Bounce Magazine July 2018

JULY 2018 JULY | 2018 ISSUE | ISSUE #69 | #69 BEN HAENOW
relationship that is now in the media
spotlight?
I wouldn’t say our relationship has been
particularly high profile at all. It has always
been kept quite private, and we like it that
way. The media’s main focus has always been
about the X Factor experience or focusing on
the music.
R: How do you deal with negativity if you
ever get any?
I just tend to ignore it if I do come across
anything. I’ve been fairly lucky in that respect
as I don’t tend to get much... or maybe I’m just
blind to it all. But I think if you’re talking about
negative comments and stuff on social media,
I really don’t let that kind of thing get to me. I
mean, I understand that maybe not everyone
is going to like the same stuff and that online
it’s very easy for people to have an opinion
or comment on anything and everything be it
good or bad.
R: Who were your musical influences
growing up?
My dad was big into blues and rock music and
my mum used to like lots of soul and motown
stuff so that’s the kind of music I heard
growing up. When I started out singing, it was
always AC/DC and Led Zeppelin covers.. Oasis,
Nirvana, Stevie Wonder, Marvin and that sort
of thing.
R: How would you describe your own sound?
I’d say it’s probably pop-rock but with a bit of
soul influence thrown in.
R: You post a lot of fun covers online, how do
you pick which songs to cover?
“It’s fairly random. Sometimes I just ask people
on Twitter what they would like to hear and
take suggestions, but usually it’s just a songs
that I like or feel like singing.
R: You have a new album out called ‘Alive’
can you tell us more about that?
Well this is my first completely independent
release. And all the songs were written by me
and my brother. I get total creative control
which is exciting. I think the songs on this
album are a little more autobiographical than
they were on the first album but will hopefully
resonate with people. Production-wise, we’ve
gone maybe a little edgier and a bit less
ballad-heavy than the first album too. There’s
a bit more tempo to it all. It’s always a little
scary putting new stuff out and hoping people
can vibe with it, so I’m a little anxious but very
excited.
R: What is your own personal favourite song
from the album?
I think either ‘Getaway’ or ‘Give Me Your Love.’
When we wrote ‘Getaway’, I was really happy
with the lyrics and the overall message/feel of
the song. And ‘Give Me Your Love’ was a bit
more of an experimental one sound and style
wise for me and I was really happy with how
it turned out. It was nice to write something a
bit more upbeat.
R: Any plans for a tour?
Well me and the band came off our third
UK tour only a few months back, so maybe
something towards the end of this year,
but I’ve got some festivals and other
performances all over the place. It’s great to
play the big outdoor venues in the summer
and I’ll be bringing some of the new songs
into the set.
R: Ben thank you so much for your time and
for chatting with us at Bounce Magazine, we
wish you all the best with the new album.
Thank you so much! Speak soon!
For more information see
www.benhaenow-official.com
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