Loyle Carner (Benjamin Coyle-Larner) is one of my favourite artists. His tone, flow, production and personality are some of the many reasons of this.

Loyle Carner’s first EP, A Little Late, has some of his best tracks on- BFG, October, Cantona and The Money are some of my personal favourites. BFG is a sad introductory song about the pressures and Ben’s struggle with stepping up helping his mum and brother after his stepfathers death. Loyle refers to his stepfather as Dad because of his minimal contact to his real father and I will also refer to Ben’s stepfather as his dad for the rest of this article. My Favourite song on the album is probably Cantona, This poetic ballad seems to speak once again on the death of Bens father- it speaks on his loneliness throughout the ordeal.

Loyle Carner’s early life was seemingly a struggle, from an early age he seemingly was recognised with ADHD and Dyslexia. He always says his ADHD is the best and worst thing to happen to him and in a way his name is a blessing from his dyslexia- His real name is Benjamin Coyle-Larner his joint hyphenated last name being of confusion and as that- Coyle Larner became Loyle Carner.

Loyle Carner’s debut album, yesterdays gone, was released on the 20th of January 2017, this album is one of the best albums of this decade- from start to finish it is an instant classic. He raps along melodies about how he feels and there are anecdotes scattered throughout consisting of conversations- one standing out of him talking to his mother about swearing- this showed his affection with his mother and gave the listeners a more personal look into Bens life. The final song on this album is a poem from Bens mum, Jean, about the their love and happenings in their live. It’s a touching ballad of their love.

Post Yesterday’s Gone was when Loyle Carner began to gain major traction- in 2017 he performed at Glastonbury bringing his mum out on stage- as he puts it the best moment of his career, Ben has also created a cooking school, it is one for kids with mental health problems, being that of ADHD, anxiety etc. It’s been in progress for a couple years now. Loyle also presented a new song that’s still unreleased. I’m hoping to see it before 2025. Loyle Carner also made headlines and a twitter moment after trading his tickets to shows for vintage football shirts- he now has a massive collection.

Most recently Loyle Carner presented his new album, Not Waving, But Drowning. This album begins with a happy message to his mum about how he has met his girlfriend and is now moving out. The first side of the album seems to be sunny and joyful- it’s about love. The second side of the album seems to have a sadder tone but still suggests the same love-filled message but is about the deep thoughts and the heart in love. He also talks about his money – a present theme throughout all three projects. And he talks about his real father.

The Final Song on the album is a poem from his mum, again, this is described as better by Loyle- Jean talks about Ben getting a girlfriend, their struggles getting through the death of his dad and the way she feels for him. It’s a touching poem for Ben. The last line hits hard- ‘ for I have gained a daughter, I have not lost a son’ this references to ben’s fear that he has left his mother for his girlfriend.

Loyle Carner is a talented, young, brilliant artist with more to come. He keeps it real, always. He fills his songs with his heart. It’s full of love.

Signed,

Spike Aitchison