Liv Hanna
Interview on September 10, 2022
By Dan Locke
Through her music Hanna showcases her expansive vocal range, and uniquely talented songwriting prowess. The 19-year-old singer/songwriter from NYC carries a tool kit laden with beautiful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, seamlessly blended with Pop, Soul, and Hip Hop sensibilities. Studying piano since the age of 8, Liv performed in several choirs, including the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York. In 2020, with the onset of the Covid- 19 pandemic and sequestered at home during her senior year of high school, Liv found herself isolated from her classmates. Hanna states, “In some ways the pandemic offered me the time to reflect and dive deeper into myself and discover what I ultimately wanted to say as a songwriter. Now attending the University of Miami, Frost School of Music, Hanna continues on her musical journey entertaining new and eager listeners!
Describe your music in one sentence!
My music is born out of my personal experiences cast in different sonic settings.
Was music a big part of your upbringing?
Yes, I was always surrounded by music growing up and music has greatly influenced who I am as a person.
What made you start playing the piano at the age of 8?
Being surrounded by music from a young age encouraged me to take up piano and voice. I have always wanted to express myself creatively.
How and when did you start to write music? What is the process of writing your music?
I started writing at the age of 11. It depends on the song. Usually, I write lyrics and melody simultaneously, and then I write the music to go along with those initial ideas.
What was your first ever performance like?
The first performance I remember well was at Berklee College of Music when I performed my single “Aftermath.” I was a finalist in a songwriting competition, and I had the opportunity to perform one of my original songs. It felt very natural to perform in front of an audience.
What do you think makes a good songwriter?
A good songwriter can tell a story. A great songwriter makes you think. Combining those elements into something that resonates is what’s important to me.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you ever record it?
My first original song was “Aftermath.” I recorded and released “Aftermath” along with a music video which reflected my life at that time.
Do you belong to any songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP ?
Yes, my affiliation as a songwriter and music publisher is via ASCAP.
How did Guy Eckstine discover you? How did the two of you connect?
I was looking for creative development and artist management, and Guy Eckstine was recommended to my father by the great drummer, Carmen Intorre. My parents and I met with Guy and together we came up with a plan to guide my career.
Two years ago, you released a song called “Grown” – How much “growing” have you done in the past two years?
I don’t even recognize myself from 2 years ago. I am a totally different person than who I was last year.
How much fun was it doing the video for “Drowning in Bacardi“?
Shooting “Drowning in Bacardi” was so fun! We shot in the lower east side of Manhattan, and I got to work with one of my best friends, Marley Kronenberg. She’s an amazing actress!
Had anyone at Bacardi (the brand) actually seen it?
I’m unsure, but assuming probably not yet.
Tell me about your new song “Boy”?
My new single “Boy” is a pop single reflecting on a past relationship and confirming that one is always better off on their own than mired in a bad relationship.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what does that song mean to you?
⁃
A song that has been on my mind is Empire State of Mind by Alicia Keys and JAY-Z. This song reminds me of home, and I listen to it every time I am flying into New York!
