Ben Barnes Reveals the Meaning Behind His Soulful Debut Album, Where the Light Gets In

Ben Barnes is the ultimate multi-hyphenate, and while many fans may know him best as an actor, he's also a talented and accomplished singer-songwriter with a lot to say.

That's evident with the release of his debut album, Where the Light Gets In, which dropped today, Jan. 10. Over its 12 heartfelt soul-pop tracks, Ben weaves a powerful tale about what it means to love. The songs take us through the various stages of a relationship, from blissful beginnings through challenge, pain, connection and reflection before forging a fresh start, all rich with a theatrically that only an actor could provide. He also just kicked off a headlining tour across North America, hitting 15 cities through Feb. 1. Before today's big drop, we had the pleasure of speaking with him to learn all about the meaning behind Where the Light Gets In. Read our full interview with him below.

Sweety High: What does the album title Where the Light Gets In mean to you? Why did that title feel like the perfect summation of this group of songs?

Ben Barnes: I was thinking about the theme of us all being the sum of our experience. It seems to eke its way into my songs no matter what I set out to write about. My friend had told me about a word in his language that meant 'good luck coming in through scratches or imperfections' and then when we wrote the song "Where The Light Gets In" with the Maroon 5 lads, I knew it had to be the title. And then it lead directly to the kintsugi idea for the album cover, etc.

 

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SH: What do you feel are the overarching themes of the album? What kind of feel do you hope fans take away from it?

BB: I think the theme above and also the themes of finding hopefulness in our experience. Encouraging a loving attitude and a soulful, reflective, empathetic approach to life and others. I'm hoping listeners hear themselves and their experiences in my stories and make it about them.

(Photo credit: Wanda Martin)

 

SH: How would you describe the album's sound? Production-wise, how did you go about bringing these tracks to life?

BB: I'd call it soulful pop. I'm always inspired by old soul sounds of Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and the raw emotional life their music had. And then when the Maroon 5 guys came on board to help me finesse the sound and give it a pop sensibility and energy that helped it find its idiosyncrasy.

 

SH: How do you feel that these songs represent where you are in life right now?

BB: I think these songs take the joyful, energetic place I find myself in to reflect on past hurt or confusion and drive life onwards. Music is all therapy in the end… even if there are no lyrics!

(Photo credit: Nathan Dobbelaere)

 

SH: What's your favorite song on the album? Why?

BB: Honestly it changes. It's mood dependent. If I need soothing, "Nevermind" has a lulling quality to it that can be a salve. If I feel more positive then "Someday" always makes me smile and feel empowered and move my head. And if I want to bathe in the sounds then sometimes something more raw or lush like "Three New Hearts." And "Far Too Soon" has a very special place in my heart. So, honestly all of them at one time or another… they're like children, can't pick favorites! But "Someday"! Haha

 

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SH: Was there anything that surprised you about the process of recording and putting together your debut album?

BB: I think how much collaborating still makes it feel like mine! Tuning in to other people's skills and sensibilities and musical histories and having them all contrived and okay so brilliantly and still feel ownership of the music when it's complete!

(Photo credit: Yas Martin)

 

SH: How are you feeling about releasing it to the world?

BB: Honestly, with the tour and the album coming at the same time, it's mainly just excitement! Of course I have expectations to each more people than my pandemic EP which was produced on a smaller scale but expectations are the other of all misery… so just excited to release and share it. Because that's what we do with music "release" and let go and "share" it. It's not for just you anymore.

(Photo credit: Wanda Martin)

 

For more insights from our favorite artists, click HERE to read our interview with Dragonborn singer-songwriter Jeris Johnson.