Alive

Album: Alive (2017)
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Songfacts®:

  • Ben Haenow's first independent release since parting ways from Simon Cowell's Syco label, this heartfelt anthem is dedicated to all of his devoted fans.

    "My inspiration for 'Alive' was and is the fans," said Haenow. "I had the idea for the song towards the end of the first tour which was after the drop from Syco. I had doubts about carrying on, and it was really the support of the fans that kept me going and kept my dream alive.

    "I owe it all to them and wanted to write almost a thank you song," he continued. "Going out on stage night after night on that tour and having people singing along and going crazy at the shows is an incredible feeling. It gave me my confidence back after parting ways with a major label."
  • The impassioned song was co-written by Ben Haenow with his brother Alex.
  • The performance-based video was shot at Fu Manchu in London during a July 2017 gig. Speaking about the shoot, Haenow said:

    "Making the video was great fun. It was really nice to have my bro with me, though he's no Kelly Clarkson lol. We filled the club with smoke. At most points, we couldn't see the cameras so it just felt like a performance.

    Obviously as it's the first single and video since going independent, and my sound has developed and changed a fair bit from the first album, the video feels a bit more gritty and edgy which kind of felt more natural. No gimmicks, no huge budget and no running through streets (which I'm grateful for as I'm getting on a bit) so it was just me and the band. Having the fans there was a real buzz too and, for me, it felt like being part of something special."

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