About Hannah Anders
Why country music ?
~ I love all of the influences in country music. I love that you can incorporate inspiration from classic rock, southern rock, bluegrass, pop, etc. It’s such an open and creative genre and I think that really speaks to the side of me that loves to evolve.
I also love the story telling element of Country. I think that’s really unique to the country world and inspires songwriting on a deeper level.
If everything would be possible (waking the dead included), which two people should sing the ultimate country duet?
~ Wow, the possibilities are so endless! Let’s go with…
Chris Stapleton and Demi Lovato
Two major powerhouses and so different. I would love to see that go down.
You are not afraid to share your thoughts about political and social questions on social media. What does concern you the most at this moment and do you think artists should speak their mind out more often even if it can harm their career?
~ I definitely don’t understand why anyone is discouraged from sharing their opinion on topics that are important to them. We’re happy when an artist gets behind a charitable cause or speaks out against drinking and driving. But for some reason we don’t allow each other the space to differ politically and have open, respectful conversation, and I think that’s really sad. I think the world has so many bigger problems then the petty things we bicker about on Facebook, and if I have a strong enough opinion about what those are I will definitely share it. My biggest one now is conservation of our resources and being a little kinder to our planet. I think we’re consuming far more then we’re giving back and if we don’t get a handle on that it’s going to reach the point of no return. If it hasn’t already.
What is the one thing that readers/fans would be surprised to know about you?
~ I’m kind of a home body. I love to perform and travel and meet different people who come to our shows. But at the end of the day when it’s all over and done, I want to be home by the fireplace with a glass of wine and my family.
You studied at the innovative Belmont University. What are the 3 most important things you picked up at Belmont?
~ Belmont gave me an incredible education that I will always be grateful for. It’s hard to dilute it down to 3 bullet points. They do a great job of exposing you to as many elements of the real world industry as they can while keeping you in a safe and supported environment. I have nothing but great memories of my time there.
What is the question interviewers never seem to ask you and…you wish they would?
~ This is a tough one for me. I don’t ever go into an interview with any expectations other then to be myself and not say something stupid! Lol (which I have done on accident!)
How do you like to spend your day when you are not allowed to spend it on music.
~ I’m very active and I love to be outdoors. A beautiful hike, a great meal, movie night at home. It’s important for me to stop and exhale when I’m not working.
Johnny or June ?
~ Love them both. Both were amazing songwriters, both completely and authentically themselves, and a beautiful love story to boot.
Are you still nervous before going on stage and if so, do you use any “rituals” to calm you nerves.
~ I don’t really get nervous any more. By the time it’s show time I’m rehearsed and prepared, so any feelings are just excitement based. I do love a good glass of whiskey before a show, each and every time.
What was the most memorable day in your musical career and tell us why.
~ I’m fortunate to tell you that there are many. They hold special places in my heart for different reasons. If I had to pick one to share now…there was a show that I performed in London with my lead guitar player, it was just the two of us, not the typical full band show we give. And we walked into this two story theatre, FILLED with people and I thought, “ wow I hope we can do this justice as an acoustic act tonight” And that show ended with a two story standing ovation, with the crowd singing our lyrics back to us, and I’ll never forget it. I just stood there with my hands over my heart looking around the room thinking, “this is what it’s about”
