a heartfelt ep about change, honesty, and learning to let life unfold

wasted time by maryport-based singer-songwriter ben akehurst is a raw, reflective snapshot of growing up and growing through. recorded in the attic of a closed local pub – with the occasional seagull adding its own percussion – the ep captures something beautifully human: imperfection turned into art.

produced by dave mccracken (depeche mode, beyoncé), the record blends acoustic warmth with lyrical honesty, evoking the grounded storytelling of feeder and the intimacy of gerry cinnamon or david gray. across songs like now, heavy, and the title track wasted time, ben’s voice feels both weathered and hopeful – a reminder that even in heartbreak or transition, there’s clarity to be found.

the title track stands as the ep’s emotional anchor, written during a turbulent university year and a breakup that reshaped his perspective. “if you make a mistake enough times, eventually it becomes a hook,” mccracken told him – a phrase that seems to define the project itself: imperfect, honest, and alive.

wasted time isn’t about regret – it’s about acceptance, the quiet power of saying “this is where i am.”

thank u for making this ben akehurst 🌤️