Ben Watt

Benjamin Brian Thomas Watt is a British musician, singer, songwriter, author, DJ, and radio presenter. He is best known as a member of the duo Everything but the Girl. Watt was born in Marylebone, London, and grew up in Barnes. He is the son of Scottish jazz bandleader Tommy Watt and writer Romany Bain.

As a recording artist, Watt began his career in 1981 on Cherry Red label. His first single 'Cant' featured Richard Allen. His second release, 'Summer into Winter', included Robert Wyatt. Watt's debut album 'North Marine Drive' reached the UK Independent Album Charts Top 10 in 1983. He then joined forces with Tracey Thorn to form Everything but the Girl (EBTG). EBTG released nine studio albums and received multiple gold and platinum certifications.

In 2000, after EBTG's hiatus, Watt delved into electronic music. He worked as a DJ and produced club tracks like 'Lone Cat' and 'Outspoken EP Part 1'. In 2014, he returned to folk-jazz with 'Hendra', featuring Bernard Butler and David Gilmour. The album won the AIM Independent Music Awards 2014. His third solo album, 'Fever Dream', was released in 2016.

In late 2022, Watt and Thorn announced a new EBTG album, 'Fuse', their first in 24 years.

Watt's first memoir, Patient — The True Story of a Rare Illness, details his battle with Churg–Strauss syndrome. Diagnosed in 1992, Watt faced a life-threatening situation. The book received critical acclaim and was a finalist for the Esquire-Waterstones Best Non-Fiction Award in the UK.

Watt also established himself in the world of deep house with the club night Lazy Dog. He co-owned London nightclubs Neighbourhood and Cherry Jam. Watt founded Buzzin' Fly Records in 2003, supporting artists like Justin Martin and Mademoiselle Caro & Franck Garcia. The label won the House Music Awards in 2004.

As a DJ, Watt performed at various festivals and was a resident DJ at Space Terrace in Ibiza. He launched Strange Feeling Records in 2007 and Unmade Road in 2014. Watt hosted the Buzzin' Fly radio show and later joined BBC Radio 6 Music's 6 Mix.

Watt lives with Tracey Thorn in Hampstead, north London. They married in 2009 after meeting at Hull University in 1981. They have three children. In 1992, Watt was diagnosed with Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, leading to significant health challenges. He advocates for environmental causes, including the Welsh Harp reservoir.

Photo credit: Antonio Olmos