Toronto artist Ben Key unveils his electrifying new single, “James Dean,” an alternative track pulsing with passion, danger, and a us-against-the-world attitude. Blending groove-heavy rhythms, soulful vocals, and ambient synths, the song embodies the restless, rebellious love that defined the golden age of Hollywood.

Inspired by the timeless energy of late ’50s films, “James Dean” channels the spirit of reckless romance. Ben had been sitting on the song’s title for a while, knowing it perfectly captured the feeling of love that feels bigger than the world itself. The track merges modern sonics with a classic Motown groove, reimagining traditional horn sections with futuristic synth textures for a contemporary edge.

  1.    Tell us the story of this song, and why did you choose to visualize this song specifically?
As the first single of this new project, it felt important to establish a distinct visual identity right from the start—one that reflects the era that inspired it. I’ve always been drawn to the look and feel of old black-and-white films from the late ‘50s, with their timeless elegance and understated drama. This song, in particular, carries that same classic energy, so it made perfect sense to bring it to life visually in a way that nods to that aesthetic. It sets the tone for everything that’s to come, both musically and visually.

    2.    What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?
The song has a certain raw, immediate energy that I wanted to translate into the visuals. Rather than constructing a traditional storyline, the focus was on capturing the essence of a live performance—one that pulls the audience in and gives them a real sense of what to expect from this era of music. The decision to shoot in black and white, with a cinematic yet minimal approach, was a way to highlight that energy while staying true to the classic influences that shaped the project.

  3.    What was the process of making this video?
The goal was to execute something simple yet captivating. We shot from three angles, keeping the focus entirely on the performance. By stripping away excess production and letting the music and presence speak for themselves, the video became more about feeling than spectacle. Every choice—from the framing to the lighting—was intentional in creating an atmosphere that feels intimate yet powerful, giving the audience a glimpse into the world of this new project.