Guest Post: Benjamin from Small Ears

The writer shares his interview with Brian Protheroe

Protheroe playing “Pinball” live

We’re ending the week on a different note. Today Benjamin Kryze, writer of Small Ears is sharing a recent interview he did with actor/musician Brian Protheroe. Enjoy the interview, and make sure to check Small Ears out. Have a great weekend! See you Monday.

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First of all, Thanks to Kevin for having me here; it's nice to see you all!

Since most of you probably don't know me, let me tell you a little about what I'm doing.

"Small Ears" is a newsletter that aims to show you the world of minor artists--people who make great content despite having a small audience. Every Friday, you can read an interview of an artist conducted by phone or mail. I'm confident you will find a new favorite on one of these Fridays, maybe before the rest of the world does.

Special Note: For an upcoming article titled "From Small to Known," A bigger band has agreed to share what it was like at the start of their career.

Don't forget to follow the newsletter to find out who it is!

Enough with the talk; let's see who our artist is this week!

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Brian Protheroe, artist & actor.

This week, I had the chance to interview Brian Protheroe, a singer some of you might know for his music "Pinball" back in 1974. It's also possible that some of you have seen him in a TV show or a movie, because yes, he played quite a few roles, as you can see here.

He released six albums and more than 12 singles since his hit song "Pinball," which reached #22nd on the UK Singles Chart in September 1974.

He also starred in some roles in movies like Superman, TV Shows, voice acting in video games, and more recently as Mr. Lawrence in Little Women: The Musical.

When did you start your musical career? What motivated you to start it?

I acted in a play in the early 70s where I had to sing a song. The author had the words and asked me to write the music. A recording of the song was heard by a representative of Chrysalis records which led to my being offered a recording contract. 

I made three albums with Chrysalis from 74’ to 76’. The song “Pinball” from the first album got to 22 in the charts on Sept 74’

What genre of music do you play? 

A mixture. Elements of Folk, Jazz, Music Hall, Blues.

Is there an event, an artist or a band that inspired you?

The Beatles, Paul Simon, Sting, Dave Brubeck.

Is your music your principal work? If not, what else are you doing? 

I’ve mainly worked as an actor since the mid-’60s. I’ve worked at the RSC, the National Theatre, and various musicals in London’s West End. I’ve also performed regularly on television.

On which platform is your music available?

The usual. Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, etc.

What songs do you want to share with people who don’t know your music?

Pinball - Enjoy It remix - Sentimental Tale (the new single)

Note: Sentimental Tale was released on the 4th of August 2022.

What are you using to record your performance? Are you doing everything by yourself? 

I use a small recording set up at home for the demos. Then I use the studio of a musician friend who also helps produce.

Are you working on any new songs?

I always have something I’m working on. Hopefully, I’ll have enough songs for a new album late next year. 

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If you want to follow him, he shares everything on Facebook

I want to thank Brian Protheroe again for letting me interview him while he shared his experience and world with me. I can’t wait to listen to his next album next year.

Thanks, Kevin, for having me. See you next week (hopefully) on Small Ears!

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