strong emotions in our head. What we find on Bleedways is a reason to scream internally and release all our emotion under the banner of Said Sara. In a correct combination of indie passion and intense desire -- because we get into the raw and honest emotion of Said Sara." -Indie Criollo (Colombia)
"A fully engaging track exploring aspects of folk, pop, and prog-rock, singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist David Benson again exhibits a knack for creative structural twists and a passionate performance, in this follow-up to last year’s eponymous EP. The track’s first minute builds steadily with a stirring acoustical backbone amidst ardent vocals, followed by escalating vocals and added guitar pluckiness. A fun twist around 02:13 reminds fondly of XTC with its suavely concise vocal tone and intriguing guitar resonance. A vocal rise approaching the three-minute mark leads to lovely woodwind-like pushes alongside the acoustical stirring. “Bleedways” is further evidence of Benson’s ability to keep listeners thoroughly engaged via a blend of styles alongside an ever-evolving song structure." -Obscure Sound (USA)
"The great impact of the track's gripping heartfelt emotional vocals coupled with the piercing touch of the guitar and banjo makes for a really captivating listen" -Unedrrated (Russia)
"a mad fusion of genres" - Tongue Tied Magazine (USA)
"a world class job of creating an intense and captivating acoustic rock tune that will leave a positive impression on all who hear it." -Bravado Press (USA)
"You can feel that the music is more of a journey than something you sit back into. Every note encourages you to take another step along the path that Benson is laying out for you. Some of these steps are harder than others with some being a playful skip that is utterly delightful to listen to.
Each word is a cobblestone leading you on a personal journey. There is a touch of pain laced into the passionate performance that tugs at your heart.
His vocals pave the way for this journey while piecing together everything that makes us who we are." -The Other Side (Germany/UK)
"Heart and honesty behind the melodies. The rawness, that really speaks to me" -The Sonic Blender/CILU Radio (Canada)
"There is a cultivated roughness to Sara’s punchy and concise vocal gestures, the graveled timbre of his punk and metal imbued voice, the sincerity of his almost percussive guitar playing, and the compelling simplicity of his banjo rolls. It is hard not to sense a feeling of restless interiority within the hypnotic instrumental accompaniment, expressive singing, and occasional shout, a paradoxical tension between a deep inner experience and a richly communicative musical language." -Jacob Jahiel of Rising Artists (USA)
Said Sara
