Hannah Scott Talks New Album, Single And More

 Suffolk-born, London-based contemporary Folk singer-songwriter Hannah Scott has released her latest single’ Bigger Than My Body’ and will release her new album ‘Absence Of Doubt’ in October 2024. Hannah chatted to JLTT about the new album, single and more:

When did you begin songwriting?
When I was around 15. I’d not long picked up a guitar and taught myself a few chords (having learnt classical piano as a child) and it went from there really.

What is your earliest musical memory?
I had a small wind up toy when I was little – probably not older than 3 or 4 – which played the tune to Somewhere Over The Rainbow and I remember it making me feel happy and sad all at once. That song has moved me ever since.

Your new single ‘Bigger Than My Body’ is out now. What was the inspiration/story behind the track?
I wrote this for my partner (now fiancée!) after we’d been together a year. It’s a song about a love that is so big you can’t keep it within you as there just isn’t the space.

The single is taken from your forthcoming album ‘Absence Of Doubt’ released in October 2024. How did you want to approach the making of the album?
I wanted to be involved in the production this time around but I was a little nervous about it to be honest! I approached Adrian Hall who is a mixing engineer first and foremost (he mixed some of my earlier work) but also a producer and I asked if he would be willing to co-produce with me. Thankfully he said yes! I knew I wanted to play piano this time and I knew some of the musicians I wanted to play on it.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?
As above! It is co-produced by me and Adrian Hall and we recorded the bulk of it at his home studio in Sutton which is just a short distance from my home. We recorded the piano at mine (he brought a mobile set up) and the strings were recorded remotely.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
To have moved and to have connected with my audience.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
Nothing very exciting here I’m afraid! I regularly play solo and love my Taylor guitar and Roland RD64 keyboard (64 keys – so much lighter than a full sized keyboard!)

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Ipswich is my hometown (I grew up in a village just outside it). I left a long time ago now but the words that come to mind when I think of it are: friendly, green, historic, community, family.

How do you look after your voice?
When I make the time to do it (usually ahead of touring or recording!) I try to steam and do some vocal exercises 3-4 times a week. If there is a space to do so I also try to warm up and warm down before and after shows.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
I think it would have to be The Time Traveller’s Wife though this has been done for stage recently and TV I think. It’s the only book I’ve ever read which has fully inspired a song – called Long Way Home and possibly still my most viewed YouTube video!

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
Early influences are mainly American folk-rock / pop-rock bands including Counting Crows and Matchbox 20. In my 20s and 30s I listened to more singer-songwriters including Sara Bareilles, Sarah McLachlan and Tom Baxter. I like some more modern sounding artists too – for example Christine and the Queens and some of my contemporaries inspire me regularly – George Boomsma (who also played guitar on this record), Simeon Hammond Dallas (who should be famous) and James Hodder to name just a few.

Do you have a band? If so, who is in the band and what do they play?
Not regularly! Though I’m looking forward to playing with David Banks (guitars) and Matt Aston (bass) for a few shows later this year. Matt played on the record and was brilliant!

Do you have any other live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2024?
Yes, I am touring around the album release from end Sept- Nov. There are 19 dates across the U.K. organised by my brilliant agent, Ant Miles at Fancourt Music.

Was it a difficult album to write?
Some songs were harder than others – a couple of the songs deal with grief after losing my gran and dad in quick succession. The (younger) family inspired songs were easier (and happier!) to write.

What makes Hannah Scott happy and what makes you unhappy?
Playing live and writing music, hanging out with my family (including two young stepsons) and walking my rescue dog make me happy.
Not playing live, politics and the state of the NHS right now make me unhappy!!