Benjamin Francis Leftwich reveals album inspirations

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Page last updated at 05:12 GMT, Thursday, 30 June 2011 06:12 UK

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The performer says he doesn't understand being compared to other artists

Singer/songwriter Benjamin Francis Leftwich has revealed the artists who helped to inspire his forthcoming debut album.

The 21-year-old York musician told Newsbeat he didn't really understand being compared to other acts but was a big fan of the Arcade Fire.

"The stuff I play, it's easy to make comparisons because it's acoustic guitar," he said.

"It's nice to be compared to people but I don't really get the comparisons."

I want to keep playing music and being happy with what I'm writing. I'd like to be in a house in the Lake District in 18 months time writing album two

Benjamin Francis Leftwich

He also spoke about the acts he is inspired by, ahead of the release of his debut album Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm on Monday.

"I've been listening to a lot of the Suburbs by Arcade Fire. I like the new National record, I listen to Ryan Adams and Springsteen every day," he said.

The album, which features the single Box Of Stones, is Leftwich's pick of songs he's been working on for up to four years.

"It's a collection of songs that I thought really worked well as a record," he explained.

The singer also added that his plan for the rest of his career was quite simple.

"I want to keep playing music and being happy with what I'm writing," he said. "I'd like to be in a house in the Lake District in 18 months time writing album two."

Benjamin Francis Leftwich's debut album Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm is out on Monday 4 July