Behind The Lens: Becca Hannah

Written By: Big C

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What can fans expect from you this year? Any new music, projects, or milestones you're aiming for?

I am releasing my debut LP, Tonight In My Dreams, on January 23rd! This project consists of songs I wrote over the past five years, and they touch on allllll the feels. These feelings tell a story of lust, love, anxiety, heartache, grief, and trust. I’m planning an album release show with my full band in March, which will be in the Los Angeles area. I’m also planning a small tour this summer :) 

You’re creating a song in a brand-new genre—what’s the name of it, and how would you describe the sound?

I’d call my genre a crossover of soul, jazz, and R&B. I’ve always been heavily inspired by the blues. 

I have no idea where my music would be without Billie Holiday, Etta James, Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Carole King, Corinne Bailey Rae, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill. I feel so blessed to have grown up listening to their iconic work; whether it be their storytelling, emotive vocals, or soulful chord progressions, they have shaped me into the artist I am today, and will continue to inspire the artist I am evolving into. 

I’d describe my sound as warm, buttery, uplifting, yet deep and reflective. My music evokes a nostalgic, bittersweet energy — which is my favorite kind of feeling: one that stops you in your tracks and makes you reflect on what the world has etched into your soul. 

Which of your songs best amplifies the feelings of love, freedom, or pure joy?

Thick & Thin, the third single I released from Tonight In My Dreams, is one of the most joyful tracks I’ve ever written or recorded. It celebrates the beautiful complexities of love, and the inexplicable feeling of another person’s soul warming yours. The pure joy and child-like energy that this person gives you is multi-dimensional and sacred. It illustrates the willingness to work through inevitable challenges because this love is worth it, and the obstacles in love unleash a deeper level of vulnerability, bringing two people closer together than ever before. Sonically, it’s quite upbeat and fun to dance to. Singing it feels like a celebration. 

Which song in your catalog best expresses heartbreak, sorrow, or a time of loss?

I’d say a really old song of mine called hazy” best expresses heartbreak. It was inspired by someone whose romantic timeline never lined up with mine. I didn't realize I had feelings for him until it was too late. I also realized this dilemma highlighted my pattern of pursuing unavailable men for years. But I had to work through that pattern in order to eventually find someone beyond wonderful, available, and who does meet my needs, which I am eternally grateful for <3 

If a new biopic dropped today, whose life story in music would you want to see and why?Janis Joplin. I absolutely adore her, and every element of her artistry. She broke barriers in a time when women were put into such a box, in and outside of the music industry. She honored various female blues singers of the 30s-50s through her unique revival of their songs, and she ensured their legacy would live on, which I deeply respect. The way she leaned into her rasp, bluesy twang, and heart-wrenching storytelling has always amazed me. Listening and singing along to her music brings me immense empowerment, and has helped me through some pretty terrible moments. 

Janis was unapologetic in her authenticity, and never allowed anyone to tell her what to do. Yet, she showed everyone around her respect - she was raised with southern charm but left behind all that was "traditional" or conventional. Janis lived her truth at the cost of great pain, and I really feel for her. She had so much to express, and so much love to give. She was such a beautiful genius, along with all the other members of the 27 club. I read her biography a few years ago, and watching her story on screen would be epic. 

What’s a book, podcast, TV show, or movie you’d recommend right now and what drew you to it?

I recently read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, which is a philosophical sci-fi novel about a library that has an infinite number of books, each telling a story of an alternative universe, revealing a life the protagonist might have lived had she made a different choice. When she reads each book, she enters that alternate universe of her other life. It’s super existential and deep. It illuminates the reality that no matter how many choices you make in life, there is no singular “right” one, which is actually pretty liberating. 

What’s been the hardest life lesson you’ve had to learn and how did it shape your growth?You can’t change people’s minds, you have to take responsibility for your choices, and you can’t defy the laws of nature. These truths seem so simple, but my anxiety stems from forgetting or disregarding them. Reminding myself of these truths keeps me moving forward, and unleashes me from obsessive ruminations about the past, future, or about other people’s perspectives. I’ve wasted so much energy beating myself up, and I intend to use more of that energy to create what it is I want in this life. This awareness centers and empowers me, helping me focus on what I need in the present moment. 

Which family member gives you the most inspiration and what about them fuels your passion?

My mom is my biggest creative inspiration. She is an artist herself, and a retired art therapist. She’s always shown me the infinite ways in which life and art imitate each other. She’s guided me to work through stagnant or sticky energy through creating and expressing with unconditional acceptance rather than judgement. She reminds me of the ebb and flow of the creative process, which is crucial. She is my biggest supporter. I am so lucky to have her. 

Where do you go, physically or mentally, when it’s time to create?

Anytime I’m surrounded by nature, or witness or experience something emotionally captivating, I feel inspired. If I don’t have my journal on me, I'll quickly record a voice memo of a melody idea, or jot down a lyric idea in my notes app. Sometimes, when I don’t feel inspired, free-writing in my journal sparks some ideas. Every process is different, and I challenge myself to lean into whatever comes up in the moment without judgement. 

What’s a call to action for fans and where can fans connect with you to follow the journey?

You can find me on all streaming platforms at Becca Hannah :) 

My instagram is beccahannah

My website is beccahannahmusic.com