A Q&A with Hana Lili
Cardigans-influenced indie pop…
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.
What bands/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
Finding all of my parents’ old CDs in 2020 was definitely the biggest influence for the music I make now. Bands such as No Doubt, The Cardigans, The Pixies, and Nirvana.
What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
All over the world! Playing live is one of my favourite things ever.
If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
‘Small Talk’. It’s a tune for chronic overthinkers and people-pleasers everywhere.
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
To always remain authentic.
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
I always want to check if everyone enjoyed the show!
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