After putting his guitar down we caught up with him to find out what he's been up to.

Ben Sherman: Firstly, thank you; that set was great, everyone was really enjoying it.  I know that as soon as we announced that you were playing, the response was fantastic.

Willy Mason: Yeah it was pretty full up there

BS: So you’ve been over here for a few weeks gigging already?

WM: Um, it’s coming up on I'd say probably 4 weeks over here now

BS: You’ve obviously played in London a fair bit, as well as touring the UK, including a few times at Glastonbury – how was that?

WM: Yeah I played there maybe 3 or 4...4 times, it’s a very special place

BS: And it’s their 30^th anniversary next year. Are you hoping to be there?

WM: Yeah I would love to be there

BS: So what’s been your best experience of touring in the UK?

WM: Um, ah man, I’ve had some wild adventures here...and survived!

BS: When was your first UK tour? 2005?

WM: No, earlier than that, I think it was 2004, maybe? Yeah I was 17. I think the first one I was opening for Ben Kweller.

BS: Great, actually we just had Ben Kweller play at SXSW for our Plectrum Sessions

WM: Oh yeah

BS: We haven’t released the video yet, but he plays a good set

WM: Nice. He’s a great writer

BS: Absolutely. Did I hear that your mum writes some of your music, or certainly used to?

WM: Yeah, I recorded one of her songs. She’s a songwriter in her own right, she’s put out albums, but only independently. She’s a great writer, and actually Ben Kweller recorded one of her songs on his album Changing Horses that he heard me singing when I was on tour with him...

BS: Stole it!?

WM: He was like "oh man I've got to sing that song, I want that song!"

BS: So is your mum quite an inspiration for you then?

WM: Yeah I learnt a lot from her style of song writing

BS: And where else do you find inspiration? Have your influences changed over the years?

WM: Yeah I suppose so, I started off listening to Blues, and now I listen to Country, as far as writing goes you know? I don’t know how long I’ll stick with that though, I’d like to get more into melody, and harmony and chord structure, but for the moment so far I’ve learnt what you can do with three chords, you know starting with a lot of Blues guys like John Lee Hooker, Soul stuff, Louisiana Red and Robert Johnson and all those guys and then lately I've been listening to country, I started with Hank Williams, and then I got into 50s stuff, Hank Rocklin, the Delmore Brothers, George Jones, and then into the newer stuff,  Willy Nelson and Merle Haggard.

This week in celebration of our Commercial Street store opening, we asked Chris for his picks, thoughts on the new collection, and also a look into a new member of the Ben Sherman team.  

"Love this short-sleeved patterned number. Great worn open with a vest or even dressed up with a suit jacket. Similar to what George Clooney sported in The Descendants last year bringing them bang on trend this Summer, with a unique print."

"Just as the guys in Mad Men are getting a little more creative bringing checks to their suits, Ben Sherman bring out this 3-piece. Classic for formal occasions whilst also being contemporary enough for them special nights out!" 

"All of the Plectrum footwear is beautifully made, and these even more so with a subtle yet stand-out colourway. They are Nubuck though, so be careful in the Summer rain!"

Ben Sherman: Who do you consider to be your style icon(s)?

Chris: Bob Dylan, plus the whole Beat generation which I think will become popular again with the film release of On the Road later this year. Based on Jack Kerouacs most famous novel - I just really hope they get it right with it being a favourite of mine!

BS: What one item couldn't you live without?

C: My guitars. No matter what interests I've entertained over the last 10 years, I've always come back to the guitar and music. I don't know if I could ever be as passionate about anything else.

BS: What are your favourite things to do/ places to go in Spitalfields, London?

C: There's so much to choose from around such a small area. I love Rough Trade East - the biggest independent record store; they put on some great gigs and the shop's got such a relaxed atmosphere, music lovers can be found hanging out there pretty much every day of the week. And I can't leave off the bagel bar at the top of Brick Lane. It's cheap and the salt beef's mint.

BS: What's your favourite album on your iPod right now?

C: Again, too many to choose! One of my favourites of all time is Blood on the Tracks by [Bob] Dylan, and I've been listening to Lisbon by The Walkmen a lot in anticipation of their gig in a couple of weeks just up the road from the shop at Village Underground. Really looking forward to their new album. 

Check out our new Commercial Street store, now open!

108 Commercial Street
London
E2 6ZY

May’s Islington Acoustic Session on Thursday 31st sees South London four-piece Bastille take centre stage for the third of these live music nights.

Doors open at 18:30, with beer courtesy of Saint, premium British lager, and 20% discount on any purchases on the night.

ISLINGTON

Telephone: (+44) 0207 359 9800

We will be offering 20% discount on any items purchased on the evening, as well as an exclusive acoustic performance by Willy Mason!

Wet shaves courtesy of Sharps Barbers and beers from Saint Beer, will also be provided to on the night.

If you are in the area, pop in and see us!

CARNABY STREET

Telephone: (+44) 0207 437 2031

 If you are in the area, pop in and see us!

CARNABY STREET

Telephone: (+44) 0207 437 2031

This week we thought we would ask the lady of the manor, Madleen from our Islington Store, to give us a female spin on our staff picks with her thoughts on the new collection and a look into a lady behind the shirt bar of Ben Sherman, Islington.

"Even though our Spring/Summer collection is very colourful, you can still find some very nice pieces that are still true to black.

For example with this below look you can easily add a walking cane and a bowler hat or keep it casual and youthful wearing black sneakers, the choices are limitless."

This smart looking, one finger button down collar shirt with a small dot print cornflower is the winner -finest fabric, innovative design and long lasting quality!

You have either got class or you haven't,with this coat you sure do! And the velvet notch lapel gives it the last final touch.

A pair of comfortable black skinny jeans are very handy to have, they go with everything, every time, every place.

Ben Sherman: Who is your style icon?

Madleen: Marla Singer from Fight Club.

BS: What one item couldn’t you live without?

M: If we are talking about item, then probably my iPOD .

BS: What are your favourite things to do/ places to go in Islington, London?

M: Definitely going to gigs, I find the music scene here in London just mind blowing and so disposable. Camden Barfly is one of the best live venues I've been to .

I also enjoy going to cinema. The Coronet Cinema in Notting Hill & Screen On The Green in Angel are both very beautiful and have such a special atmospheres. And I LOVE wraps at Dolce Coffee on Essex Road (Angel) .

BS: What’s your favourite album on your iPod right now (& why)?

M: Lately I have been enjoying Louis Amstrong and Ella Fitzgerald 'Best of' album . 

The songs are so uplifting and I just feel so good listening to it! "Haa -  haa -  haa, who's got the last laugh now?"

They are both brilliant!

I have also been re-listening my favourite minimal tech-house album 'Last Resort' from Trentemøller . This album just doesnt have boundaries of any kind ! 

Chaka Khan- Epiphany. Blur- Think Tank. Pavement - Brighten the Corners .. I hate this question, its impossible to pick one!

ISLINGTON

This week we asked Daniel from our Covent Garden Store to give us his thoughts on the collection, his staff picks, and an insight into the guy outside of Ben Sherman;

"The Casual Satorialist is a look that is timeless, it follows no trend and basics of the clothing can be found throughout time."

Every man should own a tweed blazer, and the fact that this one is blue, made me want it in seconds. The material is light (perfect for summer) and the blazer itself has tiny special details like the pattern under the collar.  The 3 button carries a gentlemen's element and  it's a complimenting slim fit which gives the person wearing it a great torso outline .

White shirts are a generic piece of clothing, however this shirt breaks the mould with it's penny collar and super slim fit design. it's also 100% cotton and extremely light. Don't be scared by the slim fit though, the shirt has been tailored beautifully and is tapered in all the right places. It would also go great with a silk tie, possibly with a four in hand knot, or Full Windsor. You decide!

Summer is sort of here and these EC1 Chinos are definitely an item that go well with the blazer and shirt. These EC1 Chinos are a slim fit and once you get your right size they are very comfortable. The tailoring is great and the detailing in the turn-up also adds a colour contrast which works great with the chinos.

These are a great pair of shoes to finish of the outfit. It has the default Brogue pattern but it is still kept simple. The leather breaks in easily to bring comfort to your whole foot and I can personally say they last a very long time. These brogues are the type of shoes that age well.

Ben Sherman: Who are your (male) style icon(s)?

Daniel: Ozwald Boateng and A. Sauvage. Both men are great tailors and incorporated there own style in their clothing. Ozwald's outlandish colours make his clothing highly sought after and A Sauvage's dress easy approach adds a revamped look to the sartorial scene.

BS: What one item couldn’t you live without?

D: Aside from great clothing, it would have to be sound. Whether it's sweet music or the alarm clock screaming in the morning, just being able to hear all of this definitely keeps me sane.

BS: What are your favourite things to do/ places to go to in London?

D: I enjoy visiting markets on a nice day out with my mates and on a good summers weekend I can be at Deptford and Portobello one day then  Greenwhich and Brick Lane the next. There's no stopping to what you might find and the atmosphere is always a "buzzing" 

BS: What’s your favourite album on your iPod right now?

D: My music taste is differs from time to time. I  listen to many artists e.g. Kings of Leon, Andreya Triana, Bon Iver  and  Erykah Badu. But I have to say the albums I keep coming back to  are Active Child - 'You're All I See' and Noah and The Whale - 'Last Night on Earth.' I have been following both artists for a long time and their albums are a great example of who they are. 

LONG ACRE

Telephone: (+44) 0207 836 6196

This week we asked Drew from our San Francisco Store to give us his thoughts on the collection, his staff picks, and an insight into the guy outside of Ben Sherman;

Metallic Thread Jacket- I love the material of this jacket. It has a great look and I love the simplicity of the design.

Rod Skinny Fit Stonewash Jeans- Awesome worn in look, Perfect for a relaxed spring day.

Floral Print Short Sleeve Shirt- Floral prints and paisley for spring. The pops of pink in this shirt brighten up the outfit. 

Ben Sherman: Who are your style icons?

D: Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher and Keith Moon.

BS: What is the one item you could not live without?

D: My record player.

BS: What are your favourite things to do/places to go in San Francisco?

D: Quite frankly my favourite activity in the city is learning about new trends in hair. As a stylist its important for me to stay on trend. The beauty industry is so closely related to fashion.

Ben Sherman: What's your favourite album on your iPod right now (& why)?

D: Exile on Main St by the Rolling Stones. It rules. It was the best marriage of blues, rock n roll, and country music to come out, especially in 1971. It is tough to say if there has been a better record since.

SAN FRANCISCO

With cool demeanour and dry wit, he had the audience fixated on this rare acoustic performance from start to finish. Favourite tracks such as Survive It from his highly acclaimed Peanut Butter Blues and Melancholy Jam album had the crowd loving it all the way though his 40 minute set.

Here is a video round up of the night.

Would you like to play one of our future Islington Acoustic nights? Get in touch facebook@bensherman.co.uk

Ben Sherman: Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam [Ghostpoet's debut album] Crunchy or smooth? And which flavour jam?

Ghostpoet: Crunchy, there is one in particular I like, a wholegrain one. Proper healthy. That’s the butter I like. And jam, I guess the traditional jams like Strawberry or raspberry. One of the two.

BS: So having mentioned your first album, is there a second album in the pipeline?

GP: Hopefully, at some point in my life. But hopefully soon.  I’m kind of working on it now and I hope to release it early next year but we will see. I just want to make sure it is good. I’m not going to do anything as a result of buzz or demand. I feel it is important for it to be right. So I’m getting there. The ideas are coming together.

BS: We loved Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam; will the new album nod to new influences, or follow another path?

GP: I don’t really think about it in that sense. I think it’s going to be an evolution in sound and lyrics and a development musically. That is what is important to me. Other than that, it’s not about chart tunes or trying to obtain top tens , I don’t really care about that. Whatever feels good to me is what’s important, and that’s what I hope people want to listen to.

BS: Are there any particular places or festivals you are looking forward to this summer while you are on tour?

GP: I’m always excited about playing the places and festivals really. There are some really nice ones in the UK, I’m really intrigued by Beacons Festival and Camden Crawl in Dublin. And I’m really intrigued by Soundwave Festival in Croatia. That should be really cool. That’s why I’ve been going to the gym to try and get ready for the beach.

BS: So when you are on tour, what is the one thing you have to take and you can’t be without?

GP: I travel really light nowadays, before I used to carry like a massive suitcase of clothes and stuff and now I just travel light. I guess the item I couldn’t be without is my Zoom recorder because I like to record the  sounds wherever I go, the noises of the country, the transport that we are using and then I try and use that in tunes potentially.

BS: So you are from South London, are there any particular places you like to go when you have some down time?

GP: I really like bowling. I’ve started to get into bowling a little bit. All Star Lanes in Brick Lane, I have been there a couple of times, I really like it. You can get a nice little meal there too. I enjoy it, the first time I went there, I was supposed to meet someone in that particular alley and I ended up going to the one in Holborn and I was reprimanded for that. But such is life, and you live and learn.

BS: Who are your main influences in your style?

GP: I’d love to say I’m an individual and I’m not like anyone else but I guess with all fashion and style it is a combination of influences. As I get older I feel like I want to dress smarter. Usually I like to dress smart and wear a nice shirt that’s fitted. Because when you are younger, you would just wear a shirt, and just chuck a jacket over the top and you wouldn’t really think about the way it’s cut and I think that is really important nowadays. I also like suits and nice trousers and nice shoes. Nice everything. Not overly expensive but just nice. It’s important to me now. People who are individuals just don’t do what other people want them to do. They do what feels comfortable to them.

BS: Do you feel the same with regard to being an artist? Do you regard yourself as an original artist?

GP: No, I’m not original. I’m just doing my own thing and luckily people seem to want to listen to what I’m doing. I feel that I’m a product of my environment. It’s a case of that I listen to a lot of styles of music over the years and that’s what’s influenced the music that I’m making now. I just want to make nice music that I like foremost , and hopefully others like too. If they don’t, then I apologise.

BS: You recently took part in our Conversations in Modernism series where you were filmed with Matt Stuart. Matt tweeted us asking whether “your dog is diggin’ your new tunes?”

GP: The thing is I don’t even have my dog anymore. For unspeakable reasons and I had to let my dog go. But I’m sure he will listen to me at some point in the future and enjoy it , I hope.

BS: You had a long conversation with Matt about your inspirations and passions; he asked how these have evolved since then?

GP: Living life and experiencing life and seeing it in different guises always inspires me, so in that sense it hasn't changed. I think stuff that I am reading is starting to inspire me as I try to read a bit more nowadays. And as always I’m a music junkie, so just music. I can store influences up to a certain point, then I shut myself away and allow them influences to manifest into sound. I'm trying to create an album at the moment so I’m at this stage where I am taking in as much as possible, and then I'll shut the door and see what happens.

For Ghostpoet's tour dates, check out his website here.

Look out for the video of Ghostpoet's performance, coming soon.

Centring around the event in the Truman Brewery, Shoreditch (just around the corner from our new store on Commercial St.) activities are taking place in different areas around London, offering coffee lovers the chance to taste different blends, meet many talented baristas and sample live entertainment in unique 'coffee' themed zones.

To celebrate, we have partnered with the guys at Speakeasy Espresso & Brew Bar to offer our customers who buy in our Carnaby St store on Sunday, to a free cup* of the good black stuff, with any cake or slice purchased. Just present your Ben Sherman receipt to their talented baristas, at their bar on Lowndes Court on Sunday 29th April 2012.

*one redemption per receipt

BEN SHERMAN CARNABY STREET

Telephone: (+44) 0207 437 2031

Speakeasy Espresso & Brew Bar
3 Lowndes Court
Carnaby, London
W1F 7HD