Yesterday, Wednesday 8th July, British singer-songwriter James Blake released his second single of 2020, entitled ‘Are You Even Real?’. The song has already gained 64,000 streams and follows April’s ‘You’re Too Precious’.
‘Are You Even Real?’ – out on the 8th July
Co-written by @iStarrah and @alitamposi
— James Blake (@jamesblake) July 6, 2020
‘Are You Even Real?’ was co-produced and co-written by Blake along with Starrah, Ali Tamposi, and Peter Lee Johnson. Prior to the song’s release, the artist shared some of the poignant lyrics on his social media: “Trip down the hill, strawberry fields, are you even real? / She said ‘tell me how you feel’, ‘are you even real?’, ‘are you even real?’ “
Though there is currently no music video for the track, fans can watch the creation of the song is Blake’s video ‘Behind the Mac’ in collaboration with Apple. The video has over 100,000 views and shows him warming up, recording, and then editing and producing from home.
Given that the singer has not shared his feelings or inspiration behind the song, all listeners can do is speculate. However his girlfriend – actress, presenter, activist, and more – Jameela Jamil supported him in promoting the song, posting a photo of the two together and commenting, “My boyfriend put a song out yesterday called “Are You Even Real?” And it’s really good. Check it out.” She joked, “I think it’s about our dog, Barold.”
James Blake is not only a singer and songwriter, but also a producer and multi-instrumentalist who has worked on some incredible projects with fellow artists such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Frank Ocean. His career began in 2010 with release of a series of EPs, before his self-titled debut album came out in 2011. He has now released four full-length albums including 2019’s ‘Assume Form’, featuring André 3000 and more.
While in lock-down, Blake has been putting his time to good use, working on new music and filming some covers for his fans. Most recently, he has covered Nirvana’s ‘Come As You Are’ to great acclaim, previously sharing a version of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Never Dreamed You’d Leave In Summer’.
Furthermore, he has shown his solidarity for the #BlackLivesMatter movement by holding a livestream concert fundraiser for The Loveland Foundation. According to its website, the organisation is “committed to showing up for communities of colour in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls.” Blake’s fans raised a total of $6,400, and he promised to match it, making a grand total of $12,800.
‘Are You Even Real?’ is available on all platforms.
