It may be a new year, but the aftereffects of 2020 are still lingering. If you’re like us here at The Honey POP, you found comfort by putting on those headphones and listening to your favorite artist in the midst of it all during that crazy year. Nothing has changed, because we still find ourselves doing the same activity a few months into 2021. For artists, the songwriting hasn’t stopped now either… that’s especially true for the British Columbia alt. Pop/Rap singer and songwriter, SonReal.
Following the success of his recent album, The Aaron LP, and his hit ‘Healing’ featuring Jessie Reyez; SonReal dropped his first single of the new year, ‘Bank On Me,’ that explores the post-2020 world, specifically crafted to inspire and uplift everyone who listens to it. In the single, he also gets deep in sharing his personal journey in finding resilience and counting on himself!
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In our exclusive interview with Aaron Hoffman aka SonReal, he tells us all about the inspiration behind ‘Bank On Me’ and the reactions from his fans, how 2020 impacted his music, new upcoming projects he’s working on, and being with this record label, Black Box Music, for 12 years! Read all about it below!
What inspired you to write ‘Bank On Me?’
I actually wrote and recorded this song in my mom’s basement, lol. Kind of a full circle moment because that’s where I started writing songs. I did it over zoom with an insanely talented guy named Trevor Muzzy and it was just kinda one of those records that came together very quickly.
What is the most meaningful lyric to you from the new track?
“Bank On Me.” I’ve been doing this for so long and I’ve had to bank on myself to get here. I’ve surrounded myself with an amazing team but at the end of the day if I don’t have that un-doubtable belief in myself it isn’t going to work. I think it’s a positive lyric that people need to hear.
What do you hope the track does for your fans especially since the track is centered around post-2020?
Let them know that I’m going crazy too… hang on lollllll.. honestly just trying to do something absolutely next level. Something to make people cry laughing. This is such a hard, stressful time for so many people and I just wanted to put a smile on people’s faces.
How did 2020 change your creative process?
Zoom. Lol. I am very lucky because I record and pre-mix all my stuff so I am very self-sufficient. I have a full home studio and can play guitar and write ideas. To be honest, I’ve really enjoyed the process as it’s forced me to dip into my roots… I’ve written the best music of my life and am shooting some of the craziest videos of my career during quarantine.
What is the greatest experience you learned from 2020 that helped you in your career today?
Be self-sufficient. And be patient. In a way, it’s given me a kind of forced stoppage that has been so great for me. It’s forced me to be patient. And forced me to dig deeper with creating.
Why do you think it’s important for musicians to write tracks such as ‘Bank On Me’ for their fans?
Because people believe in us as artists. Sometimes you get so caught up comparing your success to others you forget how many people bank on you for their day-to-day enjoyment. People believe in me so I wanted to write ‘em a song saying I’m not slowing down anytime soon.
What has been your favorite reaction to the single so far?
Honestly, some of the comments on the video are hilarious. Some people think I’m serious or something in the video and are critiquing my ability to fish and sh*t! lollllll
‘Bank On Me’ just came out but do you have any other new projects in the works such as an EP or album? If so, what can we expect from it?
I got a ton of new music dropping this year. Expect the best stuff I’ve ever done and def not shying away from being unique and blending all of my styles that I’m known for on this next body.
We saw your post on Twitter that you have been with Black Box Music for 9 years! That’s an amazing milestone, how have you seen yourself grow musically since then?
A lot. When I first signed with Black Box me and my manager were just two kids from Vancouver working construction grinding to make a living at music. Black Box believed in us and we just went hard delivering content. As time went on the music got better and we been building as a team since then.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve learned from Black Box Music that has helped you in your music-making?
It’s more of conversations than advice. Black Box trusts me and with my creative process. We had a great convo the other day about really building off this cult fan base I have and using it in an even deeper way to propel these songs to a wider demographic. I have calls with Black Box every week so it’s a very hands-on dynamic with my team.
Stream/purchase ‘Bank On Me’ here and snag your exclusive ‘Bank On Me’ merch over here!
What was your favorite part from the ‘Bank On Me’ music video? What is your favorite SonReal song? Let’s keep the conversation going by tweeting us @TheHoneyPOP or commenting below!
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Featured Image Source: Courtesy of Photographer, Lee Watkins & Bibi Lara, Graphic Design Team Member for The Honey POP
