New Belfast band Prince Regent have released their debut single, Nature Of The Game. We asked front man Ben Cutler the BIG questions . . .
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Fronted by Ben, the project began as a two-piece collaboration with Newry-based guitarist Conal Morgan, whom Cutler hails as one of the finest young guitarists in Ireland.
Joined later by Matt Nolan and Shea McCrea, they cite influences such as Electric Light Orchestra, Tom Petty, and The Traveling Wilburys.
Nature of the Game was recorded and produced by Darragh Tibbs (Pillow Queens, VERA, Esmeralda Road) in Newry's Analogue Catalogue Studios.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Ben: We're old school, we like classic songwriting, guitars played properly and most importantly authenticity - songs that are not moulded by the constrictions of the modern day formula for airplay.
Our band is named after the road in East Belfast where we meet to rehearse.
We are all full time gigging musicians, with some of us playing in wedding bands and others making a living playing covers in bars and restaurants, Prince Regent was born out of a desire to reconnect with the joy of original music.
How would you describe your music?
Conal: It offers up a fresh twist on the classic rock 'n’ roll sounds many listeners grew up with, offering both familiarity and forward momentum. The goal when we all entered the rehearsal space for the first time was to make music our hobby again, we think our new track has done just that. It wasn’t written to please anyone, some might say it’s dated and some will say it’s fresh but at the end of the day it’s the product of what came naturally and what we ourselves were proud of.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Matt: With sonic influences ranging from Electric Light Orchestra and Tom Petty to The Traveling Wilburys, Prince Regent blends rich melodies and vintage textures into a fresh, yet familiar musical identity.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Ben: I honestly can’t remember however the first life changing gig I went to would have been Blackberry Smoke. I was blown away by the standard of songwriting, musicianship and sheer love for playing. No tricks, no autotune and no dancers necessary, just a great band staying true to themselves led by Charlie Starr who is easily one of the most talented musicians I’ve had the pleasure of seeing.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Ben: I’m not entirely sure but I was lucky to inherit a nice collection of records and when I first heard A New World Record by ELO, it completely changed my perspective on songwriting. This was interesting when entering the Prince Regent project as I was coming off the back of a quiet couple years since releasing my solo music and in that time I’ve had the opportunity to really explore the kind of the music I love and have found I am now making music for a whole other set of reasons than I once was.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Conal: Heading for the Light by the Travelling Wilburys, it has it all in my opinion and is the kind of track I dream of being able to write one day.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Ben: This is a real simple line from a Tom Petty song called Crawling Back to You but an ever important one at that – "Most things I worry ‘bout never happen anyway".
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Conal: Learning To Fly by Tom Petty
Where can people find your music/more information?
Ben: Our debut single, Nature Of The Game, is out now on all streaming platforms and you can keep up to date by following Prince Regent on Facebook, Instagram and, as much as I hate to admit it - TikTok.
Alan Corr
