Aloe Blacc has long stood as one of music’s most compelling and purposeful voices as a soul artist whose songs flow across genres to connect with listeners around the world. From international hit like “I Need A Dollar” and “The Man” to the era-defining collaboration “Wake Me Up” with Avicii, his music has always been about meaning. Known for his ability to bring together activism and artistic expression, he continues to use his platform to uplift and inspire, connecting together through powerful songwriting and timeless soul. In 2025, he returned with Stand Together, a full-length record that captures his mission-driven spirit via a project that fuses conscience with creativity, offering both celebration and a call to action.
His latest collaboration, however, sees him link up once again with another artist of conviction, Eric Hirshberg. A multi-talented artist, Eric’s creative journey has been far from typical; before focusing on music full-time, he spent nearly a decade as CEO of Activision, steering cultural juggernauts like Call of Duty, Guitar Hero and Destiny. Earlier, as CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Deutsch LA, he led one of advertising’s most acclaimed agencies through a fourteen-year run of innovation and influence.
Named among AdAge’s 50 Most Creative People in Business and inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Achievement, Eric Hirshberg enjoyed a decorated career at the crossraods of creativity, culture and leadership before returning to his first love, songwriting. The result of his reconnection with music has been profoundly personal and purpose-led. His work as a singer-songwriter combines intimacy, wit and empathy, qualities that shine through in his new single with Aloe Blacc titled “For Real.”
The track marks the second collaboration between the two artists following last year’s “I Love Not Drinking,” a song that earned acclaim from People Magazine, Relix, and American Songwriter. Where that song celebrated mindfulness and self-discovery, “For Real” widens the lens to deliver a soulful reflection on reconnection in a time of disconnection. Built around acoustic warmth and cinematic aesthetic, “For Real” finds its magic in the chemistry between the two artists.
Eric describes the track as “Cinematic Folk,” a genre-blending space between his human-scale storytelling and Aloe Blacc’s grand, R&B-infused delivery. Together, they strike an intricate balance between emotion and scale, crafting a sound that feels at once personal and widely relatable. “This song started as a conversation about our phones. We were both trying to reduce the divisive influences in our lives,” Eric explains. The message developed into something broader, offering a reminder of the importance of talking, listening and finding common ground, even in disagreement.
That message runs through all of Eric’s recent work, including his previous album Second Hand Smoke, praised for exploring themes of sobriety, aging and mental wellness with candour and grace. With “For Real,” the two artists serve up an an anthem for unity in a fractured age, with Aloe capturing it simply, “I believe in using music to lift people up and bring people together. The concept of this song is one that is needed right now.” “For Real” is a spectacular collaboration from two artists who once again deliver memorable music instilled with worthwhile context.
Listen to For Real below
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