A WALK ALONG 'HALF MOON.' Ben Ellsworth (pictured above) a UW-Eau Claire student and electronic music producer, will soon release his third album, 1, to Bandcamp on Dec. 26. The eight-track record weaves together ambient soundscapes that invite listeners into an expansive and equally intimate reflections.

A world of meticulously crafted soundscapes, shimmering synthesizers and ethereal echoes unfold when his earphones connect the body to the computer. A new sonic universe will soon emanate from the imaginative mind of Ben Ellsworth, an electronic, ambient artist and University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire student, in his third album, 1.

Throughout the new record – slated for digital release on Dec. 26 – Ellsworth weaves layers of electronic elements to invite listeners within meditative, introspective spaces that feel both expansive and intimately personal.

“Instrumental, electronic music in general (has) definitely had a profound impact on my life,” Ellsworth said. “It’s very abstract, but also deeply familiar and speaks to the necessities of deep listening and the reward that can be had in doing that.”

He first began making electronic music three years ago, following the footsteps of his brother – who also found a creative outlet through the downtempo house music scenes. Since then, he has self-produced and released two albums – Everywhere, But Nowhere (2023) and Remember Who You Are (2024) – and scores of independent tracks.

Following the release of Ellsworth’s most recent EP, 20EP, he immediately got back to the Ableton software program – where his music is brought to life – to experiment with the many sounds and styles he had acquired following its release and bring them together in a fresh collection.

1 by Ben Ellsworth, album cover. (Image via Bandcamp)

“In that process and making (of) that EP, I had distilled a lot of what inspired me to start making music in the first place,” Ellsworth said. “It’s been a year long process and I have (witnessed) different twisting roads creatively, but it’s been a good process to approach production from many different angles.”

And twisting roads he surely took; Ellsworth often goes for walks around sunset in Eau Claire, bundling up and listening to either his own music drafts or creatives who inspire his work. This ongoing habit – which he has maintained since arriving in town for school – supports both his creative mind and general well-being.

“Walking around the Eau Claire campus; to and from SHIFT; Thorp Dr.; the whole Third Ward – those spots that allow for close listening, away from the hustle and bustle, (are) very helpful for me to understand where the music sits in daily life.”

The artwork for 1 reflects these influences of the natural world, particularly the wintry landscapes which have helped Ellsworth capture the backdrop of his music. As if it were fate, Ellsworth took the photo for the album cover – which features ripples of snow – at the very beginning of his musical journey.

The album’s blue colorway, bright contrasting visuals and snowy imagery is also reflected in select songs of the eight-track record. Track three, “Fell Hard,” transports listeners to the calm that follows a heavy snowstorm.

Ellsworth and his synth, pictured above at SHIFT in downtown Eau Claire. This coffee shop became an integral location to mix and produce the new album.

Its steady and rhythmic progression evokes peaceful, glittery images of snow-covered branches and the enveloping warmth of getting bundled up to embrace the elements.

Of course, Eau Claire listeners may long for their own days spent walking along the shoreline of Half Moon Lake, as alluded to in track six, “Half Moon.”

This track (and the entire record) truly immerses you into the landscape – allowing listeners to feel as if you are walking across crunching leaves, hearing the rhythmic patter of skipping rocks along the water, or a gradual swell of sound which mirrors a heron’s takeoff from the water.

With the approaching release of 1 and future electronic songs already in early production stages, Ellsworth aims to unveil and explore more of his own inner landscapes. The album highlights moments where profound emotions and meandering journeys – both literal and figurative – lead to enriching outcomes.

“This album definitely (is) the most direct expression of my internal world,” Ellsworth said. “I’m aiming to be in the middle ground of something you can enjoy throughout your day, but also something that when you do sit down – get the (full) album experience – it will be a rewarding thing.”

As we meandered along the Eau Claire river, Ellsworth (pictured above) shared stories of musicians he admires, navigating the complexities of burnout in a creative field and the rich abundance of creative collaboration he's found here amongst other Chippewa Valley musicians.

Ben Ellsworth's third self-produced album, 1, will be available to listen on Dec. 26 through Bandcamp online.