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BuzzJack Music Forum _ Pop _ Ben Haenow - Ben Haenow
Posted by: torresgirl 4th April 2015, 07:06 PM
Tweet from Ben that he's been in the studio working with Danny from the Script.
I have never bought a Script album myself BUT I think its great Ben is working with someone so high profile and someone that has been so successful. Gives me good vibes that Syco are giving him decent shot at success.
https://twitter.com/Bhaenow/status/584427672564031489
Posted by: Regina 4th April 2015, 10:25 PM
Seems silly to throw money at this project when it's clearly gonna be a "goes Gold and never heard of again" kind of album.
Posted by: torresgirl 4th April 2015, 10:43 PM
You seem to be very down on Ben and very sure of yourself on that, which is fine but I prefer to wait and see. He's done very well so far. The single is just off platinum and still hanging around almost 4 months after the show after many around here were predicting every week that he was going to "plummet" as early as the second week on the charts. It will be all dependent on the material. Many were predicting an album of covers too. That is clearly not happening either.
Posted by: ThePensmith 6th April 2015, 07:25 AM
How exciting! I love The Script anyway so will be interesting what Danny comes up with for Ben!
Posted by: Umi 6th April 2015, 09:25 PM
I really don't think it will be. Maybe I'm misjudging based on a strangely nice winner's single but to me 'Something I Need' sounded like the sort of single that would have sold a million last year had it been released by George Ezra or someone of his ilk. Like, I heard it on the radio not knowing it was the winner single and thought "That must be one of the huge 2014 singles I managed to avoid".
It's probably not very smart of me to judge his success based on the winner's single but I think the fact that its popularity was enduring rather than frontloaded says a lot for his potential appeal. If he flops I feel it'll be a failing of his label/management rather than him being inherently a poor commercial prospect.
Posted by: torresgirl 7th April 2015, 07:46 PM
It's probably not very smart of me to judge his success based on the winner's single but I think the fact that its popularity was enduring rather than frontloaded says a lot for his potential appeal. If he flops I feel it'll be a failing of his label/management rather than him being inherently a poor commercial prospect.
Interesting Post Umi. I agree that compared to recent years it was a good winners single and I've always thought Ben has good marketability. I just hope he is handled right and has a decent career.
Posted by: Sean. 7th April 2015, 08:06 PM
Obviously him and Fleur are signed to the same label now so I'd be curious to see if they somehow push a feature maybe given they were quite close on X-Factor?
Posted by: pippa 8th April 2015, 11:27 AM
A feature or duet could be a good option here, lets remember it worked for Garth Gates and Will Young.
Posted by: truly talented 8th April 2015, 11:35 AM
Really, as a huge Will fan I don't agree. Just Cowell getting greedy.
Posted by: torresgirl 8th April 2015, 02:03 PM
Anything is possible with Cowell but I just think their styles are too different to work as a duet. Not something I would like to see.
Posted by: Liаm 8th April 2015, 03:44 PM
No way would a feature work, Ben's style will work for Ben (ie One Republic style pop/rock maybe, who knows) and Fleur's style will work for Fleur (hopefully she gets a mixture of urban and more soulful stuff), I can't see there being any medium between the two that would fit them both. Fleur's voice is fine on the stuff Ben would be releasing but I want her to have her style and stick to it. I guess they could pull off a Written In The Stars sort of stadium rap anthem but still I'm not sure....
Other duets for both of them, yes fine, but I think it was a mixture of Cowell being greedy and Will and Gareth suiting each other!
Posted by: torresgirl 7th September 2015, 08:25 PM
Well finally getting a bit more information about what Ben will be releasing and according to Simon Cowell on TV today, his first single will be a duet with someone "really really famous" I've also watched the program he was on Loose Women (wouldn't normally but recorded when I heard the Ben news) so its not Twitter gossip. Obvious choices would be Danny from The Script or Ed Sheeran as these have been reported as possibilities but it really could be anyone. Ben recorded his album in LA. I do wonder if it might be a featured guest artist rather than a full on duet (a bit like Alex and Flo-rida) but very interested to see who it may be.
https://twitter.com/JustSimonCowell/status/640859879020843008
Posted by: pippa 8th September 2015, 08:47 AM
I liked Ben on X Factor. I enjoyed his winners single so I look forward to what he will deliver. I hope he can carve out a career for himself and him achieving success would certainly help the X Factor brand.
Posted by: slowdown73 8th September 2015, 10:59 AM
He won't do well at all.
Posted by: Calum Hood 4th October 2015, 05:27 PM
The album is self-titled and is released on 13 November. They obviously don't want it to go to #1 then. 
Posted by: KWEEN_DEE 4th October 2015, 05:33 PM
Why did Syco bother wasting any money in him? His era has literally been a complete waste of time. I wonder if it'll be like Shayne Ward when the public interest is actually there, just the investment isn't.
Posted by: Jonjo 4th October 2015, 05:35 PM
His era hasn't even started yet!? 
WTF are you going on about? 
He's proving very popular with his pre-order for the single so far and that's without people having heard the song. So to say "Why did Syco bother wasting any money in him? His era has literally been a complete waste of time." is ridiculously premature! Unless you mean something completely different to what I'm thinking, but I doubt it. I have a feeling he's going to be pretty big tbh.
Posted by: KWEEN_DEE 4th October 2015, 05:37 PM
Chucking his album out the same week as Syco's biggest artist? As well as Kylie, Bieber and God knows who else? He'll be dropped by February.
Posted by: Jonjo 4th October 2015, 05:39 PM
I think he'll beat Bieber in the albums. Kylie will be no threat at all. The only artist I can see beating him is One Direction. But your statement is still too premature.
Posted by: Regina 4th October 2015, 05:41 PM
Never underestimate the power of Kylie 
she always seems to have decent openeing weeks with her albums. Hell, Abby Road Sessions managed really good sales and that was a pure fanbase type album.
Posted by: Jonjo 4th October 2015, 05:43 PM
Oh I know that and she'll probably be comfortably top 10, but I don't think she'll contend with 1D/BH/JB in the opening week. Christmas albums don't tend to do too well until about beginning of Dec. So I (personally) can't see her being a real challenger until later on into her campaign, but we'll see. 
Posted by: KWEEN_DEE 4th October 2015, 05:49 PM
How will Ben do better than Kylie? She's just sold out The Albert Hall? He'd be lucky to sell out Camden Barfly 
Posted by: Regina 4th October 2015, 05:49 PM
She'll thrash them all with her Iggy Pop duet promotion tbh not to forget the Kylie wrapping paper she is selling with the album on her store.
Posted by: torresgirl 4th October 2015, 05:59 PM
Pretty much everything Jonjo said 
Although I do wish the album was being released a different week (its so crowded around this time of year) but if he can make number 2 with good sales I will be happy.
Posted by: KWEEN_DEE 4th October 2015, 06:13 PM
And a lead single with a duet partner who won't even perform it with him... once.
Posted by: Martyn 4th October 2015, 06:28 PM
I am sure they will find away around that.
Posted by: T Boy 4th October 2015, 06:29 PM
They have to bother. He won X Factor. It's kind of in the rules that he gets to put an album out.
I love all the hatred and willing him to fail already. I've seen it everytime a man wins X Factor. It's not just Buzzjack, it's everywhere. Female young contestants are always 'ready made stars!!!1!1' and the men are always 'bland and boring' even if they can sing better than the King of Beige, Ed Sheeran.
Posted by: KWEEN_DEE 4th October 2015, 06:33 PM
Ella Eyre to the rescue.
Guys, I'm not a hater. Actually the opposite. This guy has real talent and it's such a shame to watch a shambles of an era happen when he could be huge.
I think it's very obvious the budget is going into Ms. East.
Posted by: torresgirl 7th October 2015, 09:01 PM
There's a few journos who attended Ben's album preview last night on Twitter saying how good the songs are but this review is more detailed.
Really excited for this now.
http://www.sugarscape.com/music/news/a1082874/ben-haenow-review/
Posted by: Jaÿ 21st October 2015, 04:20 PM
1. 'Second Hand Heart' (featuring Kelly Clarkson)
2. 'Slamming Doors'
3. 'All Yours'
4. 'Start Again'
5. 'Lions'
6. 'Testify'
7. 'Make It Back to Me'
8. 'Way Back When'
9. 'Brother'
10. 'Something I Need'
11. 'One Night'
12. 'Ready for You'
13. 'Greatest Mistake'
14. 'Every Tear You Cry'
http://beta.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a674821/x-factor-winner-ben-haenow-unveils-the-track-listing-of-his-kelly-clarkson-featuring-debut-album/
Posted by: Regina 21st October 2015, 04:21 PM
He has the most punchable face ever on that cover.
Posted by: Martyn 21st October 2015, 04:25 PM
Not as similar as I remembered, but weird face pulled, yellow text, hands up. Illuminati are coming!
Posted by: FranCAMstein 21st October 2015, 04:29 PM
That lip bite is so awkward and forced
Posted by: Noahspook 21st October 2015, 04:41 PM
It looks like the album cover of a low-budget teen act, like...Elyar Fox (
) or something. The font is particularly horrendous.
It's clear the label is very confused as to his target audience and how to market him. Shame, as he/his talent deserves better.
Posted by: Jaÿ 21st October 2015, 04:45 PM
I hate that as well, he really needs to stop doing that!
Posted by: Liаm 21st October 2015, 05:01 PM
"On that cover"
Posted by: Regina 21st October 2015, 05:14 PM
LiLi
Posted by: mr_pmt 21st October 2015, 05:17 PM
That is an awful album cover, it looks like a drunk picture taken in his bedroom.
Posted by: torresgirl 21st October 2015, 06:21 PM
I think the word you are looking for is lickable that's LICKABLE
I'm not sure about the cover but as long as the album is good I'm not too fussed.
Posted by: Regina 21st October 2015, 06:26 PM
I'm not sure about the cover but as long as the album is good I'm not too fussed.
Posted by: ThePensmith 21st October 2015, 06:32 PM
Possibly because said duet partner is heavily pregnant? Just a thought, y'know...
I've got this on my Christmas list along with Enya and Kylie
Posted by: KWEEN_DEE 21st October 2015, 11:14 PM
I guess she was suppose to be around in Europe with the tour... but still.
Posted by: torresgirl 2nd November 2015, 10:08 PM
https://twitter.com/SpamForBen/status/661295613313699840
Not sure what Cowell means by "number one on pre sales" but a little snippet about Ben his album and his release strategy which I also think they got wrong. But I think he will be ok in the long run.
Posted by: lewistgreen 13th November 2015, 02:36 PM
I'm listening to the album now on Spotify. It's not wowing me so far. Obviously Second Hand Heart and Something I Need are good, but I'm not overly keen on all of the tracks.
Posted by: Regina 13th November 2015, 03:08 PM
EDIT: Actually, some of it has grown on me, shockingly. Dammit.
Posted by: Regina 16th November 2015, 06:44 PM
I've actually had nothing but this and Kylie's Christmas album on for the past day or so, which makes for interesting listening. The more I listen to this the more I
love it, the only "dud" is Greatest Mistake for me. Also, the picture of him on the back of the album booklet with the fists would make a much better cover.
Lions needs to be released.
Posted by: torresgirl 17th November 2015, 12:50 PM
Obviously no shock here but I really love this.
Even though I really like Ben I didn't expect this to be as consistently good as it is.
All Yours, Lions, Start Again, Testify and Make it Back to Me are all stronger than Second Hand Heart imo (although I do really like that still) and the extra tracks on the deluxe are well worth paying the extra couple of quid for.
What a pity its not doing better.
Posted by: KWEEN_DEE 17th November 2015, 02:42 PM
So now can I comment on Syco's ploy for him to not succeed ?
Posted by: pippa 17th November 2015, 02:53 PM
It is a great album and a good debut, i am listening to it the last few days. He deserves to be doing better, but hopefully the album will have a few weeks of consistent sales. Second Hand Heart is holding steady again in this weeks mid week chart information. Top 25 could be possible for this week, if nothing it is performing steadily which means the sales are building, his total should be near 100,000 when this week is counted in.
Posted by: Maurice 28th January 2016, 09:13 PM
He got dropped by Syco according to The Sun.
Posted by: Regina 28th January 2016, 09:19 PM
My poor baby
Posted by: KWEEN_DEE 28th January 2016, 09:25 PM
I hate to say I told you so last year
Posted by: KWEEN_DEE 28th January 2016, 09:25 PM
-/-
Posted by: Jaÿ 28th January 2016, 09:26 PM
Oops! Pretty inevitable though.
Regina, you were his kiss of death early on tbh 
(Not even Gold~)
Posted by: KWEEN_DEE 28th January 2016, 09:27 PM
Didn't even get to Feb
Posted by: Regina 28th January 2016, 09:38 PM
Regina, you were his kiss of death early on tbh
(Not even Gold~)
I'll make it up to him by kissing anywhere on his body and baking him a nice sponge.
Posted by: Joe. 28th January 2016, 09:44 PM
Fleur has had one hit, hugely helped by the ASDA add. But I wouldn't say he's performed that badly in comparison! I had no interest in him as an artist AT ALL, but his album didn't sell much less than Fleur overall, and peaked higher (On lower sales, I know, but hers was released further into Q4). And his single did a lot better than many X factor winners' first REAL single, so I feel it's a bit unfair of Syco to not even give one more single a decent push.
Posted by: Vülker 28th January 2016, 09:45 PM
Posted by: Regina 28th January 2016, 10:06 PM
From his fb:
Sorry I've been a bit quiet on here recently, been a crazy few weeks!
So I wanted to let you all know directly from me, that after what has been the most incredible experience working on my debut album, myself and Syco entertainment have decided to part ways.
Working with The X Factor and Syco has been the most amazing time of my life and has given me the best possible platform for the start of my career. I have the upmost respect for them both and cannot thank them enough for all the help and everything they have done for me this past year.
I have had the privilege of working with some incredible people, making some great friends and making a great record which I am still extremely proud of. (Which, thanks to you lot has gone on to sell over 100k copies and still going 💋)
However, after discussions with the Syco team we both felt it was the right time to move on.
I am very excited about this next chapter. I'm already writing and in talks about about the next album 😁🤘. there are going to be a few changes to my upcoming tour dates, but I'll let you know all the details very soon..
Most importantly I would like to say the biggest thank you to ALL OF YOU! You have all made my dreams come true and I owe YOU everything. None of this would have been possible without you guys! The ongoing loyalty, love and support you have shown me this past year and beyond has made me the proudest and luckiest person alive.
You are the best fans anyone could ask for and I mean it when I say I really do love you all ❤😚
I Cannot wait to see you all on the tour!
Stay tuned!
Ben xxx
I made his dreams come true
Posted by: torresgirl 28th January 2016, 10:18 PM
Just heard the news. Very sad for Ben as his album is great and deserved more backing but we know how these things work by now. Hope what he says is true and we get another album.
Posted by: Martyn 28th January 2016, 10:19 PM
He will be better off than that girl who won this year.
Posted by: torresgirl 28th January 2016, 10:20 PM
Can I have him after you're done and save me a slice of cake?
Posted by: Liаm 28th January 2016, 10:22 PM
No shock there at all and I can't say I'll lose any sleep over the decision
Posted by: mr_pmt 28th January 2016, 10:30 PM
I knew it would happen, but I didn't expect it that soon. Mind you, I knew there'd be nothing else released off this album and I'm not entirely sure we'll even be hearing from him again, except for maybe a very low key independently released second album (ala... I hate to say it, but Steve Brookstein).
Posted by: mr_pmt 28th January 2016, 10:30 PM
I knew it would happen, but I didn't expect it that soon. Mind you, I knew there'd be nothing else released off this album and I'm not entirely sure we'll even be hearing from him again, except for maybe a very low key independently released second album (ala... I hate to say it, but Steve Brookstein).
Posted by: Froot. 28th January 2016, 10:34 PM
It's all a bit ridiculous really. I'm not a fan by any means but after a fairly decent selling album in this age, it makes The X Factor lose a lot of integrity. Essentially if Simon doesn't like the winner, all he'll give you is one album from that artist.
It's really quite unfair for Ben, he was hardly given any sort of push at all. Depending on how well 'More & More' does, I'll find it interesting to see what will happen to Fleur. While it was a great success, I personally don't think Sax's sales match the push it was given.
Posted by: torresgirl 28th January 2016, 10:38 PM
Yes what Froot said
Posted by: pippa 28th January 2016, 11:02 PM
Syco really showing they stick with their artists. The album is on sale about 4 months and this is what happens. This annoys me as its the same thing occurring for the winners and Simon is wondering why people are losing interest in the X Factor. Ben had a very decent album that deserved far more backing.
Posted by: Chez Wombat 28th January 2016, 11:12 PM
I don't think they really wanted him in the first place, it feels like they just gave him the contract because they had to and he didn't really sell well enough for them to even bother a second time. It's a bit unfair really, especially given how much of a push Fleur got, I guess they just really don't wanna handle artists like Ben anymore as...they don't really know how, I mean you can tell so clearly in the last series that they were REALLY doing everything they could to get the over 25 acts out of the picture.
Posted by: Joe. 28th January 2016, 11:23 PM
It's funny because for some reason there did seem to actually be some sort of audience for Ben, not a huge one - but big enough to sustain a career. And Heart and Radio 2 played his song quite a lot and a 70k selling album in a couple of months is nothing to turn your nose up at in this climate.
Had they put just a bit more time and effort into pushing him as an artist, I'm sure he could have been one of their more successful winners.
Posted by: Noahspike 28th January 2016, 11:49 PM
(My thoughts on this are a little unclear as I agree with contrasting points here, but thought I'd try make sense of them anyway!)
I think it's a shame for Ben that Syco aren't more invested in his artistic development and willing to give him further opportunities, especially as he'll likely now go down as yet another forgotten winner who failed to take off. The whole thing reflects terribly on X Factor's brand when last year's winner gets a single, an album, a performance slot or two on the show and is dropped before January's out. On top of that, (though I'm not a fan and haven't listened to the album) Ben's always seemed like a lovely guy with a lot of charisma and talent so it's definitely a regrettable situation.
I do think though that the label's taking too much of the blame/responsibility here. Ben had a year to make connections and collaborate with industry experts, producers etc. to work out his sound and target market, and ultimately what was delivered was confused and sub-par - one look at the album cover could tell you there was no clear vision. The industry's vicious and as a big-label act you need to know exactly what you're about as an artist and that needs to connect with an audience. Being a nice guy with a great voice and a catchy pop song isn't always enough for a viable career, and unfortunately everything's pointing to him lacking marketability after receiving significant investment and promotion, so there's not exactly a strong argument to keep him on.
Posted by: Regina 28th January 2016, 11:53 PM
I think it's a shame for Ben that Syco aren't more invested in his artistic development and willing to give him further opportunities, especially as he'll likely now go down as yet another forgotten winner who failed to take off. The whole thing reflects terribly on X Factor's brand when last year's winner gets a single, an album, a performance slot or two on the show and is dropped before January's out. On top of that, (though I'm not a fan and haven't listened to the album) Ben's always seemed like a lovely guy with a lot of charisma and talent so it's definitely a regrettable situation.
I do think though that the label's taking too much of the blame/responsibility here. Ben had a year to make connections and collaborate with industry experts, producers etc. to work out his sound and target market, and ultimately what was delivered was confused and sub-par - one look at the album cover could tell you there was no clear vision. The industry's vicious and as a big-label act you need to know exactly what you're about as an artist and that needs to connect with an audience. Being a nice guy with a great voice and a catchy pop song isn't always enough for a viable career, and unfortunately everything's pointing to him lacking marketability after receiving significant investment and promotion, so there's not exactly a strong argument to keep him on.
You can't really say that when you haven't listened to the actual album surely?
He made an album that fitted in with his personality and skills as an artist and it flows well and is a very cohesive sounding album. The artwork for it was a bit iffy but that doesn't make the whole thing a disaster.
Posted by: Noahspike 28th January 2016, 11:58 PM
He made an album that fitted in with his personality and skills as an artist and it flows well and is a very cohesive sounding album. The artwork for it was a bit iffy but that doesn't make the whole thing a disaster.I meant that more on a superficial level, i.e. the artwork and lead single. It didn't give me a sense at all of who he is as an artist or who his target market is. You're right, I can't comment on the album itself and didn't intend to.
Posted by: Regina 29th January 2016, 12:04 AM
I thought SHH was a good indication of his sound, pop-rock radio friendly music. The biting of his lip on the album art was bad, but I don't see how it makes him look
like he had no idea who he was as an artist. There is a cohesive look in all the images from the album, which is what matters. It's not like he was plastered looking like
a hip hop type artist, he looks like a nice normal guy, which he is.
I'm biased though
Posted by: Noahspike 29th January 2016, 12:19 AM
like he had no idea who he was as an artist. There is a cohesive look in all the images from the album, which is what matters. It's not like he was plastered looking like
a hip hop type artist, he looks like a nice normal guy, which he is.
I'm biased though
I found the song quite bland and it indicated to me that he wasn't bringing anything new or interesting to the table - his act lacked a USP, essentially. And the artwork was so cheap-looking, with the whole concept (or lack thereof) and font looking far more suited to a single release from a shit teen act like Elyar Fox *shudders*, when the music/Kelly Clarkson feature was saying otherwise.
Posted by: Regina 29th January 2016, 12:35 AM
None of the other winners have brought anything new to the table either though I think SHH is the perfect kind of song for him.
I can agree to an extent with the artwork, but its grown on me, it's bold and stands out and he looks dman fine on the single cover and every other shot bar the [album cover one. The artworks are miles better than Fleur's.
Posted by: SeanGrey 30th January 2016, 08:17 AM
Some of the news pages are saying Slamming Doors was the second single that failed, since when?! 
Posted by: Liаm 30th January 2016, 01:37 PM
Isn't that the one he did a horrendous performance of on the X Factor final, when Digital Spy were like "is this is the worst X Factor performance ever?", he did it randomly mashed up with Leona's Run and did that terrible note at the end I don't know if it was an actual single but I assume it was meant to be, if they weren't trying with a second single I doubt they'd have given him a performance, but there doesn't seem to be a video for it so they didn't try that hard.... Tbf that does seem a tad unfair, they're dropping him because it didn't catch on from X Factor, unless it was also sent to radio and didn't catch on then fair enough I guess but if SHH didn't catch on with radio then Sliding Doors was never going to and there was certainly no surprise it bombed on itunes after that performance! But you can't expect it to be a hit off one performance necessarily anyway.
Fundamenally as much as I might be biased, I just don't think he should have won though. He's not that talented and it's not like average white males singing radio fodder (that doesn't even get used by radios...) aren't 10 a penny. Although I guess being 10 a penny doesn't stop many acts being successful
Posted by: Suedehead2 30th January 2016, 03:13 PM
I think it's a shame for Ben that Syco aren't more invested in his artistic development and willing to give him further opportunities, especially as he'll likely now go down as yet another forgotten winner who failed to take off. The whole thing reflects terribly on X Factor's brand when last year's winner gets a single, an album, a performance slot or two on the show and is dropped before January's out. On top of that, (though I'm not a fan and haven't listened to the album) Ben's always seemed like a lovely guy with a lot of charisma and talent so it's definitely a regrettable situation.
I do think though that the label's taking too much of the blame/responsibility here. Ben had a year to make connections and collaborate with industry experts, producers etc. to work out his sound and target market, and ultimately what was delivered was confused and sub-par - one look at the album cover could tell you there was no clear vision. The industry's vicious and as a big-label act you need to know exactly what you're about as an artist and that needs to connect with an audience. Being a nice guy with a great voice and a catchy pop song isn't always enough for a viable career, and unfortunately everything's pointing to him lacking marketability after receiving significant investment and promotion, so there's not exactly a strong argument to keep him on.
His ability to make his own contacts may well have been constrained by the terms of his contract. His best hope is that he can get a deal which allows him to express himself more.
This whole episode just makes an even bigger joke of the whole X-Factor format. Cowell is paid substantial sums of money by ITV, yet the whole programme is about finding artists who will make him even more money. The audience spend cash voting (and, presumably some of that also makes its way into Cowell's coffers), but their choice will be ignored if Cowell doesn't agree with it.
Posted by: Noahspike 30th January 2016, 04:26 PM
This whole episode just makes an even bigger joke of the whole X-Factor format. Cowell is paid substantial sums of money by ITV, yet the whole programme is about finding artists who will make him even more money. The audience spend cash voting (and, presumably some of that also makes its way into Cowell's coffers), but their choice will be ignored if Cowell doesn't agree with it.
Sure, there would have been constraints, but then you and others have implied that Cowell and Syco weren't interested in him from the beginning, so it's unlikely that they'd had a strict artistic template for him that significantly infringed on his freedom and creativity (and in terms of money, he'll surely be more constrained at a smaller label). I don't buy the idea that they were simply going through the motions with him for a year - it's completely in their interests to make a success out of the show's winner, even if he wasn't a Cowell favourite or a very obvious cash cow. I don't see why Ben wouldn't have had a strong say from the start in realising his own musical/artistic vision, with them sourcing the means to do so (within the limitations of his contract of course).
I just think what was proposed in the end wasn't engaging enough to catch on, and part of the responsibility for that should rest on Ben himself as well as the label.
Posted by: Regina 30th January 2016, 05:27 PM
Considering how Syco have been known to act with artists they actually were invested in (Leona for example) it's not hard to imagine that they did just "go through the
motions" with Ben and now allow him much chance to find his vision (which I think he actually did) I mean, you have mentioned numerous time he didn't have a good visual or musical
image but what would you suggest? It's not like his album was full of different sounidng songs or all the artwork was a totally different style to one another.
Posted by: ThePensmith 30th January 2016, 06:29 PM
One thing I said as 'Something I Need' was topping the charts is still true now: he appears to have parted company with them with good grace and grounding (i.e. not done a Brookstein/Arthur and done down the show to death for ruining his whole life etc). It's not the end of the world though. Both Joe McElderry and Matt Cardle were still having top 10 albums and touring even after they left Syco so there's nothing to say Ben can't with the right label and team behind him. I still haven't got round to getting his album but I think I may do this week.
Posted by: Noahspike 30th January 2016, 06:41 PM
motions" with Ben and now allow him much chance to find his vision (which I think he actually did) I mean, you have mentioned numerous time he didn't have a good visual or musical
image but what would you suggest? It's not like his album was full of different sounidng songs or all the artwork was a totally different style to one another.
Just because Leona was launched successfully and Ben wasn't doesn't mean the label didn't have any investment in him or didn't give him creative freedom - in fact he could have had more freedom to shape his own sound than Leona did. There are a lot of variables involved in making a career work, many of which have to do with an artist's innate potential or vision at a given time, and my point is that Ben shares responsiblilty for that. What he and the label came up with (I'm talking more of him as a proposed act to casual buyers rather than the album's material) wasn't 'good' enough to catch on and the fact he's now been dropped/parted ways doesn't confirm that he was screwed over from the start. (As The Pensmith's just said) I know it's a PR thing and he's a nice guy, but even based on his public statement about leaving the label it'd seem he enjoyed his experience and they're on good terms.
And I can't exactly suggest anything other than to refine his artistry, try to come up with a more interesting single that's sells himself better and ensure the presentation all fits
. As I've said, I thought the whole package was bland and the artwork didn't reflect his music or supposed target market.
Posted by: Regina 30th January 2016, 07:30 PM
Surely the fact that he was happy with his time suggests he was happy with his look and sound? If he wasn't then I doubt he'd be so positive, it sounds like he got the chance to make the music he wanted. It didn't catch on with the public but that's not his fault, I'd rather this happened than to see him sing music and have a look he didn't like just to sell records.
I'm sorry but I find it hard to take your point seriously about the artwork not representing the music etc. when you've admitted to only hearing the single which had good artwork. The single suited him perfectly, it was catchy, radio friendly pop with a slight rock edge which is what he wanted. You say "refine his artistry and come up with a more interesting single" but nothing else. SHH was pretty well recieved by most people anyway.
I'm probably a casual buyer when it comes to this kind of music (I stick to female based pop mainly) and I was on board fairly quickly with Ben and this album, even
though I didn't like him on X-factor.
Just because it didn't catch on and become a massive hit doesn't mean it was all wrong for him. Plenty of artists release music with visuals and sounds perfect for him but they don't catch on.
When you look at how someone like Matt was handled (really cheap looking videos, pretty cheap and bland cover art and a Gary Barlow penned lead single when he was meant to be this down to earth songwriter) Ben's campaign was far more of a success and closer to how he was as an artist.
Posted by: Noahspike 30th January 2016, 07:59 PM
I'm sorry but I find it hard to take your point seriously about the artwork not representing the music etc. when you've admitted to only hearing the single
which had good artwork. The single suited him perfectly, it was catchy, radio friendly pop with a slight rock edge which is what he wanted. You say "refine his artistry and come up with a more interesting single" but nothing else. SHH was pretty well recieved by most people anyway.I'm probably a casual buyer when it comes to this kind of music (I stick to female based pop mainly) and I was on board fairly quickly with Ben and this album, even
though I didn't like him on X-factor.
Just because it didn't catch on and become a massive hit doesn't mean it was all wrong for him. Plenty of artists release music with visuals and sounds perfect for him but they don't catch on.
When you look at how someone like Matt was handled (really cheap looking videos, pretty cheap and bland cover art and a Gary Barlow penned lead single when he was meant to be this down to earth songwriter) Ben's campaign was far more of a success and closer to how he was as an artist.
I don't quite get where you're coming from now as we seem to agree on him having enough freedom with Syco to pursue what he wanted, yet you took issue with me saying that in my response to Suedehead's post when you said that it's not hard to imagine them not allowing him much chance to find his vision (comparing the situation to Leona's)?! I don't know how you can say he got the chance to make the music he wanted but that it failing to catch on isn't down to him at all. I was always speaking from a commercial perspective and if he asserts his artistry and produces material that doesn't find an audience, he surely has to be 'at fault' to some degree. My main point in this whole discussion (which I'm honestly bored of at this stage!) was that I don't believe he was simply screwed over or unsupported by Syco from the start like a lot of people have been implying.
Posted by: Regina 30th January 2016, 08:49 PM
My point was that while they might have given him some freedom, Syco are known to not be so invested in certain artists and I think they let Ben down in many ways.
His music did find an audience though, it might not have been a huge one but he sold decently enough, certainly better than some other male winners.
I personally don' think it's his fault that his music didn't hit it off majorly, but if he had more of a push it might have.
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