Some artists paint their sound in bold, striking strokes—Ben Simmons Not The Basketball Player takes a different approach, crafting worlds in hushed tones and delicate details. Originally from the seaside town of Weymouth, England, and now rooted in New York, Simmons channels his progressive rock and ambient influences into deeply evocative soundscapes. Alongside the ethereal vocals of classically trained singer-songwriter Vanessa Reich, his music bridges cultures, memories, and emotions. Their collaboration, shaped over years of recording and global inspiration, results in something truly special and “Divali” is a testament to that.
From its very first notes, “Divali” feels like a portal. The opening is mesmerizing—a gentle acoustic motif, warm yet melancholic, sets the stage for a song that feels like an intimate conversation. The production leans into its simplicity, making space for the song to breathe, allowing you to step into its quiet world. Every note, every pause, feels intentional, like the flickering of a candle in the dark.
Vanessa Reich’s vocals carry an undeniable magnetism. She doesn’t just sing; she confesses, she soothes, she invites you closer. Her voice, soft as a breeze yet weighted with emotion, drapes over the melody like silk. There’s an almost sacred quality in her delivery—subtle yet profound, as if each lyric is a secret meant only for those who choose to listen deeply.
At its heart, “Divali” is about light, literal and metaphorical. Whether referencing the festival of lights or the flicker of hope in the quietest moments of introspection, the song radiates an understated glow. It is music for late-night musings, for moments of solitude, for the kind of reflection that only emerges in stillness.
Musically, instrumentation is kept sparse but effective. Acoustic guitar forms the song’s heartbeat, while faint ambient textures shimmer in the background, almost imperceptible yet essential to its atmosphere. Simmons’ production choices honor the song’s emotional core, never overcomplicating what works so beautifully in its rawest form.
Ben Simmons Not The Basketball Player is a musician of uncommon depth—one who distills his worldly influences into music that speaks in hushed tones but lingers like an echo. With “Divali,” he and Vanessa Reich create something more than a song; they craft a moment, a feeling, a quiet reverence that resonates long after the last note fades.
Listen to “Divali” on Spotify
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