Australian vocalist Ben Hazlewood has an incredible knack for creating powerful, moving pop-rock songs. One of these tracks in particular is called "Love Strong", coming from his EP, Vanta (released this June). Hazlewood decided to record a live studio version of this track, along with a couple of others from Vanta, this year. We had the chance to speak with Hazlewood about the creation of the video, the meaning behind the track "Love Strong", and more!
This is the second live in-studio video you'll be releasing. The previous video, "Stay Tonight", was recorded in the same room, so I assume you recorded a number of tracks for several videos. How long did the whole process of recording these live sessions take, and how did you narrow down which tracks you wanted to perform for the session?
The shoot was one full day. It was a great energy performing with my band led by the producer of VANTA, Duncan Sparks. It felt like our live shows but with cameras.
The three songs I chose "Stay tonight”, “Love Strong” and “Hideaway” really represent the EP, and are my favourite live tracks.
What made you choose Ocean Way Nashville for the recording sessions?
Ocean Way has a great history, so many artists have been through those doors. Its a pretty rare find to have such a huge live room with so much light, it creates a very different vibe which I love.
"Love Strong" felt like an incredibly passionate song. What were you going through at the time of writing this? What kind of story did you want to tell?
Love strong is about a bittersweet goodbye to my close friend who was moving overseas to the city that had once churned me up and spat me out. I felt compelled to remind her to never lose the strength and spirit that was so uniquely hers.
When did "Love Strong" come into the writing process for you when composing the Vanta EP?
Love strong was a song that came into the picture a little later. I wrote it on one of the last writing trips in Nashville. It created a new vibe and a new direction for some of the other tracks yet to be written like Hideaway.
What kind of message, if you have one, would you like fans to walk away with after listening to "Love Strong”?
To stay true to who you are and not let pressures form external situations or people change what makes you, you.
Finally: what does music mean to you?
Writing and creating is my outlet to express everything I feel and go through. Performing live is when I’m my happiest. Listening to music feeds my soul.
Ben Hazlewood
www.benhazlewood.com
www.facebook.com/benhazlewood
@BenHazlewood
This has been another Shameless Promotion.