[INTERVIEW] Ben Haenow Discusses His New Album ‘Alive’

Ben Haenow, former winner of X Factor UK singer-songwriter Ben Haenow is back with his much anticipated sophomore album Alive, featuring songs co-written with brother Alex Haenow. All but two covers were created entirely by themselves!

Ben released his 2015 self-titled debut album and it features all four of his independently released singles: Alive, Forgive & Forget, Rising and Falling Down. I was lucky enough to get an opportunity to ask Ben some questions about Alive as well as its inspirations – take a look below!

Since winning The X Factor nearly four years ago, you’ve experienced much. Now knowing more of what it entails and knowing all that has transpired since, would you still compete in singing competitions like these? What has come from all this experience for you?
Well it was an incredible experience and I wouldn’t change a thing. One great aspect has been making music my profession and traveling around to sing shows around the globe – a dream come true.

Your self-titled album gave you a chance to collaborate with some of the world’s premier musicians such as Kodaline and Kelly Clarkson; how was the experience working together?
Still astounding to me – absolute professionals and wonderful people, with Kelly possessing such a beautiful voice and being such an enjoyable individual.

What were your motivations in parting ways with Simon Cowell’s Syco, as this is something so typical among X-Factor contestants? What were you feeling at that time when deciding to part ways?
Well when SYCO and I decided to part ways, it felt right. Musically we weren’t on the same wavelength. While this decision may have come as a shock, having more creative freedom as an independent artist is certainly beneficial.