//Interview\\ Hannah Robinson

From playing alongside John Illsley (dire straits) to filming in a cold sea in March for a music video, Hannah Robinson isn’t unfamiliar with adventures both big and small, with a story to tell to the world and ethereal musicality she is an artist you don’t want to miss out on.

In this interview, we discuss her newest single, must-visit spots when touring as well as her career as both a studio singer and live session artist.

The Well, your newest release, is inspired by The Wind-up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murikami, could you tell me about how it contributed to the track and what attracted you to the book itself?

I found the book because Patti Smith mentioned it in a book of hers that I was reading, so I thought I’d check it out. I started reading it on a flight and a particular line really struck me: “maybe you’ve got this deep well inside, and you shout into it…”. That really chimed with me as an image of pouring your emotions deep inside you, and the lyrics came from exploring that idea.

You’re both a studio and a live session singer, what would you say is the biggest difference between those sessions (studio/live session) for you?

I feel like with singing in the studio with your headphones on, you’re almost in a bubble with the track, eyes closed and being quite inward in a safe environment, usually wearing baggy clothes! With live stuff you’re more aware of how you appear, and you have to open up, focus your energy out and communicate with the audience. Live stuff is also less analytical - it’s about working off the other musicians, listening to what’s happening in the moment, then it’s gone. Unless someone’s videoed it!

What are some of your favourite memories from touring? I bet you can’t wait to get back out there as the world begins to open back up.

I really can’t wait to tour again; I’ve had some great times on and off stage. Playing with John Illsley of Dire Straits the last few years has been great – I remember the first tour, being on stage between guitarists Robbie McIntosh and Paul Stacey was a very privileged spot to be in every night! Guitar heaven… Having some time to wander around Berlin was cool, I got to see Hansa studios where David Bowie & co. recorded the Berlin Trilogy. I loved playing at The Paradiso in Amsterdam – so many of my heroes have played there, I remember kneeling down and touching the stage in soundcheck, hoping to absorb some brilliance! Playing Glastonbury was also pretty cool, a bucket list gig for sure. After the last 18 months, the memory of playing to big crowds like that feels like a bit of a dream, but I’m hopeful for the future.

I’m sure with touring you’ve visited quite a few different places, whenever you first arrive, where is the first place you like to visit? (Can be as simple or exciting as you like)

Yeah, I love the feeling of arriving somewhere new. In bigger cities I’ll go to a gallery or museum if I have time, then sit in a coffee shop and people watch. If it’s been a long journey, it’s quite nice to just sit and be and soak it up.

What lyric from The Well do you resonate most with and why?

Probably the line ‘fight amongst yourself’ - inner conflict, secret internal battles! Things that may not see the light of day but are going on inside.

The Well music video is quite aesthetic to the eye, what was the story/concept behind it if there was one?

This video was another collaboration with the brilliant videographer Przemyslaw Marek Przystup, and we worked together on the concept. I have the habit of being quite literal (!) so I knew water would probably be involved somehow. I like how the controlled look of the studio contrasts with the wild and windy beach shots. The sea was very cold when we filmed in March and a storm was whipping up the water, so I think we captured some drama when I was in amongst the waves!

What comes after The Well for you? Can fans expect an album, more singles or even as live music begins to start up again, a tour?

I’ve recently recorded a new song and am continuing to write for a new album. I’ve really enjoyed releasing singles but it’s time for something with more weight to it, I think. I’d also love to gig these songs live now we have the chance again.

You can Stream 'The Well' by clicking the image below