Benson Boone’s ‘Mystical Magical’ Producer Evan Blair on the Hit

Benson Boone, a rising star in the music industry, is undeniably making waves with his latest releases, particularly the standout track "Beautiful Things." As it continues to break records, landing at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing the top position on the Billboard Global 200’s year-end chart, the pressures of following such a major hit must be daunting. However, the collaboration with producer Evan Blair and co-writer Jack LaFrantz has proven to transcend that pressure. Their new song, "Mystical Magical," showcases their unique creative synergy and highlights a shift in Boone’s musical direction.

Blair articulates that when he and the team reconvened in the studio, they didn’t dwell on the success of "Beautiful Things." Instead, they harnessed their energy to create something refreshing and new. “I’ve been in situations in the past where [following such a big hit] has sunk us,” Blair admits. “But for whatever reason, when we got back together, I don’t think we one time even talked about it.” This refreshing mindset is pivotal in the music industry, where comparisons can often stifle creativity.

Crafted near the end of recording sessions for Boone’s upcoming album, American Heart, "Mystical Magical" is a delightful concoction of whimsical themes, soaring falsettos, and playful lyrics, with phrases like "moonbeam ice cream" at its core. Its synth-driven soundscape evokes reminiscence of classic tracks while presenting a modern twist, something that has caught listeners’ attention. Notably, parts of the track share similarities with Olivia Newton-John’s "Physical," leading to credit for the legendary songwriters who contributed to that classic. Blair humorously recalls the moment this resemblance was identified, marking it as a pivotal moment during their collaborative journey.

The enthusiastic response to "Mystical Magical" reflects its potential to resonate with audiences. Despite the continued success of "Beautiful Things," which remains in the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10 after a staggering 70 weeks, "Mystical Magical" has emerged as Boone’s fourth composition to break into the top 40, currently sitting at No. 42. Blair observes that Boone’s ability to transition between hits and maintain relevance speaks volumes about his artistry. “He’s existing in culture in such a way that culture is interacting with him,” Blair explains.

Delving deeper into his collaboration with Boone, Blair describes their relationship as built on mutual respect and friendship. Their partnership ignited during their first session—an experience that cemented their creative chemistry. “There was something about the chemistry between the three of us where it seemed pretty clear that we were only at the beginning of something,” Blair reflects. This solid foundation has allowed them to explore diverse sounds without fear of judgment or criticism.

As they developed "Mystical Magical," the trio’s shared goal was to ensure that every song felt up to par with their stronger works. Interestingly, as unpredictability often comes with the creative process, they faced a challenge during their studio sessions in Utah. “We weren’t finding the answer to some of these songs,” admits Blair candidly. However, this struggle led them to embrace spontaneity, and, out of frustration, they shifted focus back to simply having fun—leading to the inception of "Mystical Magical."

A standout moment came when the team decided to pivot to piano, breathing life into the melody that would become the backbone of their catchy track. Blair describes how this lighthearted exploration transformed a day that initially felt fruitless into a memorable milestone in their collaborative journey.

When it comes to the intriguing lyrics of "moonbeam ice cream," Blair credits LaFrantz for bringing such imaginative ideas to the table. The lyric embodies the unique playful essence that characterizes Boone’s evolving artistry. They opted to embrace the oddity and creativity of the line, confident that its resonance would shine through to listeners.

As for the impact of "Beautiful Things" still echoing in the industry, Blair believes it doesn’t hinder their progress. “Benson carved a lane so effectively that it doesn’t feel like” they’re overshadowed by their past hits. This speaks to the importance of having an artist like Boone, who possesses the charisma and talent to elevate every track they work on together.

Looking ahead to the rest of American Heart, which is set to release on June 20, Blair assures that while "Mystical Magical" is a standout track, it is merely a glimpse into the album’s depth and variety. With continued experimentation and bold choices in instrumentation, Boone and his collaborators are excited to unveil more emotional tracks that complement the album’s sonic landscape.

Ultimately, the journey of Benson Boone and his team exemplifies the beauty of musical collaboration—catching "lightning in a bottle." As they navigate the highs and lows of the industry, their commitment to creativity and friendship remains steadfast, making them one of the most exciting partnerships to watch in the music world today.

In a market as challenging as the music industry, where hits can come and go, Benson Boone’s ability to maintain relevance alongside his breakthrough tracks speaks volumes about his artistry and the strength of his collaborations. With Evan Blair at his side, the sky isn’t just the limit; it’s a launchpad for what lies ahead.

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