Inspired and influenced by the likes of Jim Morrison, Stevie Nicks and David Bowie among others, alt-pop artist and LGBTQI advocate Ben Hazlewood is a young man with a passion and a talent for creating and sharing songs filled with emotion and honesty. His latest single “The Way You Do”, for which he’s just dropped the video, is no exception. Written for his Nan and with the message that “love isn’t limited to romance”, it’s a reminder of the love we have, hold and share with those closest to us, need they be family or friend. PopWrapped caught up with Ben to discover how he found the experience of filming a video during this ongoing pandemic and, with this awful year approaching its end, his highlight of 2020.
Who exactly is Ben Hazlewood in a few words?
Emotionally stirring, anthemic, driven musician with an organic soul.
Has music always been the career goal for you or did you have other ambitions before you set out on this path?
I had always wanted to pursue music as my lifetime career, just never thought I would one day be able to make it the one and only focus in my life. I am always super grateful for this.
Which two bands or artists might you say you’re most inspired by and how do those inspirations/influences filter through into the music you make?
I have always been influenced by the bands that my dad and I used to listen to when I was growing up. I think mainly Fleetwood Mac and Janis Joplin had the most profound effect on me when I was younger. That effect still flows through all I do now.
Lyrically, who or what are you most inspired by? How easy or hard do you find the songwriting process?
The songwriting process has always been up and down with me. Lyrically, I am inspired by life and all of the beauty and pain that can accompany it. Sometimes they come to me like water flowing down a river, others are more stagnant and can be slightly frustrating but all things worth pursuing are worth persevering.
In your mind, which is the greatest song ever written and why? Does such a thing even exist do you think?
Music is art, which makes it subjective to whoever is listening. My favourite songs of all time would have to be “Gimme Shelter” by the Rolling Stones, “Hike & Seek” Imogen Heap, and Jeff Buckley’s cover of “Hallelujah”
Is there a particular story behind your latest track/video “The Way You Do?” What made you choose to create a video for this track out of all the songs on Bloodline?
“They Way You Do” was never intended to be a single from the album but the feedback we received for this track from my fans was awesome. The song has always meant a lot to me so I really wanted to give it a moment to stand out and tell its story visually.
Where did the idea/concept for the video come from?
The concept evolved from the story of having someone in your life that is a rock that no matter what, you can count on them to be there. This concept was meant to emote that message. Filming during COVID meant that we had to run a skeleton cast and crew, but I feel that that brings an intimate, organic feel to the very personal song.
What do you hope listeners/viewers take from the song and video when they hear/see it?
A feeling of nostalgia, emotional freedom, and happiness.
To what extent has the Corona Virus pandemic affected your personal and professional plans for the year, and how have you adapted to such changes? What are you missing most about the way life used to be for us all?
I miss the socialisation of how things used to be and definitely playing live shows. I have; however, been lucky that I can still create and record in the studio. Personally, it has been challenging but I have started to take on new hobbies and challenges to keep my mind and soul fulfilled.
Finally then, with the year quickly drawing to a close, looking back on the last several months, what has been your one, main highlight?
This year, I released my debut album Bloodline which has been a lifelong ambition. Without a doubt that has been 2020’s highlight!
Check out the video for “The Way You Do” below and for more information on Ben Hazlewood, visit his website, give his page a like on Facebook or follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Header photo credit: Jake Weisz.
