X Factor winner Ben Haenow is back! With a number one single and top ten album already in the bag, we caught up with him ahead of his UK tour…
How has your journey been since winning the X Factor?
It’s been incredible, I’ve been living my dream since the day I won. Getting to sing for a living has been all I have wanted to do since I was a kid and now I’m heading out on my very own tour! I feel like the luckiest guy in the world.
What advice would you give hopefuls wanting to apply to shows like the X Factor?
GO FOR IT! You don’t want to be sitting around in years to come thinking “what if” .. It’s hard work but it was the best experience of my life. At worst you’ll meet a lot of people who share your passion for singing and make some friends 🙂 …And it could just change your life forever.
How do you prepare yourself for going out on tour?
Lots of rehearsal, and making sure your voice is in good shape is key. Working out the setlist and getting all the songs together with the band has been fun!
What can fans expect from your live show?
Well we love a bit of audience participation, get the crowd singing/chanting along, maybe even on stage. I’ve got a band together so we’re going for a bit of an old school rock vibe.
You’re writing material for a new album – what has your inspiration been behind it?
All sorts really. The last year has given me loads of inspiration, I’ve had some great and crazy experiences, but I think life in general gives anyone enough to write a song or two about.
I wouldn’t say it is a concept album and I’m still in very early stages with it all but I am enjoying writing at the moment.
You’re playing a homecoming show on 19th April – what memories does the venue hold for you?
Fairfield Halls has a lot of history, I’ve been going there for years with friends and family to see shows.
Bands like the Rolling Stones have played there.. I’ve seen Joe Satriani play there.. And Carlos Santana .. I also saw the Sooty and Sweep show Live, so it’s not all rock and roll!
We used to watch the Christmas pantomime there every year when we were kids so I have a lot of memories of Fairfield.
Me and my brother played there on
ce before for a battle of the bands competition but I never imagined I’d be coming back to play my own gig.. It’s an absolute honour!
Who would you like to collaborate with in future?
Justin Beiber… There I said it. His recent stuff has been pretty awesome, I’m not sure how it would sound…but it’d be cool to get in the studio and find out, and of course Mr Ed Sheeran! He is incredible!
What’s your favourite album of all time?
That’s tough… Stevie Wonder – ‘Songs in the Key of Life’ is a banger. Great from start to finish!
What would you like to be doing in 5 years’ time?
I’d love to be doing a world tour in 5 years time! I love playing the live shows and it would be incredible to go around the world making noise and meeting people!
Have you got a message for your fans?
I literally have THE BEST fans in the world. I can’t thank you guys enough for all the love and support you have shown me and for everything you have done. I am soooo excited to start the tour and I cannot wait to get out on the road and see you all!! XxÂ
Ben Haenow is touring this April, for tickets visit http://gigst.rs/BenHaenow