Interview: Ben Hazlewood On Hit Debut Album, His Experience On The Voice Australia & More

Hey Ben, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. Congrats on ‘Bloodline.’ It’s a great body of work and very well produced. How does it feel knowing that your debut album is finally out?

It's crazy, What a weird time to be releasing an album! So much love, sweat and tears has gone into the creation of this album… myself, the songwriters, producers, musicians  and my team. It feels great seeing it out there and seeing people react to what we have created in such a positive way!

You’re very open with your emotions on the album. Did you find it easy letting your guard down?

Releasing an album has always been a dream of mine, so going into this I knew I wanted to give it everything I had. It was emotionally draining in the best way. It was almost a kind of therapy looking back at everything I had overcome and allowing myself to be vulnerable throughout the experience.

What was the creative process like when creating the album?

My great friend and co-writer, Katie Carr, and I started a journey across the US, Europe and UK writing with so many amazing producers trying to find the sound and feel for the album. We wrote “Lay me down” in LA and were so pumped about that song that we built the album around it. The majority of the writing was then finished over many hours in my studio in Melbourne.

How have your surroundings shaped you in a creative sense, and in what way(s)?

I have always tried to create a world where music and creativity live. I recently converted a basement style room in my house into my creative space. That’s where I’ll be during the apocalypse. 

Taking it back, you got your start on The Voice Australia. What was the experience like getting that kind of platform at the early stages of your solo career?

It was a fun experience at the time. It gave me the drive and confidence to go after what I wanted.

What is one experience in life that, without it, you wouldn’t be the artist you are today?

I started writing music after my brother passed away. It opened a different world of emotions, ones that at the time I was not equipped to deal with. Music was the only way I was able to deal with grief, so I am grateful now that there was one small silver lining to an enormous tragedy.

How was it growing up in New Zealand?

Honestly, when I was younger I couldn’t wait to leave and see the world. Having done that now I can truly understand just how lucky we are as Kiwi’s to have had a such a beautiful, safe, and socially conscious country to grow up in.

What’s next for Ben Hazlewood? 

I am still creating visuals for some of the singles from BLOODLINE which I cannot wait to share. My amazing team and I have a lot of great things coming soon.

With hopes for the current situation of COVID-19 to be over soon, can we hope to see you on stage performing the album live for us?

Playing live is what I live for! Cannot wait to get back out there to play this album live on the other side of this pandemic! 

What do you want your supporters to know about you?

That I am extremely grateful to all the love and support I’ve been shown by releasing this album! Its lit a fire in me that’s will keep me creating for years to come.

Anything else you’d like to mention?

Black Lives Matter!