Q: Can you describe the musical style of Hannah Hughes in three words?
A: feminine rage rock.
Q: How do you stay connected with your fans, and what role do they play in shaping your musical journey?
A: My fans show constant support, and love for my music which is forever inspiring. I’ve always known that it is my destiny to be a liberator in the world, and having music be that resource is so affirming. It keeps me going everyday. My goal is to make people feel understood when they listen to my words and melodies.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘Stranger With My Secrets’. Is there a story behind it?
A: I wrote Stranger With My Secrets after a trip to Joshua Tree in California. Once I came back to LA I started writing. I got a text from a guy who – I was under the impression was asking me out – but wanted me to buy both our tickets – clearly not a date. The words and melody “do you want to buy my drink baby, or stare like you don’t know me” came to me, and the song was written in about 15 minutes.
The song is about people who you became close to often become strangers who know everything about you.
Q: What is your favorite verse from the song and why?
A: “I’ll never love again, cause you’ll never know when it will end”.
I like this line because everyone can relate to this. Situations and people tend to come and go from your life and there is no definite way of knowing when.
Q: Can you walk us through the creative process of producing this song?
A: I recorded Stranger With My Secrets at New Monkey Studios in Los Angeles. The song was engineered and produced by Greg Cortez, who is also producing and engineering my album.
I experimented a lot with different sounds. You can hear the Moog Synthesizer specifically in the introduction of the song but it is at lower volume throughout the mix.
Q: What has been the most memorable concert or performance for Hannah Hughes so far?
A: I’d have to say playing The Troubadour here in Los Angeles. The moment I stepped onto that stage I felt the energy of so many incredible musicians that have played before me There truly is so much history. It was also an amazing show!
Q: Reflecting on your body of work, each song holding its unique significance, could you share a particular track that stands out to you personally? What makes that specific tune special, and why does it hold a place of pride in your musical journey?
A: ‘Stranger With My Secrets’ is that track! It’s the most experimental song I’ve done thus far, and I feel it is an audible representation of the many phases of not just heartbreak but loss of previous friendships or relationships. The pain I felt and what I wanted to say was performed exactly the way I envisioned it. It is my most vulnerable song I have released. It’s how I feel deep inside. The music video dives deeper into this concept with its visual imagery, choreography, and story.
Q: Exploring the diverse creative processes within the music industry is always fascinating. Could you provide insight into Hannah’s unique approach to crafting music? From the initial spark of an idea to the finished song, how do you navigate the creative journey and bring its musical concepts to life?
A: Usually I come up with the guitar melody first then I hear and will sing harmonies over that melody. Sometimes I’ll just hear the melody in my head randomly and run to my phone to record it in voice memos. It really depends, I always hear ideas right before I am about to fall asleep or as I am waking up.
I always like to say, as an artist I write songs about the things I do not understand. I write about the feelings that can only be transcribed in harmonies. I write about the things I have difficulty making sense of. The emotions shared universally between all people. I want to bring the world together in this way.
Q: As we wrap up our conversation, looking ahead, what aspirations or dreams do you have and what message would you like to share with your fans as they continue to accompany you on this musical journey?
A: I dream of bringing people together through my music, and I am grateful daily I can already do this. I hope my new song will make my fans, and the world – feel less alone. I am excited to play these songs throughout the world. I am excited for future shows, and the album. I look forward to even more conceptual performance art music videos, and challenging myself as a songwriter and guitarist. I hope you love it!
