For the past two weeks that Hozier song has been in and out of my head, and I hate it. I don’t get those types of artists that come out of the blue to dominate. I think his song has been residing in my brain though because I listened to Hannah Gill’s rendition of it around that time. I blame her, but I can’t hate her because she did a fine job covering it. Hey, you know I like my cover jams.
Anyways, Gill is a 17-year-old with the sound of someone who’s been doing the music thing for decades. Hannah’s mature ways play out nicely on her EP I Feel Awake, that dropped January 20. So it hasn’t been out too long now – so while you’re checking that out, you can also continue reading on to find out what it’s like to be the only girl in the boy’s club, her resolutions and more…
Kendra: There aren’t many performers out there who are your age who can sing with that maturity. Do you think that gives you a slight advantage in a way?
Hannah Gill: I think that it does give me an advantage in some ways. Age is always impressive when it comes to working with big name producers, but I don’t want to rely on it. I will only be “young” for so long and once that runs out I want to have certain characteristics that will still be appealing to producers.
Kendra: Is it ever awkward being a 17-year-old girl amongst a bunch of dudes, because that’s who you’re always playing and touring with? Any awkward moments?
Hannah: You know, not yet. In school, most of my friends are guys; I guess I just get along better with them! But I have yet to have a bad experience with any of the guys (and girls) I have worked with. They are all amazing musicians and they have even better personalities.
Kendra: Speaking of touring, will you be doing much of that in the new year?
Hannah: Right now I am focused on finishing school, hopefully once I have graduated in May we might make a few road trips!
Kendra: You’re going to have to play sometime to promote your new EP, I Feel Awake. Which, you say the best thing about music is experiencing it. What experiences do you want people to walk away with when they hear your new record?
Hannah: I want people to feel happy after listening. It is so easy to write a sad song sometimes, in fact there is a track on the EP that is a bit gloomy. But most of the tracks should leave the listener feeling energized! People will interpret the EP however they want, but I think that it is a catchy group of songs that will stay with people even after the songs are over.
Kendra: What made you go with “Love and Glory” as the lead single?
Hannah: It makes me smile! I think “Love and Glory” is a feel good track that will really pull people in. Plus it gets stuck in your head like crazy, I wrote it months ago and I still sing it every now and then!
Kendra: Everyone’s talking about New Year’s resolutions. So what’s one thing that you need to make happen in 2015?
Hannah: I want to grow as a musician, as cliché as it sounds it is a huge priority. I have only been performing for two years and I have already experienced so much. I want to continue that growth throughout 2015, I work with so many experienced musicians and I want to be able to keep up!
Kendra: Your cover of that Hozier song was top notch but I read you’re a Ragtime Jazz fan – so if you had to cover five songs in that style which five would they be?
Hannah:
“Yellow Flicker Beat” by Lorde
“My Doorbell” by The White Stripes
“Chasing Pavement” by Adele
“Kansas City” by The New Basement Tapes
“Put a Lid on It” by The Squirrel Nut Zippers
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