Listen Here – OUT NOW!
After a decade of sonic exploration, Ben Heyworth, the creative heartbeat of the city’s music scene, is back with a spellbinding new single, ‘Creatures‘, which dropped on May 30th, 2025. This singer/songwriter nu-folk gem marks a triumphant return for the artist, blending nostalgic 90s indie vibes with a contemporary urban-folk twist that’s as captivating as Manchester’s eclectic Ancoats marina, where Heyworth draws much of his inspiration. Described as “Effortlessly authentic…resembling an old photograph enhanced with contemporary colours” by Falcodice, Creatures is set to make a lasting impact on listeners.
Known for his early days as the songwriting force behind sci-fi indie rockers Minorplanet in the early 2000s, Heyworth later ventured into experimental electronic pop with his acclaimed project This Morning Call, releasing two albums on Sweden’s Substream label between 2010 and 2014. Described by BBC6 Music as LCD Soundsystem with a hangover, those records showcased his knack for melody and innovation. Now, older, wiser, and slightly less ginger, Ben Heyworth steps into a new era under his own name, leaning into his acoustic and folk roots with a sound that feels both timeless and fresh.
Creatures is a melodic tapestry woven from the stories of Manchester’s vibrant characters and Heyworth’s own life experiences. From the quirky residents of Ancoats marina to tales inspired by Alice in Wonderland, Route 66, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the narrowboats bobbing in the nearby canal, the single brims with narrative depth. Musically, it channels the spirit of Crowded House, Jordan Rakei, Damon Albarn, and Tori Amos, marrying smooth vocals, intricate harmonies, dirty organs, and bluesy guitar riffs with deceptively complex song structures. Recorded at Manchester’s iconic Blueprint Studios, home to Elbow and a creative hub where Heyworth has produced and arranged for aspiring indie acts, the track is a testament to his enduring connection to the city’s musical legacy.
Ben Heyworth’s two-decade journey through Manchester’s music scene has seen him evolve from founding Minorplanet to crafting the crystalline vocals and 90s-inspired melodies of This Morning Call’s 2010 album All Quiet At 4AM and 2013’s Organs of the State. With Creatures, he reintroduces himself as a solo artist, offering a fresh take on the singer/songwriter genre that’s both soulful and sharp. Fans can also look forward to more recordings in the pipeline, live performances later this year, and the much-anticipated reunion of Minorplanet—a moment Manchester music lovers have been waiting for.
Influences
Jordan Rakei, Damon Albarn, Tori Amos, Neil Finn
