Dr. Ben, the folk-blues recording artist whose music channels three decades of experience as a travelling physician across rural Canada, releases his explosive new single “Cure Your Blues” today across all major streaming platforms. The track marks a bold evolution in the artist’s sound, combining intricate fingerpicking guitar work with soulful blues licks and brutally honest lyrics that capture the raw emotion of heartbreak with surgical precision.
“Cure Your Blues” was born from a place of pure creative fire. Dr. Ben, whose real name is Ben Chan, crafted this searing breakup song to capture what he describes as “Alanis Morissette-level fury with medical irony and a gluttony for punishment.” The single showcases the Toronto-based singer-songwriter and lead guitarist at his most visceral, weaving together blues rock intensity with the poignant storytelling that has earned him recognition across the independent music landscape. As the lyrics cut deep: “You use me like a Band-Aid just to help you heal that wound inside / And when you’re feeling better you just peel me off and toss me aside.”
Working alongside producer Douglas Romanow, Dr. Ben brought this vision to life with meticulous attention to sonic detail. The recording sessions captured the essence of classic blues-rock while maintaining the intimate quality that defines his artistry. Lead guitar work drives the track’s emotional core, with Dr. Ben’s blues licks serving as a second voice to the narrative of a love turned toxic. “Baby you just wanna use me to cure your blues,” he declares in the chorus, a hook that marries clinical detachment with emotional devastation.
Dr. Ben’s unique background as a physician who has served 97 small communities across Canada infuses his music with uncommon depth. He writes songs of heartache, hope, and healing, drawing from decades of helping people navigate mental health challenges, addictions, and chronic illness. His performances extend beyond bars across Ontario to hospitals and nursing homes, where he brings his music directly to patients during his downtime. This dedication to serving communities through both medicine and music creates an authenticity that resonates through every note.
Since releasing his first single in 2024, Dr. Ben has captured the attention of the music industry with two awards for his music videos and five semi-finalist or finalist nominations in major songwriting contests. These accolades reflect the power of his songwriting and his ability to connect universal emotions, from devastating loss to resilient hope, with audiences hungry for genuine artistry. His dual careers as a university professor of healthcare management and global health advocate further demonstrate the breadth of his commitment to making a difference.
“Cure Your Blues” represents a dream realized. “It’s never too late in life to pursue your dreams,” Dr. Ben reflects, speaking to artists and dreamers everywhere who balance passion with responsibility. The pandemic provided time to reconnect with his musical roots, and that reconnection has blossomed into a body of work that honors both his artistic vision and his dedication to storytelling. This single stands as testament to the power of persistence and the timeless appeal of blues-rock done right.
The single is available now on all major streaming platforms, ready to deliver its cathartic punch to listeners seeking music with both grit and heart.