About Hughzy
Ben Hughes – better known by his stage moniker Hughzy (pronounced Hew-zee) – is a name that resonates throughout the music scene. Hailing from the celebrated city of Liverpool, UK, a place renowned for its rich musical heritage and The Beatles’ fame, Ben is widely regarded as one of the most gifted guitarists of his generation. His international touring experience with artists like Mel C, Albert Lee, RFM and Fleetwood Mac, Hughzy’s unparalleled musical prowess has taken him from the studio to the world stage, leaving an indelible mark wherever he goes. He is the director of Cherry Up Projects, an artist development program in the UK; the host of his music podcast, More In The Moni; and a TEDx speaker.
The late Brian Clifford, former Director of Corporate Promotions at the BBC, praised Hughes, stating: “He’s one of the most impressive and important men I’ve met in the last decade. I’m proud to call this man a friend; he’s an inspiration to us all.”
Since 2015, Hughzy has made significant contributions to multiple music projects as a writer, artist developer, and session musician, working with numerous touring bands and artists. He operated out of Parr Street Recording Studios (Coldplay, Paolo Nutini) and, more recently, the esteemed Kempston St Studios in Liverpool (Blossoms, The Coral). His dedication to nurturing emerging talent has allowed him to expand his international influence, leveraging a vast network to support the next generation of musicians across a variety of platforms. Dario Darnell, known as Youngr, remarked: “Making music with someone who has that kind of passion and enthusiasm is just easy and fun!”
The late Sir Ken Robinson said Ben was “one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever seen, and a wonderful human being”. Recognized as one of the industry’s most gifted guitarists, and having toured with Tommy Emmanuel CGP no less, Ben’s creativity and dynamic ideas have made him a sought-after collaborator. Annie Greene, Director of Programs at The We Are Family Foundation, noted: “I have met very few people as brilliant as Ben at cultivating relationships and creatively collaborating.”
The Podcaster & Educator
But Hughzy’s influence doesn’t end with his guitar. Beyond performance, Ben is a passionate educator and the host of the podcast More In The Moni (www.moreinthemoni.com), which features esteemed guests such as Travis, White Lies, Mike Walker, Tommy Emmanuel CGP, Kolidescopes, Mick Fleetwood, Rick Vito and the list goes on. The podcast, which boasts legions of subscribers, has become a must-listen for anyone in the industry, offering insights, advice, and candid conversations with some of the most exciting artists, gatekeepers and industry luminaries from across the globe.
TEDx Speaker & Social Advocate
Ben is not just about rocking the world — Hughzy is also deeply committed to making it a better place. As the Musical Director for the Boat of Hope campaign, he spearheaded a global movement for mental health awareness, reaching over 950 million people on international TV with a message of hope and support. He has helped build schools in South Africa alongside close friend and collaborator Bernie Hollywood OBE JP and walked the Masai Mara to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. A strong advocate for social justice, in 2021, Ben served as the Musical Director for the Boat of Hope campaign, raising awareness for mental health issues during the Talker Whisky Challenge Atlantic initiative. As a dedicated educator, Hughzy has given talks, masterclasses, and workshops at numerous institutions in both the UK and the United States. Sir Mark Featherstone-Witty, Founder of The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), described him as “one of our graduate Catherine wheels, fizzing with activity.”
Entrepreneurial Spirit
In 2019 James Scroggs former Vice President of MTV said of Ben: “He is a hugely impressive character, with seemingly limitless energy. Working with him is easy to see that he exerts an incredibly positive influence on everyone around him and just has a unique way of joining the dots, connecting ideas, and working his industry in a way that’s phenomenal to be a part of.” Always looking to push boundaries, Hughzy founded Courses By Ben in 2023, an innovative platform offering personalized insights into the music industry with Ben in the role of a tutor, providing subscription services and downloadable content for all those who wish to learn from him. In the same year due to increasing demand, he also launched Cherry Up Projects (www.cherryupprojects.com), a forward-thinking initiative designed to support young artists with management, funding, and studio time to help them make their mark. Cherry Up Projects officially launched with a diverse roster of artists in collaboration with Tri-tone UK and the Merseyside Arts Foundation. Notably, as part of the writer-producer duo Human Goose, Ben secured substantial interest and funding and released music with Dominic Samagaio, including remixes of key tracks like “Praise” by Brooke Combe and signalling the burgeoning of his electronic and House influences.
A Legacy of Impact
From stage to studio, from mentor to mogul, Ben Hughes (Hughzy) is nothing short of a musical force. His legacy is built not only on his extraordinary talent as a guitarist but also on his tireless work to empower others, foster creativity, and advocate for positive change. Whether he’s playing for millions or mentoring the next generation, Hughzy continues to prove that his influence on the music world is as boundless as his talent. With a dynamic and influential presence in the music world, Ben (Hughzy) Hughes continues to inspire as a guitarist, developer, educator, and advocate, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
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