Broken Compass Northern Ireland’s Rising Duo

Broken Compass is a dynamic new duo based in Northern Ireland, bringing together two powerhouse vocalists: Allen Gordon and Ben Davidson and they just so happen to be a couple too!

Ben, originally from Kent, UK, is an accomplished solo artist with a rich performance history. He began singing at 15 after successfully auditioning for the boyband Most Wanted, where he took lead vocals and toured the UK alongside acts such as Westlife, S Club 7, Jamelia, 911, and the Sugababes. Over his career, Ben has graced renowned venues including London’s Café de Paris and Earls Court Arena. His work has topped the UK iTunes Singer/Songwriter Singles Chart, UK iTunes Vocal Album Chart, Amazon’s Best Selling Vocalist Album Chart, and the LGBTQ Music Chart.

Allen, from a small village in County Down, has had a lifelong passion for music. He studied piano and voice at the University of Ulster and has performed on every major stage in Northern Ireland. While best known for his work in musical theatre, Allen is a versatile performer with strong pop and jazz influences. He has played leading roles in shows such as “Addams Family” (Gomez) at The Grand Opera House, “Young Frankenstein” (Dr. Frederick Frankenstein) at The Mac, and many more.

He is also a qualified Music teacher with a degree specialising in Classical Piano and Music Theatre Vocals. He has also been nominated several times by the National Operatic and Dramatic Association for his skills.

How did you meet?

The pair first crossed paths at a Pride event, where Ben’s performance caught Allen’s attention. “His vocals were just fantastic,” Allen recalls. A friendship soon followed, built on a shared respect for each other’s talent. Now almost a year on after meeting we are settled in a lovely apartment with our little dog, Teddy.

How did you start singing together?

Music quickly became the common thread in their relationship. They traded song recommendations, swapped stories of concerts they’d attended, and debated their favourites—

Mariah vs. Beyoncé remains an ongoing battle. Their first real singing session together happened on Christmas Day, though it was far from straightforward. “We were trying to cook dinner while the oven kept cutting out,” Ben laughs. “We had to take turns holding down the oven switch and running to the studio to record. It was chaos—but unforgettable.”

How did you choose the name?

The name Broken Compass came from a conversation with a close friend—over a few drinks, naturally. “It resonated with us because we were both going through big life changes,” Allen explains. “A compass would have been the perfect tool to guide us—but ours felt broken at the time. It just fit.”

What’s next for Broken Compass?

The duo have just signed to a record label with Energise Records and are hard at work on their debut single, ‘Storm’, set for release in September. “We’ve got a fantastic team behind us,” Ben says. “This is just the beginning.”

What is The Storm about?

“It’s about relationships—and how they’re not always smooth sailing,” Allen explains. “Life isn’t linear, and sometimes storms are unavoidable. The song’s message is that challenges don’t always end in disaster. Every cloud has a silver lining, and it’s about learning to embrace the storm you’re in.” Ben says “ it sums up how we felt when we started dating, things felt very natural yet out of our control, like weather life is unpredictable but it became the Perfect Storm”

Do you share similar tastes in music, or do your differences make the magic happen?

They share a love of ’80s and ’90s pop and R&B, but their differences add depth. “We are both huge musical theatre fans, but Allen also loves Classical music” Ben notes. “Our apartment soundtrack is an eclectic mix.” Allen agrees: “The magic really comes from blending our different influences to create something unique.”

What was your first gig like, and how have you grown since?

Their debut as a duo was in a Belfast bar, and they weren’t sure how a gay male duo would be received. The crowd’s reaction quickly put them at ease. “We nearly ran out of business cards,” Ben recalls. Since then, they’ve secured numerous private bookings across Northern Ireland and even performed at Glasgow Pride. “Our sound has developed so much,” Allen says. “Now our voices complement each other beautifully. Maybe next year we’ll take on Belfast Pride.”

What’s been your biggest challenge, and how do you overcome it?

Songwriting can be tricky when both artists have strong opinions. “We’re both stubborn,” Allen admits. “It’s about communication and creating a safe space where ideas can flow. As fans of a good story — we want music that resonates, and that takes time and patience”, says Ben.

Who takes the lead on lyrics or melody—or is it always a blend?

“It’s pretty evenly matched,” Ben says. “I tend to focus on lyrics, and Allen has an incredible ear for melody and harmony, but we both contribute to every aspect of the process.”

What’s the biggest difference between singing alone and together?

“Singing solo is wonderful, but music is meant to be shared,” Allen says. “Over time, our voices have adapted to each other. We breathe at the same moments, naturally follow one another, and harmonise instinctively—even on new songs. The chemistry we have on stage is real, and audiences feel that.”

Where do you see Broken Compass in five years?

“Things have happened so quickly that it’s hard to predict,” Ben says. “We’ll definitely still be writing together. With the connections we both have, who knows where this journey will take us?” Allen says, “we’d love to have an album and who knows, maybe even a headline gig! What matters most is that we’re doing it for the love of music, creating a sound that’s uniquely ours, and sharing that joy with audiences.”

You can reach out via Tel:07833 471732 Email: brokencompass.live@ gmail.com