FEATURE:
Spotlight
Hana Lili
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I am a big fan of Hana Lili…
and hope that as many people as people connect with her music this year. The Welsh artist supported the Cardiff leg of Coldplay's Music of the Spheres World Tour last year at the Principality Stadium, together with Scottish group Chvrches. She has just (7th February) supported Circa Waves. This is an amazing name that everyone should know about. I am keen to get to some interviews with Hana Lili. I will start with an older interview. Going back to 2021. I will bring it up to date after that. I am interested in the NOTION interview, as they spotlighted an exciting rising talent:
“It’s been a busy year for Hana Lili. After her song “Stay” played on this year’s Love Island the young Welsh star was launched into the spotlight, picking up a legion of fans with her soulful acoustic sound.
In October, Hana delivered her 4-track EP ‘Flowers Die in Summer’ after a year of going in and out of lockdown offered her the opportunity to knuckle down and get creative. ‘Flowers Die in Summer’ is an ethereal introduction to her mellow sound, brimming with ear candy melodies, touching lyrics and silky (self-taught) production. With the music video for “Don’t Try To Call Me” shot on her phone, it’s clear this artist revels in staying authentic, original and low-key.
Giving insight into her creative process on the track “Don’t Try To Call Me”, Hana explains: ‘I wrote this song in the middle of lockdown, all my communications we’re through my phone. I sat in my room for days on end, and the phone was the only means of communication. It was a frustrating, sad and lonely time for a lot of people. I recorded a guitar loop and sampled it. The sampled guitar riff runs through the whole song; it’s perpetual and reflects the emotions of a Groundhog Day. I wrote about the feelings of isolation, loneliness, and paranoia. Ironically it’s the most upbeat song of my EP.’
Notion got the chance to speak with Hana Lili about how she’s developed as an artist this past year, what song never fails to make her cry, and who – or what – would play her in a film.
How have you developed creatively over the past year?
The past year has allowed me to reflect a lot. When live shows and releasing music paused, it made me question why do I do what I do? It made me realise I just love writing songs, in the same way I did when I was 14. I think remembering that being creative is simply an enjoyable process and not all about output. The last year allowed me to enjoy the process again and remember the simplicity of being creative is just to create.
How can an artist stay original nowadays?
I think staying original comes with understanding that who I am when I’m making music in my bedroom when no one else is around is who I should stay true to as an artist. Inspiration comes from everywhere in the world, and I think that it’s something to celebrate, but staying original shouldn’t be the main focus, there should be a focus on staying true to your authentic self and not feel the pressure to adapt to the trends but also to let yourself be influenced by the world outside. It’s like a double negative, what I’m saying is a contradiction, but if it’s an automatic natural process, it will just be exactly that.
What is your biggest pinch-me moment so far?
Releasing music is always that moment for me. It’s been a bizarre year and creating and writing songs has been such an amazing outlet for me and my emotions. Also, my track ‘Stay’ was played on this year’s season of Love Island which was so unexpected and a massive moment in my career so far!
Finish the sentence: I feel happiest when…
I’m busy. When I’m performing songs to new audiences, when I release new music. This past year, although great to reflect, I’m done with the over analysing of my own emotions, and having the time to micro analyse it all. It’s catch 22. I feel like it’s been a sense of release and serenity being able to release music and perform live after such a long time without it”.
One of the best singles from last year was Hana Lili’s Small Talk. I thought that it deserved a lot more radio airtime. It is one of the best releases from this amazing artist. Women in Pop spoke with Hana Lili in November about Small Talk. She also looked ahead to this year and what she wanted to achieve:
“There is such a warmness and tenderness to the song, along with a sense of melancholy, set to a lovely indie pop sound. What was the soundscape, or feels, you were aiming for with the song?
I’m a massive fan of 90s indie music. Bands such as the Cardigans, No Doubt. I find with the production being nostalgic and slightly upbeat it correlates to the lyrics in some way. Hiding behind the melancholic feel of the track, is the earnest lyrics talking about going through a hard time and not being able to communicate that properly with others.
What was the creative process like for this song? Who did you work with and how long did the whole process take?
I always start with a trail of thought. Writing random thoughts and feelings. In the lyrical dump of that day I had “I hate small talk” written down which sparked the beginning of the song. I worked with producer Jez Ashurst and songwriter Mark Vallance and we wrote the song in that day's session. The process then involved adding production with Jez, building the track, and I layered the guitars… there’s even an omnichord tucked in the mix somewhere in the track!
Who were the artists that influenced you growing up?
I would always steal my parents CDs as a way of discovering new music. Bands such as The Pixies, Nirvana, Radiohead, No Doubt and the Cardigans.
The music industry has never been a particularly welcoming or safe space for female artists, mainly because it has been run by older, straight, white men for decades. What are your experiences and/or thoughts on gender (in)equality and sexism in music?
I’m currently working with a project called ‘Merched yn Gwneud Miwsig’ which translates to Women in Music. It’s a project where we as artists encourage girls to write and produce music, and learn about different sectors in the industry. I’m off to North Wales tomorrow to run another camp. Being a part of the project and being able to encourage young women to produce and take on roles that may be deemed as ‘male led’ has been really cool. Seeing the young women go forth after the camp, and start producing, writing songs or taking interest in the music industry is amazing.
Growing up and producing music, I felt this internal thought sometimes that was ‘yeah that’s not really producing though’ but in reality it was, I wrote the music and produced it all in my bedroom it was satisfying to be that independent.
‘Small Talk’ is out now, what else do you have planned for the rest of the year and into 2024?
Lots of songwriting! I’m also finishing up the next single which I’m excited to share. I’ll be playing a London show on the 15th of November in the Seabright Arms as part of the ‘The Great Escape’ First Fifty launch. Which of course will lead to playing the Great Escape next year. So there will be more shows, new music and more songwriting in 2024 for sure!”.
There is another article around Small Talk that I want to bring in before wrapping things up. If you need more convincing that the wonderful Hana Lili is worth following, then I hope that the final two interviews are enough. She is an artist that is going to have an amazing year. Do ensure that she does not pass you by. I love everything she has put out so far:
“What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
The song is titled ‘Small Talk’ and is about a time when I was lacking confidence and hiding behind small talk in conversation with people as a way to avoid feeling vulnerable. The song idea came to me when I was out in London meeting new people and realizing what I was doing, putting up a front in the hope that people would like me and I thought I need to stop this and be me!
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
I think it’s always the stage of finalising the song in the first place, and then letting go of the recording – basically saying “Here it is it’s finished”. The creative process is always an exciting space to be in and you always think you can make things a bit better. Then suddenly it’s time to let it go and put it out into the world.
Who produced the release, and what did they bring to it?
The record was produced by Jez Ashurst. My favourite part of making the record on the production side was when Jez and I started layering the production; adding guitars, a baritone guitar, and also an Omnicord. It’s a fun balance of adding enough new, and sometimes strange elements into the mix of the production, which is something I’ve always been a fan of!
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
If it’s something they relate to, I hope it, in some way, helps them. I find that with music that I love, it’s always an artist describing something I feel or that resonates with me so specifically that it helps me to heal and feel understood.
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
I always start by writing a stream of thought about what I’m feeling that day. It’s then a process of finding melodies and putting the lyrics together, similar to playing a game of crossword”.
I am going to wrap things up in a minute. Actually, for the final interview, I am returning to NOTION. A couple of years after highlighting the Welsh artist, they chatted about Small Talk. Teasing new music in the future – I can imagine a new single will arrive fairly soon -, it is another great insight into the world and talent of Hana Lili. She is someone I can see atop huge festival stages in years to come. This is a phenomenal artist that you really do need to get involved with:
“Raised in a small seaside town on Wales’ south west coast, enveloped by a wealth of culture and history, it was there that her passion for creating music began to brew. From partaking in local folk singing competitions, to now supporting the likes of Coldplay and Tom Grennan, Hana has managed to weave the thread of storytelling—learnt from competing in folk music contests—into her artistry today. Viewing writing songs as a format to understand her emotions, it’s no surprise that her songs read like pages torn from her diary, as she navigates growing up whilst reflecting on her childhood. Her introspective nature is paradigmatically exemplified in her single ‘Small Talk’, traversing vast emotional landscapes, hardships and realities—all to the rhythm of lo-fi elements laced with her teeming alt-pop vision. Dedicating the anthem to anxious over-thinkers, Hana expresses the emotions you are burdened with when you feel like you don’t fit in.
Expect to witness the young artists’ sugar-sweet vocals lilted with a poignant nostalgic sensibility, which calls to 90s indie and grunge. Tentative guitar strings are plucked, whilst sliding guitar riffs swoop in occasionally, all the to the backdrop of an infectious drum beat. It feels vibrant and dreamy, like a perfect shimmery bedroom pop tune that ushers a new side to her artistry, whilst continuing her quintessential devoir to be her most authentic self.
To celebrate her latest single, we catch up with Hana to talk about her Welsh heritage, stealing her parents’ CD’s and all things ‘Small Talk’.
You’ve mentioned that ‘Small Talk’ is about hiding behind meaningless conversations to avoid being vulnerable. How important is vulnerability in your songwriting, and how do you also balance that with your music’s self-assured sound?
Writing songs is a way for me to process my emotions. It’s like a diary entry of some sort about different moments and feelings I’m going through, it’s massively therapeutic. I always tend to just write about what I’m feeling and in a strange way it becomes a silver lining being able to turn feelings of frustration, sadness or anger into a song.
You just supported Coldplay and Tom Grennan – what did you learn? How was the experience, and have they, in any way, influenced your musical journey and aspirations?
Supporting Coldplay was awesome. I think it’s a real testament to their ethos as a band, that they have local acts support them on their world tour. Being on stage is definitely my happy place, it’s where I feel most comfortable. I had so much fun supporting Tom Grennan! Performing in front of a crowd is such a fantastic feeling. I learned so much watching their shows, the energy they bring and how they connect with a crowd on such big stages.
Your music has been described as an introspective variant of indie pop and folk pop. Can you share more about the themes and emotions that you explore in your music, especially in your latest EP, Existential?
My latest EP Existential explores the inside of my mind, it’s a very introspective EP. Reflecting back, I think I had a tendency to overthink a lot in this period of writing the last EP and the process of writing these songs paved way to explore that, and ask myself why that was.
As a first language Welsh speaker, you sing in both English and Welsh. How does your Welsh heritage and language influence your music, and do you have any plans to incorporate more Welsh elements into your future work?
Growing up in Wales, I began performing by competing in the Eisteddfod which is a Welsh traditional festival held here every year in Wales. That’s definitely the point whereby I fell in love with music. I’d love to release a translated Welsh version of one of my songs. I’ll definitely get my mum to help me with that (she always checks over my grammar).
What else can we expect from you in the near future? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or tours that your fans should be excited about?
I have more new music on the way! I’ve been in the studio over the past couple of months recording and finishing the new tracks which I’m excited to share. I’m also performing in London on the 15th of November at the Seabright Arms as part of Great Escape’s First Fifty launch.
You’ve received support from your local community, and your upbringing in Sully played a significant role in your musical journey. How has your small seaside town upbringing influenced your music and your connection with your audience?
Wales is such a special place to me. It’s a huge part of my heritage and the music community here really gave me the chance to develop and find myself as an artist. Performing live, writing songs and producing in my bedroom.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are looking to make their mark in the music industry, especially in terms of staying authentic to their own unique sound and style?
Write about something that resonates with you. Go to shows. Enjoy the process of developing yourself as an artist. Have confidence in yourself. Oh yeah and PRACTICE your instrument!! Hahaha”.
The wonderous Hana Lili has been in my sight for a while now. I am compelled to see what she comes up with this year. Her music is so distinct and memorable. After some big supports slots this and last year, there is this faith in her music and performance ability. An incredible live artist, check out her social media and go and see her play if she is near you in the future. Make sure that you go and check out the wonderful music of…
THE one and only Hana Lili.
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