“It’s His Story.” Getting to Know Singer Blaire Hanks in #Whitterview #6

Originally Posted on Her Campus

I’ve been a fan of Blaire, personally, for a while. When I found out he was coming to Chicago to tour, I bought my tickets right away, and that’s when I met him. Honestly one of the nicest (and good looking, yes, Blaire, I may have a crush) guys I have ever met, and I hope you fall in love with this great human like I have in my latest #Whitterview.

If you haven’t listened to his music, it’s not too hard to turn on Spotify or SoundCloud, spend $1.29 on iTunes, go to YouTube or anything else to listen to him, and I highly recommend it.

Meet Blaire, the singer who’s fun fact (something not many people know about him) is that he has Achondroplasiaphobia and describes his upcoming work as the most honest and vulnerable project he has worked on.

“I just want people like me or struggling with things I’ve struggled with to know that they’re not alone” - Blaire Hanks

Put your hands together for my the next act of the #Whitterview: Mr. Blaire Hanks!

As I always ask for my first question, tell me about your background?

BH: I grew up in Jacksonville FL. Just your typical kid. Played some sports, partied, argued with my parents about my grades. I was TERRIBLE in school. My family and I are very close. Like they’re my squad. I’m the oldest of four. My sisters Hannah & Bailey still live at home with the rents because they are still in high school. My brother Hunter lives with me up in Nashville while attending Lipscomb University. We’re a good time. I couldn’t ask for a better family.

Did you know you always wanted to be a singer? If not, when did you know?

BH: I really didn’t know I wanted to sing until I was maybe 18 or so? I just loved music and knew that’s what I was made to do whether a singer or not. I’m just not a very strong vocalist. Never have been. But I’ve been able to connect with some people through my music. I think they just get my vision, and I just appreciate them having my back. My fans give me the confidence I would’ve never had.

Favorite musicians?

BH: That’s so tough because I have so many favs, it’s insane. If you looked at my most recently played on Spotify, it would probably be Bob Marley, Sublime, Blink 182, Fall Out Boy, All Time Low, Mat Kearney, Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, Kenny Chesney, Kieth Whitley- I honestly could go on and on. I just appreciate and listen to all music.

If you could collab with anyone who would be the top 3 people you would want to collab with?

BH: Taylor Swift, Russ, or Thomas Rhett

Where is somewhere you would like to perform that you haven’t?

BH: I don’t think I have like a specific place. I’m just stoked to play anywhere new that is willing to have me honestly.

What is your favorite song you’ve released to date?

BH: It’s a toss up between Asking Bout Ya and my newest one, Mess

Do you do anything special or having any rituals you do before a performance?

BH: I usually give a little pep talk or prayer to the boys before we walk out.

What’s next for you? New album soon? Tour?

BH: Trying to get some good summer dates to tour. Right now I’m just been focusing on finishing up the new music. I put out a song a couple weeks ago called “Mess” on SoundCloud, so the fans could have something free to listen to while I finish up the project. It’s a new direction, and it’s the first song I’ve ever written and produced on my own, so I’m just excited to finally get it out. Been working on it for a while. I also have my hands in a few other projects as well that I’m excited to announce sort of soon.

And finally, you’ve gone all dark and mysterious. No color to your insta stories/ photos. What’s the story behind that?

BH: So I’ll try and keep this somewhat short for ya, but I took this past year to catch a breath and refocus. I wanted to get back to how I felt when I was 15 and would lock myself in my room with the guitar and spill my feelings when I was going through some things. That’s when music meant the most to me. I also just wanted to write some real stuff ya know? I’m probably the most honest and vulnerable in this project than I’ve ever been talking about addiction, depression, anxiety, finding purpose, finding yourself, chasing a vision, overcoming adversity and doubt.. Just very raw. Maybe it’s too honest. Who knows. But if my music can help somebody. Even just one person find hope, or motivation, then to me it was worth every hour I put into it. I just want people like me or struggling with things I’ve struggled with to know that they’re not alone. I want people to feel like they are reading my journal when they listen to my music. I’m just growing as a person and I’m making music about it. It’s my story.