After losing his twin brother and long-term collaborator to cancer in 2016, Ben Lawrence began to do the only thing he could, create. 

Ben’s story reads like a heart-wrenching coming-of-age film.

Having spent his formative years discovering creativity with his brother Dan, playing in bands and crafting home movies.  

Norwich Evening News: Ben hopes that his music will help others to have hope Ben hopes that his music will help others to have hope (Image: Ben Lawrence)

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The brothers' origin story looked to have them set up for decades of creative endeavours, but nothing could have prepared them for the story that would unfold. 

After experiencing several seizures in 2014, Dan was diagnosed with a stage four brain tumour.  

He would go on to receive treatment and during the final year of his life, he wrote and directed a feature-length film.  

Norwich Evening News: Ben Lawrence had many creative endeavours with his brother Dan. Pictured: Dan and Ben with their wives just before Dan died Ben Lawrence had many creative endeavours with his brother Dan. Pictured: Dan and Ben with their wives just before Dan died (Image: Ben Lawrence)

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Dan’s passing in late 2016 spun Ben’s life onto a new, unexpected course.  

Taking time out of work to recuperate, Ben, from Hellesdon, began to write his experiences into song. 

Now, the grieving brother is releasing his music to help other people to work through the process and share his experiences.  

Norwich Evening News: The title track of the new album 'O Wide World' can be streamed now The title track of the new album 'O Wide World' can be streamed now (Image: Ben Lawrence)

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As his life started to pick up a new normal without Dan, the songs lay dormant until 2020 during the Covid pandemic. 

The title track ‘O Wide World’, a song about re-finding adventure in the wake of loss, is currently available to listen to on streaming platforms ahead of the release of the full album.  

Norwich Evening News: Ben's album will be released soon and he hopes it helps people Ben's album will be released soon and he hopes it helps people (Image: Ben Lawrence)

Ben, 31, said: “This project is the best thing I have ever done, and though born out of a time of great sadness, I hope it connects with those who are looking for some hope.” 

Ben said that his music intricately weaves together 60s folk and Americana, surf rock, pop and indie, to produce an experience of modern nostalgia.  

Norwich Evening News: Dan and Ben Lawrence were always working on something creative together Dan and Ben Lawrence were always working on something creative together (Image: Ben Lawrence)

He added: “It’s big, bold and deeply introspective, an invitation to find your adventure again.” 

Norwich Evening News: The Hellesdon man wanted to use his music to explain his grief The Hellesdon man wanted to use his music to explain his grief (Image: Ben Lawrence)