A singer-songwriter consumed by music (she's also a music educator), 2022 has seen Brisbane artist Hannah release her debut single, 'Unlikely Two', at the start of the year.
As we navigate the season of Christmas work functions and Spotify Wrapped lists, Hannah returns with her sophomore release 'Home In Your Arms' – another offering of quaint, serene country-pop melodies and emotive vocals.'Home In Your Arms' is about the feeling of 'home' that you find in the physical embrace of a loved one, and the comfort and warmth it brings no matter what is going on in life.
"I aspire to write music through my own personal experiences, but in a way that relate to listeners own experiences that they may be going through," Hannah says, who recently graduating from Griffith Conservatorium of Music.
As an independent voice in the local music scene, how would you describe your style, the kind of singer-songwriter you are?
I tend to enjoy writing with down-to-earth, emotional but relational kind of themes, so when describing the kind of songwriter I am, I like to get into the nitty gritty of how life is going, kind of like having those deep and meaningful convos with a person you are close to. I think genre wise; I enjoy sitting in the pop/ country pop/ singer-songwriter genres.
Influences and inspirations – which artists have had a major impact in your own music and fostering the desire to pursue a career in the arts?
I am super inspired by singer-songwriters like Sara Bareilles, Delta Goodrem, Jon Foreman (Switchfoot), Taylor Swift and Brooke Fraser.
They have been influencers in my journey as an artist and songwriter because they are fantastic storytellers and write beautiful, emotional music. I always feel inspired to write when I hear their music.
You've been singing and performing since you were very young; is it a passion that consumes the majority of your time?
Yes! Singing consumes a majority of my time, I love the craft so much that I have been coaching other singers for a few years now with my business Melody Suite.
I do also love performing, but I tend to feel more at home with the creative process. Performing is special because it gives you a chance to express the emotion of what you are singing face to face with people, which is a beautiful thing.
You released your debut single at the start of 2022; how has the year progressed for you artistically?
This year has been a huge time of growth for me artistically. Working on my sound and brand as an artist has been so much fun (and it's still always evolving). I have spent a great deal of time honing my craft as a songwriter this year and am looking forward to what's next.
What have been some of the highlights and memorable moments professionally of your 2022?
I really loved having the opportunity to perform on the songwriters stage at Spring In The Vale festival this year. That was a huge career highlight for me, and I am looking forward to performing on more festival stages in the future.
In addition to this, I loved performing at the Sound Devotions concert at the St Johns Cathedral; it is such a beautiful space to perform in. I also finished my Bachelor of Music majoring in composition at Griffith Conservatorium this month, which was a great milestone to have achieved for my professional development.
You've just released your sophomore single 'Home In Your Arms'; a song about embracing your loved ones; was there a specific moment that inspired the song?
I wouldn't say a specific moment, however over the last couple of years there were some pretty tough personal things that I went through, and having the comfort and encouragement from my loved ones, specifically my gorgeous boyfriend, have really helped me through those times.
That's where the idea of this song came from – no matter what you are going through, there's always comfort and the feeling of being home with your loved one.
Are you working towards releasing a larger body of songs, maybe an album in 2023?
Yes, absolutely! You can expect an album to drop in 2023 for sure.
When it comes to your own songwriting, do you strike as the ideas come or do you need to set aside certain time to focus on new music?
A bit of both. I also write a fair bit of music as a freelance songwriter (mostly ghost writing). And I have a bit of a routine to get into the zone where I can sit and write in a session.
But with my own works, I tend to do a bit of both. I come up with initial ideas when inspiration strikes, but then I will carve out time to sit and make that song a reality.
Your writing style is highly personal, using your own experiences to form song ideas; do you find this to be a cathartic process whereby you can use songwriting to work out some of the issues happening in your own life while creating new music?
Yeah, I do! Usually, I write songs after the subject matter of the song has happened, kind of like a reflection on something. I also love writing songs based on other people's experiences.
Aside from your own music, you are also active teacher, assisting others with vocal techniques and performance skills; does that come naturally the nurturing aspect?
Yes, I find a great deal of joy in nurturing and coaching others. It is incredibly rewarding for me to see other vocalists grow in their skillsets and reach their goals. It's one of my favourite parts of my week. :)
Do you find as much joy in seeing others improve as you do your own music development?
Yes! Almost more than my own sometimes! But I do consistently work on my own skillset to grow and improve as a singer and songwriter.
Thanks for your time; anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share a bit about my journey and music. For those reading this, thanks for your support with my music and can't wait to share what's next for 2023.
