
Showing people how your life can impact the world, even after death
My name is Ben Buddy Slack, and I’m the founder and creative director of a charity called the Swan Song Project. This all started about four years ago after I experienced the profound loss of my beloved grandmother. In the aftermath of her passing, I found myself deeply regretting that we had never recorded her singing with us – a missed opportunity that left me wishing I could have preserved that precious memory. It was in the wake of this personal tragedy that the idea for the Swan Song Project first took root in my mind.
I’ve lived in Leeds my whole life, growing up in a loving and supportive family. My parents have always been together, and I have one older brother. We had a fairly creative upbringing – from a young age, I was drawn to writing stories and dreaming of becoming an author, inspired by my dad’s collection of Stephen King novels. For a long time, I was convinced I would be the next Stephen King, even attempting to read those chilling books as a little kid (much to my terror!).
As I got a bit older, my aspirations shifted, and I became determined to become a police detective. I was always a pretty stubborn kid, and once I set my mind to something, I would stick with it doggedly for years. The idea of being a tough, no-nonsense cop appealed to me, and I thought my tall stature and dislike of wrongdoers would make me well-suited for the job.
It wasn’t until I was around 13 or 14 that music started to capture my attention. Watching my uncle play the guitar and lead impromptu singalongs sparked my interest, and I begged my parents to let me get a guitar so I could learn. I taught myself the basics and began playing in pubs with my uncle, which I loved. But even then, I didn’t see music as a viable career path – in my mind, you either made it big like the Rolling Stones, or you struggled to make ends meet.
It wasn’t until I was in university, studying criminology, that the idea of pursuing music more seriously started to take hold. My band, Blind Dead MC Jones, was gaining momentum, and we had some tough conversations about whether we should drop out and give the band a real shot. Ultimately, we decided to take a year off from our studies to see if we could make it work. That year turned into several, as we dedicated ourselves fully to the band, taking on odd jobs to make ends meet between gigs.
During that time, I also stumbled into the world of community music projects, teaching guitar and songwriting workshops to young offenders and adults in prisons. I found the work incredibly rewarding, seeing how transformative the creative process could be for people who had faced significant challenges in their lives. It was a revelation that music could be used as a tool for personal growth and self-expression, not just entertainment.
Then, in 2017, my world was turned upside down by the loss of my beloved grandmother. The regret I felt over not recording her singing with us was a constant ache, and it was that experience that ultimately led me to found the Swan Song Project. I wanted to ensure that others facing terminal illness or dealing with grief would have the opportunity to create their musical legacy – a way to express themselves and leave something behind for their loved ones.
Her passing was undoubtedly the most difficult moment of my life up to that point. But during that profound grief, the seeds of the Swan Song Project were planted, setting me on a path that would go on to have an immeasurable impact, not only on the lives of others but on my own as well.
As a lifelong songwriter myself, I have always been fascinated by the power of music to capture and express the human experience. So when I found myself grappling with my grandmother’s death, I couldn’t help but wonder – what if others facing terminal illness or dealing with the grief of bereavement had the chance to write and record their original songs? The more I pondered this notion, the more it felt like a meaningful way to not only honour my grandmother’s memory but to provide a unique and cathartic outlet for others navigating similar life-altering challenges.
In May 2017, I launched the Swan Song Project, beginning my work at the Marie Curie Hospice in Bradford. I’ll admit, at the outset, I was filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. I had no prior experience working directly with end-of-life patients, and I wasn’t entirely sure how the process of songwriting would be received in that delicate context. However, I was determined to approach each interaction with an open heart and mind, striving to be a collaborative partner in helping people express themselves through music rather than imposing preconceived notions.
What unfolded over the ensuing months and years was nothing short of extraordinary. Each person I had the privilege of working with brought their own unique life story, perspectives, and creative vision to the songwriting process. Some arrived with a crystal-clear idea of what they wanted to say, while others needed a bit more guidance to uncover and articulate their innermost thoughts and feelings. But without fail, the result was a song that was a profoundly personal reflection of the individual – a lasting legacy that they could share with their loved ones.
Witnessing the joy, pride, and sense of catharsis that would wash over participants as they heard their finished recordings was truly humbling. I was consistently in awe of the courage and vulnerability these individuals displayed, entrusting me to help them craft something so deeply meaningful. It was in those moments that I knew, beyond any doubt, that I was engaged in work that was not only immensely fulfilling for me, but that was making a tangible, positive impact on the lives of others.
Buoyed by the overwhelming success and positive feedback from our initial efforts at the Marie Curie Hospice, the Swan Song Project quickly began to expand. In 2018, we brought the program to St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds, and the following year added Wheatfields Hospice, also in Leeds. Then, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, we were forced to pivot to a virtual model – a shift that, surprisingly, allowed us to reach even more participants across the country.
Of course, maintaining and growing the Swan Song Project has presented its fair share of challenges, not the least of which has been securing the necessary funding to sustain our operations. But through the tireless efforts of our team, the unwavering support of organisations like the National Lottery and local community foundations, and the generosity of individual donors like the renowned broadcaster Chris Evans, we’ve been able to not only keep the project afloat but continually enhance and expand the services we provide.
The emotional toll of this work is undeniable – losing people you’ve grown close to through the songwriting process is never easy. But the profound sense of purpose and the knowledge that we’re making a tangible difference in people’s lives is what keeps me and my team going, even in the face of such heartbreak. Seeing the impact the Swan Song Project has on participants and their families is a constant source of inspiration, reminding me that the positive outcomes far outweigh the difficulties.
As I look to the future, my vision is to make the Swan Song Project accessible nationwide, ensuring that anyone facing a terminal diagnosis or grappling with the grief of loss has the opportunity to create their musical legacy. It’s such a powerful and cathartic process, and I truly believe it.
This blogpost was written by John Matthews on behalf of Tales to Inspire.