[slideshow]
what is your name?
Hana-li
how would you describe what you do?
I’m a pop/rock singer/songwriter. I tend to write positive and uplifting songs but from a dark place as I feel that’s very easy to relate to and is my own personal brand of inspiration.
what are you currently working on?
I released my debut EP entitled “From the Dark” last August and recently released a single and companion music video for a cover of Muse’s “Undisclosed Desires”. You can watch it here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqBQhImnZoo. The EP and single are both available on iTunes under Hana-li.
what has had the greatest influence on your work?
I think traveling and seeing the things people are coping with all over the world on a universal level has really opened my eyes in a way that no schooling ever could. I’ve seen people live in the most horrifying conditions both mentally and physically and that’s what fuels me to write and communicate to people. I want to let people know what’s out there but also that we can always rise above the challenges of this strange and beautiful world.
what is the greatest misconception about you or your work?
I think people really get who and what I am and do when they see or hear it firsthand. It’s always about the communication and connection with my audience whether they’re there at a live show or it’s through a recording. I think that always comes through.
what do you see as the main strengths and weaknesses of the medium you work in?
The strengths are that we can now capture so much emotion and create so many sounds to really convey the full concept of a song. I think the greatest weakness is that you can make anyone sound good and therefore a lot of real talent and dedication goes unheard. That’s why I don’t use any Auto Tune or Melodyne on my stuff. If you’re going to be a singer, you should be able to sing!
how has technology impacted upon the work you do?
Microphones are so evolved now that they can capture everything an artist does and finding the right microphone for your particular voice is key! Also, there is a great new product called CLASP that allows you to record on reel to reel tape but edit in Pro Tools. This is revolutionary in that now you can have the warm sound of tape with the ease of Pro Tools. No more splicing! My EP was all recorded to tape this way and you can really hear and feel the difference.
what’s the greatest piece of advice you would like to pass on?
When performing, it’s not about you, it’s about your audience. It’s all for them. Take the time to get yourself comfortable in the room, theater, arena or whatever the venue may be and then forget about yourself and deliver your soul to them. That’s why they come.
where can we find you online?
www.facebook.com/HanaliMusic
www.Hana-li.com
www.YouTube.com/HanaliMusic
www.twitter.com/HanaliMusic
what are you reading at the moment?
I’m actually between books right now. Any suggestions?
what are you listening to at the moment?
I’ve been really into Imogen Heap and “Ramalama Bang Bang” by Roisin Murphy lately. Also, Justin Nozuka has an incredible voice and he rocks live too! Right now however my husband has “The Seed 2.0” on by The Roots. Great jam!
anything else we should know?
I love New Hampshire more than any other place on the planet and I have 5 dogs!