Ben Chant
Lead Singer, Songwriter and Composer
Growing up in a musical family, and having the 'coincidental' birth name of Chant, only led to me following the same path by taking up classical music as a youngster, learning to play the piano, becoming a chorister and listening to classical music at dinner! Unlike the rest of my family, I wanted to broaden my genre and under the influence of my father, came across alternative and rock music from the likes of Rush and U2, which became the motivation to learn the guitar and drums.
I realised it was time for me to use what I had learned in classical music and combine it with that of alternative/rock. Then came 'battle of the bands' at school, and a chance to pull a band together to play some 'new' music, hence came the birth of GU8.
Will Barnes
Back Up Singer, Bassist and Lyricist
Having a father and a brother who both fancied themselves as singer-songwriters, I had a great deal of exposure to alternative and rock music from an early age. I always loved to sing whether it be belting out tunes in the car, singing hymns in the school chapel or experimenting with my brother. When I was 17, Ben asked me to join GU8 as a vocalist ahead of first performance. During rehearsals, we co-wrote our first original song which we performed on the night.
Bio
GU8, the music artist developed by singer-songwriter Ben Chant and lyrisist/back up singer Will Barnes, are an alternative rock artist, who create original and diverse music that aims to inspire and excite those who listen.
Originating in Surrey, UK, GU8 began back in school, when four pupils found a common interest in artists such as Keane, U2, Coldplay, Oasis, Rush and others. Will Barnes, one of the founding members of GU8 has been an influential lyricist, with distinct backing vocals that gives each track its unique ambience.