Jeremy Williams-Chalmers, Arts Correspondent

Interview With Hannah Grace

The last year has been huge for Wales' Hannah Grace, and has seen her perform at Richard Quinn's London Fashion Week Show, following in the footsteps of the likes of Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Amal Clooney by being dressed by Richard on the night, and leading Vogue to describe her voice as sounding "like honey". Hannah also played her largest show to date last year supporting Barbra Streisand at Hyde Park, following previous support slots for the likes of Jess Glynne, Gabrielle Aplin and Hozier. With her latest single premiered by Rylan on BBC Radio 2, we caught up with her to find out more...

First and foremost, hello and how are you?

I am very well thank you!

Tell us about the inspiration behind your new single How True Is Your Love …

I wrote ‘How True Is Your Love’ about giving myself the courage to question the love I deserve. The song is about how hard it is to fall back in love after being hurt in the past but not letting this hold you back, throwing yourself into any new pain and joy all at once. It is about having the strength not to lose all of your trust in love for the future. I wrote it with my friend Joe Keogh. Joe is a brilliant writer, he’s real and honest and helped me capture the concept perfectly. We wrote it together in his house in Brighton last year. It was the first song we’d written together - we just clicked!

How do you feel when releasing a record?

It’s always a great feeling getting the songs out in the world. Sometimes songs are written years before they’re released, it can be a very long process so it’s always relieving and special when they’re finally out for people to listen to.



Tell us a little about your creative process…

My songs usually start with a conversation. I love collaborating and working with other musicians and writers so usually we just talk a lot first. Sometimes these conversations spark an idea or even turn into the lyrics of the song and the music usually reflects the story in someway, in mood or vibe.

Could you define your sound in five words…

Soul, gospel, folk, Jazz pop. It’s a real mix of everything I’ve grown up listening to.

What was the first song that caught your attention?
I’m not sure on a specific song, but Eva Cassidy was my first musical love. Her album ‘Songbird’ really stopped me in my tracks and inspired me to sing too.

What was the first song you bought?

I’m not entirely sure, but I went through a phase of buying so many albums by female artists, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey. So many different voices.

And the first album?

Songbird by Eva Cassidy was the first really important album for me. Another hugely inspiring album for me is ‘O’ by Damien Rice.

What was the best concert you have ever seen?

Paulo Nutini. I’ve seen him a few times. Him and his band really are so good live and I love so many of his songs. I’d love to play a show like that one day.

What did the experience teach you that you have translated to your own shows?

It taught me the importance of having a great band that know and love your music. It seems obvious but sometimes bands can be so interchangeable and I think that hugely effects the performance and sound. I love working hard with my band as a team to make the best sound possible for the music. It’s one of my favourite parts of working in music.

What other artist are you most excited to hear from?

At the moment I’m excited to hear from Lianne La Havas, I believe she has a new album out soon and I can’t wait to hear it. I also really love and follow Yebba and Hozier. I’m often drawn in by voices and kept with words and songs.

If you could work with them, what would you hope to record?

A duet with Hozier would be lush! He has such a unique amazing voice.

If you had to pick three artists to be filed next to, who would they be and why?

Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Aretha. They are all incredible people and artists. I feel like their personality, character and spirit was always expressed through their music, not only just their voices. They give you more.

If you could jam with one artist alive or dead, who would it be?

I would have loved to sing with Ella Fitzgerald. I have always loved jazz and her talent for improvisation was so pure and wonderful, it would have been pretty special to be in the same room as her while she sang, let alone sing along with her.

If you could have written one song by another artist, what would it be?

Jealous by Labrinth. I think this is one of the most beautiful songs. The story is heartbreaking and the music and lyrics have a depth that a lot of modern music lacks.

Someone is making a film of your life, who will play you?

I have an obsession with 80s and 90s rom-coms. So maybe Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts. You’d have to pretend I was from a slightly different time but I just love the fashion and vibe of movies from that time.

Lastly, tell us one thing you have never revealed in an interview…

My first dream wasn’t to sing but to be a ballerina!



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