A Quick Chat With Hannah Stow
Perth-based indie pop artist, Hannah Stow, has just unveiled her latest track, 'Sunflowers'. With a penchant for infusing her tracks with raw emotion and a distinctive Australian flair, 'Sunflowers' marks a pivotal addition to her blossoming discography, delving into that tender moment in a relationship just before the profound words, "I love you," are spoken. Drawing inspiration from her own experience, Stow's lyrics capture the vulnerability of feeling unknown yet cherished, beautifully encapsulated by a seamless blend of pulsing bass, gentle synth strokes, and a relaxed beat. The single and music video blooms with bursts of colourful energy, offering listeners an intimate and heartfelt journey through the complexities of love. We caught up with Hannah to find out more about her and the track.
Can you tell us what this track means to you and what you want people to take away from it?
My girlfriend said she loved me after 3 weeks of dating and I was trying to prove to her that what she felt was lust and not love. I said "you know nothing about me" and she said "I know your favourite colour is red, you didn't walk until you were two because everyone kept picking you up and I don't know if they're your favourite - but I know for sure you like Sunflowers" The moment she said that I knew it would make a catchy song. So 'Sunflowers' discusses the point in a relationship right after someone says "I love you" where you're feeling like they don't know you well enough to express those emotions. It unpacks the moment you're being proven wrong as they highlight facts about you you thought they never listened to.
Who are some of your influences and why?
This is going to sound really "left-field" as this particular artist is way outside of the genre of music I create, but I often feel super inspired by "Chillinit". I find his drive inspiring, his positive mentality and his social presence engaging. So I channel that "cease the day" mentality from him. Musically/lyrically I'm influenced a lot by what Sam Fender & Peach PRC do in terms of vulnerable lyrics and story-telling throughout their songs. A few other artists that have influenced my style would be; Allday, Camp Cope, Sly withers, Mallrat and Rosie Darling.
What's the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?
The process varies from song to song. A lot of my songs will start as a poor four chord progression and a mumble in my bedroom. I'll write lyrics to that and then take it to a producer and build the beat around a skeleton of a guitar instrumental. Other songs will stem from me simply humming a melody, liking it, recording it on my voice app on my phone and then building around that. Previously I have written poetry in my notes and when having writer's block will flick through my notes to use a line from a poem I have written over the years.
What do you think makes a great song?
I'm cut throat about this and I know a lot of music industry professionals may disagree as often I know people are writing to "Make things catchy" instead of writing from the heart and having the "catchiness" come naturally. First and foremost, hard hitting lyrics are what I feel makes a great song. Lyrics that actually mean something and aren't superficial or generic. A warm instrumental that resolves and a unique voice, would be my main three choices.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
I'd love to collaborate with Allday - I've had a few people tell me they're waiting for this day as well - that'd be dope. I'd also really like to make a track with Hayden James similar to his banger "numb" or a full band song with sly withers.
When not working on music, what other creative outlet/s do you have?
Outside of music I work as a FIFO Emergency Services Nurse. In my spare time I train in Muay Thai at Champions Gym - where I have had a few fights. Other that that, I'm a simple girl - I like walking my dog, surfing and seeing my friends & family.
Who are some local bands we should check out?
Perth has so many underrated artists, Faith Brown - an up and coming pop artist. Her new song "Big ups" slaps. Darcie Haven is also wildly underrated, I saw her open for Alex Lahey and she was incredible. Another band I'm loving at the moment is Shangrila - I'm calling it, they're the next big Perth band.
Winter or summer and why?
If I could have both I'd want winter clothing but summer weather. Realistically though, it'd have to be summer.
What else do you have planned for 2023?
Firstly, finish off my first headline AUS tour at the end of September and then after Sunflowers release on the 15th it's back to the studio for me. I have a huge drop box of unfinished songs or songs that I've been over analysing for months. I plan on dedicating the rest of the year to writing good music so we can go into 2024 ready to blow the roof off.
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