Trying To Be Brave: Ben Provest’s New Single Born in Iceland’s Wild Beauty

17/11/2025 15 5

A folk anthem of courage and connection

Australian singer‑songwriter, multi‑instrumentalist, and producer Ben Provest has unveiled his latest single and music video, Trying To Be Brave. A stirring blend of atmospheric folk textures, heartfelt lyricism, and glowing charm, the track is both an ode to heartbreak and a meditation on courage.

Written and recorded during a month‑long residency in a tiny fishing village in Iceland, Trying To Be Brave connects Ben’s Australian roots with the tranquillity of Iceland’s dramatic fjords and volcanic landscapes. The result is a song that feels both intimate and expansive, offering listeners a sonic sanctuary in uncertain times.

The story behind Trying To Be Brave

Ben composed the single while living at The Fish Factory artist residency in Stöðvarfjörður, Iceland. Surrounded by a small community of international artists and breathtaking scenery, he found inspiration in both the isolation and the beauty of the environment.

“I actually made the song completely by myself while living at The Fish Factory,” Ben explains. “I recorded it in Studio Silo, an incredible space filled with restored vintage gear. The upright piano was recorded with Coles 4038 ribbon microphones, the acoustic guitar and lead vocal with a U67‑style condenser. I used my Martin 000‑18M acoustic guitar, a Roland Juno 106, a banjo lying around the studio, a Fender Precision Bass, and programmed drums. I recorded, mixed, and mastered everything myself in Logic Pro X.”

The track was inspired by a breakup with Amelia, someone Ben was close to during Melbourne’s COVID lockdowns. “At its heart, the song was about her,” he shares. “But more broadly, it became about letting go of fear—being brave enough to trust again, to follow your instincts, and to live an authentic life.”

The music video: raw and unpolished beauty

The accompanying video for Trying To Be Brave was filmed in one take in the wilderness of Iceland’s eastern fjords. Ben wanted it to feel free, unpolished, and honest—just him walking and singing live against the stark backdrop of nature.

“The video was a simple, spontaneous idea,” Ben says. “I wanted the environment and the song to breathe together. One of the visual artists at the residency, Chi Chai, helped me capture some of the footage. It was really just about flow.”

Influences and textures

During the writing phase, Ben immersed himself in artists like Garrett Kato, Harrison Storm, and Woodlock, whose folk‑driven sounds inspired the luminous textures of Trying To Be Brave. The track serenely dazzles with wonder and freedom, anchored by authentic delivery and folk instrumentation that mirrors the Icelandic landscape.

Ben Provest: a creative journey

Ben’s career has already spanned continents and genres. He has:

Produced records for Melbourne artists Nikolas Lee, Noaksey, and Amber Scates.
Worked in Los Angeles under the mentorship of Hollywood film composer Christopher Young, writing music for film and television.
Performed with BABBA, the internationally acclaimed ABBA tribute act.
Graduated from both the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) and Berklee College of Music.

In 2024, his residency at The Fish Factory in Iceland became a turning point, sparking a new solo chapter defined by cinematic folk and ambient storytelling.

Looking ahead: Brotherly and beyond

Beyond his solo work, Ben has recently formed a collaborative band project called Brotherly, alongside Johnny Cattini, Max Challis, Armando Baeza, and Connor Frawley. The group is set to release new music in early 2026.

But for now, Trying To Be Brave marks a milestone in Ben’s journey—an authentic, intimate track that blends sweeping folk with modern sensibilities.

A message of courage

“Music has always been my sanctuary,” Ben concludes. “It’s how I express things that can’t be put into words. Trying To Be Brave is about letting go of self‑consciousness, following your heart, and trusting where the journey leads.”