The sensational Welsh talent Hannah Grace continues to tease her forthcoming Devoted EP with “Focus on the Good” – the latest single from the tastemaker- approved vocalist. Sunny, uplifting and brimming with characteristically sublime vocals, “Focus on the Good” is a ray of light encouraging listeners to remain optimistic during hard times across laid-back, breezy production, blending soft drums with lush string arrangements – taking shape as another stellar slice of Hannah Grace’s exquisite
style. Hannah Grace made the following statement about “Focus on the Good”: “‘Focus on the Good’ is about making a conscious decision to focus on the positives around us, even when life seems hopeless. We are often overrun with reasons to be disappointed or disheartened and the news can be a relentless feed of harsh realities. I wrote this song about choosing to believe that overall, people are
inherently good – and goodness can break through now and again if we let it.” “Focus on the Good” is the third serving of Hannah Grace’s Devoted EP, due out this summer via buzzy indie label Frictionless Music as the official follow-up to Grace’s critically acclaimed debut album Remedy. “Focus on the Good” comes after February’s “At 28”, which received tastemaker support from Noctis Magazine;
meanwhile January’s “Silver Lining” earnt four spots across Spotify’s New Music Friday global lists and the platform’s stylish New Pop UK collection, as well as additional support from MTV UK and BBC Radio Wales.
With over 50M streams to her name, Hannah Grace writes songs to escape into, with a unique blending of soul, jazz, folk and pop sounds. Famously infiltrating mainstream consciousness with her power ballad cover of Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You”, the track was used for multiple global ad campaigns, including Lloyds Bank in the UK and most notably Lancôme (starring Julia Roberts). Grace has proven equally popular on the live circuit since being in the industry, counting the likes of Hozier, Seal, Jess Glynn, Train and Gabrielle Aplin as some of the talent she’s opened for over the years – as well as an unforgettable set before the legendary Barbra Streisand in London’s Hyde Park. Earning a wealth of tastemaker support for her work from the likes of Notion, Wonderland, Rollacoaster, Clash, Paste and Atwood, Hannah Grace has also been championed by the one and only Lady Gaga for her soothing, evocative creations. With activities firming up on the live scene via two upcoming headline shows in London and Cardiff, “Focus on the Good” once again proves the capabilities of this insightful and wildly talented musician – stay tuned for the full Devoted EP still to come.
Hi Hannah welcome to OLC! So how did your musical journey begin and who was your biggest inspiration?
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. I grew up surrounded by music – my parents always had music playing in the house and they introduced me to some of my earliest inspirations like Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchel, Carole King & Aretha Franklin. My Dad taught me to play piano when I was about 12 and that’s when I started writing my own songs. I chose music at every opportunity and I feel very lucky to still call it my job.
You’re a really gifted songwriter, where do you derive most of your stories from? Do you prefer to take them from your own experiences?
I write about my own life and the world around me. I find it a very therapeutic to write songs, I always try to find a thread of optimism in lyrics even if I’m writing about a difficult experience. I also absolutely love to co-write with other songwriters and this usually starts with in depth conversations of what we’ve been going through and we work to combine our experiences to find a concept or idea that resonates – I love collaborating it’s one of my favourite parts of what I do.
You have a new single called ‘Focus On The Good’, what inspired you to write this song?
This song is about making the conscious choice to be optimistic. This is something that I often find quite hard to do because I’m a worrier and often find myself leaning into having a negative or anxious outlook on life. This song is about making the choice to focus on the positives, the good, the brighter side. I wrote it at a time when I was finding it hard to find reasons to continue to do music, because being an independent artist can be so hard but then I wrote a bunch of new songs (including this one) and it became an EP!
Can we expect to see a music video for the single and is there anything you can tell us about it?
I’m not filming a classic music video – but my London show last month was filmed and I can’t wait to share live content from the show! It was such a wonderful night. Playing live is one of my favourite things it was so amazing to capture the night on camera.
The song is taken from your upcoming EP called ‘Devoted’, what can your fans expect from this new EP?
This EP is a collection of happy/sad uplifting songs that talk about growing up as an adult, facing self doubt head on and committing to doing what you love anyway. I am so proud of these songs and everything that’s gone into making this EP what it is. I can’t wait for people to hear it in full!
Will you be doing any live shows to promote your new music and if so where can people catch you?
I am doing an EP launch in Cardiff in July at Acapela Studio – one of my favourite venues of all time. I can’t wait! I am also going on a UK headline tour this November in Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol & London. I can’t wait to play the EP live it’s going to be magical.
Where’s been your most memorable place to perform and what do you love about it?
My most memorable performance is probably opening for Barbara Streisand in Hyde Park. It was a beautiful summers day and I felt so lucky to get to perform. I stayed for Barbaras set too (obviously) and it was incredible – she’s such an inspiration.
What’s next on your agenda for 2023?
I’m so excited to share this EP with the world and take it on tour in the Autumn! Other than that, I’m always writing more music and I’m currently working towards my second album. I can’t wait to see it all come together!
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
