Hannah Robinson is a singer-songwriter from the south coast of England, whose music blends her distinctive voice and soulful melodies with her nonchalant, percussive guitar style and lyrics which are rich with imagery.
With each release, her sound grows with expression and atmosphere and her latest single “The Well” is yet another example of her ability to create music that instantly grips the listener. Narrating suppressing emotions and inner conflict and pouring it deep into a hidden place inside you, the idea for the song came from the novel The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murikami. The songwriter was taken aback by one line from the book which read, “Maybe you’ve got this deep well inside, and you shout into it.”
This sentence would replay in her mind and she would think about the image, relating it to her own experiences. Inspired by the likes of Laura Marling, PJ Harvey and Jeff Buckley, Robinson has a similar appreciation for lyrics just as much as the sonic appeal, unravelling, “I was curious to see if I could create a feeling and a narrative in this song using fewer words. I liked trying something more lyrically concise, I feel it made me especially selective with the words I chose.”
Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
I’ve been a solo artist for over ten years, learning as I’ve gone and gigging a lot. I’ve been fortunate to work with and learn from some great musicians and have had the opportunity to tour and travel which has been amazing. My new single is called ‘The Well’.
What does music and being an artist mean to you?
I really love doing what I do. The fact you can offer something up from inside you that other people can feel, that’s my favourite bit. It can feel cathartic for me and it’s just a great feeling when people relate to and enjoy something you’ve created, and bring their own meaning to it. I also really enjoy the collaboration with other musicians, videographers, and photographers, and how they can bring things to your song or concept beyond what you could’ve imagined.
What are some sources of inspiration for your lyrics and storytelling?
This single (The Well) was inspired by a line in a book, but in the past I’ve been heavily influenced by my personal experiences and feelings, places, and people I’ve known. I write every day – even if it’s just a couple of lines – so things that are happening in my life often influence things, but I try and write in a way that isn’t too literal or confessional. I like to play with imagery and open things up so they’re more universal and open.
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
There are many, but Patti Smith is amazing – I was thinking about her today, and how in her seventies she’s still focussed on the words, the music, connecting with people and the meaning of things. She seems so deeply connected and present with everything she does.
All-time favourite record?
I’d probably give a different answer week to week, but right now I’d say Hejira by Joni Mitchell. It’s so beautiful and emotional and it’s really chiming with me at the moment.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
The concept of my new single ‘The Well’ was inspired by a line from the book ‘The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle’ by Haruki Murikami, about the idea of shouting your feelings down a well inside you. I wrote the guitar part whilst playing one day and formed the melody and lyrics around that. Then once we got in the studio, the band really brought a big energy to the song that I couldn’t have imagined initially. It went from being quite an introspective thing to being really expressive and bold.
You seem to be fusing several musical genres. What inspires your sound?
A range of influences, I guess. I love the classic singer-songwriter stuff, but also more alternative sounds too, which has definitely showed up on this single. My songs always centre around singing and guitar, and the song dictates the rest.
What are some things you do to deal with anxiety and creative blocks?
For me, writing is a bit of a cure-all. It helps me observe and process my thoughts and feelings and means I can work through them. If I come out the other side with some lyric ideas, that’s a bonus! Personally, yoga helped me massively through the lockdown months. It really helps to ground me and listen in to what’s going on if I get lost. Listening to my favourite artists or getting my head into other things that move me will always inspire me to create again when I get stuck.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’d like to have released at least a couple of records, to have toured and continue to play with great musicians, growing, learning, and experimenting. As long as I keep moving, I’ll be happy. I’d also like to be writing parts on different instruments and to be trying different things in my writing process. I’d like to have released music on vinyl – and maybe have added a new guitar or two to my collection…!
Your style is very original and elaborate. How do you take care of your aesthetics?
I’m so lucky to work with very talented people including videographer Przemyslaw Marek Przystup, and photographers Richard Preston and Stuart Dudleston. They really understand where I’m coming from with my music and my personality, so I feel in completely safe hands to just let them to do their thing. They always capture what I hoped for and beyond, and it’s been really fun creating images and videos for these singles that give the songs their own individual stories, identities and aesthetics.
What was the most daunting moment in your career so far?
Probably when I started playing with John Illsley of Dire Straits, playing to big audiences and singing and playing guitar alongside such seasoned musicians, including guitarists Robbie McIntosh and Paul Stacey (Paul played piano on and mixed my new single The Well). I have a vocal solo in one of John’s songs and I remember that being quite nerve-wracking, especially in the early days, but it’s a great experience and I try and absorb as much as I can musically from those guys.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
This wasn’t first-hand unfortunately, but Patti’s Smith’s ‘Advice to the young’ (it’s on YouTube) always sets me back on course if I start to lose my way. She talks about resilience, doing the work because it’s your calling, and building a good name. It puts the focus back on doing the work, creating, pursuing what you want and riding with the good and the bad.
Where do you think the next game changer will be in the music industry and entertainment scene?
Hmm, I don’t know… I think it’s best I leave predicting the future to other people and just focus on writing my songs!
