Ben E. Davis: “American Boy In London”
Ben E. Davis utilizes his unique gift for effortless genre-blending to craft catchy, reflective, and fully engaging tracks. Moving to London for love and life in 2014, Davis found success touring across the UK with the Motown-style musical stage show Show Legends and performed with the renowned party band, the LA ALLSTARS, before relocating. When Davis pivoted to writing original music, his songs were showcased in major projects like the Nintendo Switch game The Seven Chambers. He also performed at the 2021 Royal Variety Performance, supporting Keala Settle from The Greatest Showman with the Some Voices Choir. Pulling elements from genres like pop, rock, R&B, and EDM, Davis creates an equally irresistible and authentic sonic vibration. As an energetic and dedicated rising star, he strives to share genuine experiences and stories with his listeners, encouraging them to reflect upon their experiences alongside him. There’s no doubt that Ben E. Davis’ distinctive earworms will stick with listeners, leaving a lasting impression that he has much more artistry to come.
Rooted in the infectiously jazzy, rhythmic melody of Sting’s “Englishman In New York,” Davis offers his honest perspective as an “American Boy” who found a second home in London. Innovatively, Davis plays on the concept by reversing the roles—infusing a contemporary, catchy “oomph” that propels the song from 1988 right into 2024. As soon as the bumping bassline hits, listeners will be drawn in by Davis’ thrillingly smooth, vibrant vocals that wind through melodic choruses and genre-bending rap verses. Without taking itself too seriously, “American Boy in London” brings up significant feelings that often arise when assimilating into a newfound home. As a North Hollywood native, Davis reflects on the allure and illusion of LA’s “glitz and glamour,” taking a dig at his hometown’s “clout-chasing” culture. He points out that “the grass is always greener on the other side” and adds, “Bright Hollywood dreams can turn into dark nightmares,” revealing a sharp awareness of the contrasts between his two homes. Now living in London, he uses his music to bridge his past with his present, reinterpreting his American roots with new insight and maturity.
In the “American Boy in London” music video, Davis takes viewers on a bi-coastal adventure—but not the typical one. Taking a guerrilla-style approach, Davis takes viewers on a personal tour of his hometown of LA and “across the pond” to his newfound home of London. As Davis takes to the streets around Big Ben, the London Eye, and even under the streets on the Tube, he is unafraid to let the world know how he feels. As the shots flip between London and LA, Davis cleverly plays with the juxtaposition between the two cities’ sounds, sights, and even tastes, further emphasizing the dissimilarity between his LA and London experiences. Despite his criticisms, Davis makes it clear that his American heritage will always be important to him. Posing on the top of a parking garage in downtown LA, Davis wraps an American flag over his shoulders, singing proudly. The lively, authentic visuals, centered by Davis’ energetic star quality, will leave listeners shaking their hips and raising their hands as they are called to reflect upon the unique places they call home.
What life events inspired you to write a song based on the message in American Boy In London?
I had been living in London for over eight years when I flew back to LA to visit my family for Christmas. Sting’s Englishman in New York was on a compilation CD I found in my car (yes, I still have a CD player in my old car) and I just started singing new lyrics over it. Being back in LA was a bit of culture shock, and the lyrics just poured out of me.
What parts of your own personality and outlook on life are found in American Boy In London?
Pretty much the whole song! ABIL is entirely my perspective on life on both sides of the pond. Sure, I’m stereotyping a bit, but it’s all in good fun. You have to be able to laugh at yourself and life.
What do you hope your audience takes away from the American Boy In London song and video?
I hope they’ll bop their heads to the beat and maybe laugh or chuckle at the lyrics. ABIL is meant to be a fun pop song—lighthearted and entertaining.
What part of production for the American Boy In London was the most fun? Most challenging?
The most challenging part was singing and performing on the Tube (London’s subway). London is NOT like New York—you don’t see street performers on the trains, and people barely talk to each other. I was hoping to film the guerrilla-style scenes with no one around, but the train actually broke down. We ended up stuck for over 30 minutes, so we started filming, and even the driver encouraged me to keep going. A video of this went viral on Secret London’s Instagram page.
What is the earliest memory you have of wanting to become a musical artist?
Since I was a kid. I grew up watching Kids Incorporated on the Disney Channel in the ’90s (Fergie was on it!). I didn’t know I wanted to be a “musical artist” exactly, but I loved singing, dancing, and being on stage like the kids on that show.
Who could you not have done the American Boy In London music video without?
My English mate Guy Prall. He’s got a podcast called The Otherside coming out soon. He was in LA over the summer when we shot the video and was a huge help behind the scenes.
What is your next goal for your career as a musical artist?
I want to start performing at festivals and reaching new audiences the old-fashioned way. I’ve been a working musician singing at weddings and corporate events for years—I still do that to pay the bills—but I’m ready to share my original songs on stage. That’s the next step for me.
What would you tell young, aspiring musical artists looking for advice?
Find every way you can to be creative and make money doing music. No stage is too small and never give up! I used to think singing at weddings was cheesy, but it’s all valuable experience. When I perform my original songs, my stage presence comes from those 10,000 hours singing at weddings, bar mitzvahs, and corporate events.
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About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
