Alive

Album: Alive (2017)
Play Video

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."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.

Mark Arm of Mudhoney

Mark Arm of MudhoneySongwriter Interviews

When he was asked to write a song for the Singles soundtrack, Mark thought the Seattle grunge scene was already overblown, so that's what he wrote about.

Psychedelic Lyrics

Psychedelic LyricsMusic Quiz

Whoa man! Do you know which band came up with these cosmic lyrics?

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Men

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired MenSong Writing

Bowie's "activist" days of 1964 led to Ziggy Stardust.