Where are you currently based?
Leeds, UK! Lots of love for my hometown.
You’re currently working towards the release of your much anticipated debut album RED, do you have an idea of the release date?
It will be early 2018, we are getting everything just right – I only have one debut album! So I’m going to make sure it’s really ready to go out, can’t wait to let everyone hear the (many) new songs! It will be an album full of emotion.
What has inspired the songs on the album and how do you usually go about writing songs and then bring them to life musically?
Mostly my own experiences, but things I have seen online or in movies have inspired my writing. There’s a song called ‘Is It Wrong?’ that was inspired by an episode of Black Mirror (A Netflix Original Series) which is essentially about stalking someone. With a concept as creepy as that, I have written dark guitar lines and there a ominous synth lines in there too. I usually write a rough melody on guitar first and then lyrics, and later in the production stage we will embellish the track with things like lead guitar lines (my guitarist Will Dewsbury has added some serious guitar parts on a few of the tracks) and synth, drums and more.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
My pal Jeremy Loops has an awesome new track out called ‘Waves’ so that’s in my playlist right now. Easy Life are a band that are going to do big things next year, great new song out called ‘Pockets’! And then people like John Mayer, Phil Collins, MNEK… a real mix of genres.
What influences your sound?
A lot of different music, Phil Collins in terms of drum patterns and sounds, electric guitar swells inspired by Coldplay, The 1975, Ellie Goulding and Missy Higgins vocally. But I make an effort to focus on making music I want to make, I don’t want to overthink it or feel pressure to make something super ‘fresh’ I just want to make really good music – music that makes people feel something.
How did you first start playing music?
My sister started playing guitar… I was jealous, the rest is history haha. Sibling rivalry! We are the best of friends but yeah, I wanted to be as cool as her with that acoustic I guess!!
Please tell us a little about how you have got to where you are now?
I started busking on the streets of my hometown and found that I couldn’t get many gigs – I couldn’t provide previous ticket sales/fanbase numbers etc. Discovering YouTube was a real game-changer for me and has made it possible for me to achieve numerous top ten international hits including two number one singles in Asia, whilst being an independent musician. It’s a crazy feeling every time I remember that.
You’ll be touring upon the release of your debut album RED, at this point do you know where about’s you will be touring?
I will be heading out in Spring/early Summer and I can’t wait. There’s nothing like playing the songs live, and meeting people afterwards. It makes it all real.
‘Nobody’ is the first single from RED, what is this song about?
It’s about a struggle to believe in yourself, which I fight with from time to time. It is about an internal battle – half of a person saying to the other half ‘You are a Nobody, but I am too’ and ‘I could be somebody, if you let me love you’ – in that moment I’m reminding myself that I could really achieve my goals if I stopped doubting myself.
How did your debut album come to be named RED?
The colour really sums up the emotions in the album; love, anger, jealousy… it’s a pretty intense album lyrically haha.
What equipment do you use?
My electric guitar is a Flaxwood Custom Rautia. The best electric guitar I’ve ever had.
Where will we be able to buy RED?
It’s available to pre-order now from my merch site http://hannahtrigwell.bigcartel.com Every order gets their name in the CD artwork credits and a limited edition guitar pick!
What do you have planned for 2018?
Releasing RED, and a couple of single releases, much more touring and festival performances this summer. Keeping my hair short is also part of the plan haha.
When are you playing next?
LONDON on Friday! I’m performing on December 15th (this week) at The Finborough Arms – it’s the last preview gig of the album, and my last gig of 2017, so it’s going to be a fun one!
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Favourite food is probably chocolate, or calamari. Hangout place would be Mrs Athas in Leeds, a great coffee shop. And home of course.
Website – http://www.hannahtrigwell.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/hannahtrigwellmusic/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/search?q=hannah%20trigwell&src=typd
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCecIwzVSKzV84VBHCwPAb6w
‘Nobody video – https://youtu.be/uazndGd1JPM
