Ben Russell And The Charmers

Ben Russell And The Charmers

Ben Russell And The Charmers are a four-piece reggae and roots band from Kent. Their music combines harmony-led reggae with an acoustic and electric sound, and the group is associated with a positive, feel-good style.

Ben Russell

Ben Russell is the guitarist and principal songwriter. He develops a new-age reggae approach and also draws on indie influences. Before this group, he leads Velvetine, whose single “Muse” receives airplay on Australia’s Triple J and Nova FM. Velvetine also wins the Australian Garage Band Competition in 2003. Russell performs on stages in Australia, Canada and the UK and appears alongside a number of Australian acts.

Mel Kocak

Mel Kocak is the vocalist and keyboard player. She graduates from Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and comes from a theatre background, with performances at The Marlowe Theatre and Canterbury Cathedral. Her reggae interest and vocal technique contribute to the band’s harmonies.

Kevin Macleod

Kevin Macleod plays bass and sings backing vocals. He is also a singer-songwriter and takes up bass guitar after previously performing with bands in Scotland and Kent, including Overhaul, Some-1-Else, Stranded and Five Floors Up.

Becca Green

Becca Green plays drums, percussion and backing vocals. She is one of the original members of the band and studies music at Brentton Hall, University of Leeds.