This Is Real
by Jax Jones (featuring Ella Henderson)

Album: Snacks (Supersize) (2019)
Charted: 9
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Jax Jones and Ella Henderson go back a long way - Jones' wife used to babysit the young Ella. The pair penned this song in 2014, just when Henderson was blowing up with "Ghost," and her record label, Syco, wouldn't let her release it.

    Jones took "This is Real" and his 2015 single "Yeah Yeah Yeah" to Polydor and got himself signed. The label recruited Selena Gomez for the vocals, but things got complicated and it never got released.

    After Henderson left Syco and signed a new deal with Asylum Records' imprint Major Toms, Jones decided it was now time for the world to hear their collaboration. It was released on October 21, 2019 as the second single from the producer's debut studio album, Snacks (Supersize).
  • The song is a house-pop track about finding a love that is real. It has a huge chorus that Jones is especially proud of. He told Apple Music: "It just sounds like England, and I love it for that."
  • The song's music video was directed by Favourite Colour: Black (aka Chris Turner), whose resumé also includes work for Birdy, Hurts, The Kooks and Jay-Z.

    The clip shows an artificial robot who establishes an almost human connection with a cheerleader once the music starts playing. Turner said: "The brief was very open - to do something with choreography, as neither of the artists were available, and the song title 'This is Real' seemed fitting with the idea of someone dancing with a robot."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

In The Cards

In The CardsSong Writing

Songwriters have used cards and card games to make sense of heartache, togetherness, and even Gonorrhea.

Does Jimmy Page Worship The Devil? A Look at Satanism in Rock

Does Jimmy Page Worship The Devil? A Look at Satanism in RockSong Writing

We ring the Hell's Bells to see what songs and rockers are sincere in their Satanism, and how much of it is an act.

Dave Mason

Dave MasonSongwriter Interviews

Dave reveals the inspiration for "Feelin' Alright" and explains how the first song he ever wrote became the biggest hit for his band Traffic.

Female Singers Of The 90s

Female Singers Of The 90sMusic Quiz

The ladies who ruled the '90s in this quiz.

Boy Bands

Boy BandsFact or Fiction

From NKOTB to 1D, how well do you know your boy bands?

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"They're Playing My Song

"How much does it cost? I'll buy it?" Another songwriter told Jonathan to change these lyrics. Good thing he ignored this advice.