"I've learned from the French as well that you just can't back down," Benjamin Clementine tells Gigwise at the Mercury Prize 2015. "I've heard from Bono, Foo Fighters, whatever - they've cancelled their gigs and that's showing weakness. You've got to go out there and show these people that you're not scared of them. Terrorism means that they're trying to create fear. I personally think that we need to out there: every musician and really sing and give the people music. It's one of the few things that can save all of us."
Music has certainly saved Benjamin Clementine. Moving from London to Paris, he lived on the streets as a busker - six years later returning as a celebrated singer-songwriter, taking home the Mercury Music Prize and honouring the city that he loves.
"I still don't know, but I think it's because it's hopeful in my sound and my words," he humbly shrugs, trying to make sense of the success of winning album, At Least For Now. "I don't know, it's up to you - I just went out there and recorded what I thought about the world concerning us and people and emotions and family. Some people liked it, and do like it. I'm very lucky to be here."
So is it all raw-nerved honesty, putting himself fully on show for the world to see?
"Well, I think we're all actors. Some of the songs I hadn't experienced. It was partially because some of my friends had, so I could sort of feel their emotions - it's semi-autobiographical, but also I don't think I'm singing for myself. I'm singing for almost everyone whose gone through a bit of life."
Benjamin Clementine's upcoming tour dates are below - tickets and information are available here.
Benjamin Clementine will play:
Tue December 01 2015 - MANCHESTER Lowry
Wed December 02 2015 - GATESHEAD Sage
Thu December 03 2015 - BRIGHTON St Georges Church
Fri December 04 2015 - BRISTOL Lantern
Mon December 07 2015 - LONDON St John at Hackney
