X-Factor king Ben Haenow joins forces with the one and only Kelly Clarkson!
Tuesday 20th October 2015
Having won over the nation as champion of The X Factor 2014, Ben Haenow today announces the release of his stunning new single ‘Second Hand Heart’ out 16th October on Syco Music.
Putting himself firmly back on the musical map, Ben has joined forces with the Grammy Award winning singer Kelly Clarkson to produce an immediately striking song that perfectly demonstrates the full-bodied vocals that won him the show, partnered with Kelly’s inimitable powerhouse of a voice.
Undeniably infectious with a rousing chorus, the solid pop melodies are accompanied by a subtle country-folk undertone, giving the track a confident depth and warmth, which seamlessly compliments the upbeat instrumentation. ‘Second Hand Heart’ is a perfect statement of intent from Ben ahead of the release of his self-titled debut album on 13th November.
Talking about the track, Ben says: “The idea of a feature wasn’t on the cards at first but when I heard the vocals on it I was blown away as it gave the song a whole new dimension. Especially having Kelly Clarkson too. It’s incredible. Her voice is insane. I instantly knew this was the first single."
Kelly is just as excited about featuring on the single: "I fell in love with Second Hand Heart with the first listen! Lyrically and musically, it is right up my alley. I am excited and honoured to be a part of Ben's first single from his first album!"
Since the early summer, Ben has been hard at work in the recording studio in London and LA, co-writing with an A-list of songwriters including Amy Wadge (Ed Sheeran), JR Rotem (Rihanna, Maroon 5), Julian Bunetta (One Direction) and Steve Robson (Take That, Olly Murs) to produce a body of work that encompasses his musical influences and reflects his true and honest self.
In Ben’s own words: “I didn’t want to do an entire album where I was just taking songs from other people. I wanted to be in control too and have an influence so it was a record I was 100% proud and happy putting out.”
A landslide winner on the X Factor under the mentorship of Simon Cowell, Ben’s renditions of ‘Jealous Guy’, ‘Highway to Hell' and ‘Man in the Mirror’ were highlights of the series, and his winner’s single, a cover of OneRepublic’s ‘Something I Need’, was the Christmas No. 1 as well as being the second fastest selling single of the year and achieving platinum status. A true musician through and through, he spent years playing and gigging with his brother Alex to hone his writing and develop his musical influences, giving him the solid foundation to grow into the talented songwriter and performer he is today.
Posted by Craig Jones