Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Ben Hazlewood

Ben Hazlewood has never been afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. In fact, the rising young artist finds empowerment in tapping into his vulnerability as evident in his debut album Bloodlines. Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Ben about his journey in putting together this exciting body of work.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Ben: When I started writing music at fourteen, I began to understand the beauty and power that lies within exposing your creative soul to the world.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Ben: My dad has been my biggest supporter from day one. He has always lifted me up and encouraged me to keep going.

PC: Tell us about remixing “Laying Me Down” and teaming up with NERVO. How did that collaboration come together?
Ben: I have been friends with Liv and Mim for years now. We have traveled, partied, and worked together for a while now but never released anything to date. Liv and I were at my house celebrating the release of Bloodline when I played her “Lay Me Down.” She loved the song and took the recorded lead vocal into the studio the next day and began working on the remix that exists today. It was all excitingly organic and quick!

PC: You released your debut album Bloodline earlier this year. What inspired the collection? What was the biggest takeaway from the project?
Ben: I felt it was time for me to write about the story that had brought me to this point. It has been a journey of high highs and low lows, but writing and sharing music is the constant that kept me going. The biggest takeaway was that I’m glad I waited to release an album. It was the right time for me and I am pumped about all the hard work that went into it, especially now seeing it out there in the world.

PC: If you had to pick one song off of Bloodline that best encompasses who you are as an artist, what would it be and why?
Ben: After writing “Lay Me Down,” we decided to build the rest of the album around that vibe and tone. So I think that is the song that represents me as an artist best.

PC: You were incredibly vulnerable on the album. Was that ever a scary prospect? What did you learn about yourself putting the album together?
Ben: I feel like the more honest I am, the more empowered I become. There is so much strength in vulnerability, and now that I have tapped into that, there isn’t a lot standing in my way anymore. This album opened me up to a whole new way of thinking.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2020, what does the rest of the year hold for you?
Ben: I have been working away in the studio. The plan is to keep releasing music until I can get back out there to play live again.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Ben: Diana Ross. Iconic!

PC: First album you bought?
Ben: [laughs] I tell people it was Eminem, but it was actually Aqua’s Aquarium.

PC: First concert you attended?
Ben: U2 with my dad.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Ben: Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours. I was so in love with the production and melodies. It spoke to me unlike anything else I had heard in my life.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Ben: Hollywood Bowl.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Ben: Excess baggage allowance. [laughs] I don’t exactly travel light.

To keep up with Ben, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream Bloodlines today.