Ben Hazlewood – EOS

By starrymag | June 3, 2017

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) It’s a powerful, vocally driven sound. Anthemic, angsty and emotive.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I grew up listing to The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd and Jeff Buckley. But I’d probably also add Vincent James McMorrow as an influence. I was surrounded by all types of music from a young age from rock to musical theatre so I have a very eclectic mix, which I feel has really helped me with writing. I have a lot to draw on.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Sail Away.”

A) “Sail Away” is a journey of letting go – the hardest thing to do after fighting for so long to keep the dream alive. It’s when that natural resistance to admit defeat sets in and provokes taking that one chance to move forward instead of waiting for the change that may never come.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I feel most people can connect with the thought and pain of losing something or having to walk away from something that just isn’t right. It’s a difficult decision to have to make and even harder to go through with.  I hope that people can find strength in the song.

 

Q) How does the video for “Sail Away” play into the message of the song?

A) The video shows the anger, confusion and frustration you feel in this moment. It explains turmoil that goes on inside.

 

Q) Where did the name EOS come from for the EP?

A) EOS is the Greek goddess who brought the sun up each morning. The theme between Vanta (my last EP) and EOS is “it’s always darkest before the dawn.” There is always hope and always a light to look to, even in the darkest of times.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) No, a lot of the time I write melodies before the music and it evolves from there. That’s how “Sail Away” came about. I just started singing the chorus melody whilst drinking rum and it reminded me of a pirate shanty. It grew into a song from there.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Ben Hazlewood performance?

A) A very powerful, energetic and emotive performance. I love being able to express all the emotions in my music live and tell the stories in such a raw way.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I have recently loved performing in the US. It’s always been my dream to tour the states. So, I feel very lucky being able to do what I love and have people there who have connected with music that I have created.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from your EP EOS?

A) I hope they listen to the stories and can find some hope in them. They are all experience that I have lived out with other strong people throughout my life. I hope they can connect and find strength.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I would love to do a track with Stevie Nicks. She is one of my all-time favorite singers/songwriters.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) Currently, I’m really feeling Bishop Briggs, Amy Shark and K Flay. These girls are onto it. I love the emotion and angst in their tracks

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) I love that I can connect with people and they are able to reach out to me and talk about their experiences with my music. I can talk to people who have taken something totally different away from my music that I had never thought of. It’s great and it inspires me in my writing.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thank you for listening. Thank you for connecting with what I create.