Ben Lee

The J Files Podcast

From a very early age Ben Lee knew he wanted to be a pop star. He started writing songs in his bedroom as a 10-year-old before fronting the high school rock band Noise Addict at 14. The group drew the attention of Beastie Boys and Sonic Youth after they were discovered by a record label boss who happened to hear them play at a community sausage sizzle.

His solo career has taken many twists and turns—with albums about sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll sitting alongside records that take on spirituality, dream states, politics and family life.

With hits like ‘Catch My Disease’, ‘Cigarettes Will Kill You’, ‘We’re All In This Together’ and ‘Rise Up’ it’s fair to say that he’s one of Australia’s favourite, and most prolific, songwriters.

Ben Lee’s story is one of raw talent, brazen ambition and pluckiness, plenty of hard work, a great sense of humour and a relentless curiosity and optimism spanning three decades.