Meet Ben Jackson

We would like to start this post by pointing out that Ben's band Fight The Dice have a new single "L.O.V." coming out tomorrow! Get yourselves to iTunes and Amazon! Find out what the man himself had to say about his band and going solo for Vote Fest below...

What are you studying and how have you found your time in Exeter so far? Any stand out moments?


Law. I love it here! i can't wait to get back when I leave and feel totally at home here. A few stand out moments that I couldn't tell but the safer sex ball and playing at the Firehouse were pretty great nights.

You usually play with “Fight The Dice”. Tell us a bit about the band. 

We're a rock/alternative band from Telford near Birmingham working our way round the country's O2 academies and other venues. Just about to release our 2nd single and our debut album. We combine big emotive slow-rock ballads with melodic driving punk-rock sounds. We're getting a decent presence online but we're still looking for the right record company.

What has been your stand out gig with the band? 

The stand out gig has got to have been our first O2 Academy Birmingham gig. It was the first time I heard fans singing our lyrics back to us... that was pretty special.

Who are your personal influences? How different are they to those of your bandmates?

I grew up listening to loads of American classic and contemporary rock so that's a pretty big influence. But I love acoustic artists: Ron pope, joshua radin, Damien rice - they're the sort of artists I’d like to be if I went solo.

How are you feeling about playing Vote Fest as a solo act?

Always excited to play but always more nervous on my own. I actually enjoy it more, but it’s less in my comfort zone. Also never been sorta "ambient" music before, so I'll have to get used to being less demanding with people's attention.

What can people expect from your set? 

When I decide, I'll let them know  but no I'll be doing a few gentle covers the likes of which I don't get to do with the band, some originals, and hopefully a pleasant listening experience!

Where would you recommend students go to see good live music in Exeter?

Gotta be the Firehouse. Seen some amazing acts there, but it’s closely followed by the Campus Band nights at Timepiece.

Will you be voting in this year’s Sabb elections? Why?

I certainly will. Because I would be a hypocrite in my political lecturing of my little brother if I didn't!

www.Facebook.com/FightTheDice