Hannah Anders – Southern Free

By starrymag | April 26, 2023

By: Dianca Yssel

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) A little bit country, a little bit rock n’ roll

 

Q) Who are your music influences?

 

A) I grew up on the women of the 90’s in country music, Reba [McEntire], Faith [Hill], Shania [Twain], Trisha [Yearwood]… I feel so lucky to have had those influences and role models – incredible voices, incredible entertainers. As I grew up, I really began to fall in love with Southern and Classic Rock and began digging into Aerosmith, AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd…

I think you can hear all of that in my music now, and definitely in our live show.

 

Q) Congratulations on your newly released single “Southern Free.” The song is said to be about enjoying life rather than trying to impress other people. What inspired you to write a song about this theme?

 

A) I was living in LA at the time, just looking around at the complicated side of life there. Overall, I loved my time in LA, but I longed for simplicity. I longed for nature. I had no interest in being in the “scene” of it all. So, when I sat down to write “Southern Free” it really began as a contrast song about living in both places, and eventually became about embracing a mind set and way of looking at life no matter where you live.

 

Q) “Southern Free” focuses on your southern upbringing and your pride in standing out from the crowd. How has your upbringing played a part in the musician you are today?

 

A) I grew up on eighteen acres of land in the middle of the country in Georgia. We had horses and goats, so hard work and chores were a part of daily life. I feel the work ethic I bring into my business and musicianship in large part stems from my upbringing.

Some of my favorite memories are sitting around a bonfire with my family singing and making S’mores – the most beautiful moments were in the simple times, and I love to bring some of that imagery and feeling to my music.

 

Q) What kind of fan response have you been receiving to the song?

 

A) So far so good! I think if the song speaks to you it speaks to you…you get it.

 

Q) What is your creative process when making new music? Do you need lyrics before adding music?

 

A) It depends entirely on the song. Sometimes I have a melodic/lyrical ideal first, sometimes it’s the other way around.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Probably not for a while. Right now, we’re rolling out the songs single by single.

 

Q) You have performed at CMAFest, Summer Fest, and Country Thunder. Where are some of your favorite places to perform live?

 

A) I have been very fortunate to have some great performing experiences around the world. One of my favorite moments of 2022 was when we played the Grand Ole Opry in Glasgow, Scotland actually. Everyone in the crowd knew the songs, they were singing along, and telling me what they meant to them afterwards…it was incredible.

 

Q) You have been touring Europe since 2022. What are some of your favorite songs to perform live?

 

A) I’ve actually been touring in Europe and the UK since 2015, which is always an incredible experience. I have so many favorites… “Turn it up” is probably always in the top.

 

Q) You have won the Los Angeles Akademia Award for Best Country/Rock song with your anthem “Turn it Up.” The song was also nominated for Song of The Year by LOZ Radio and it held the number-one spot on Australia’s Power FM station. What would you attribute to the song’s success?

 

A) It’s an anthem. It beckons you to get out of your seat and yell and dance. It’s just “one of those songs.” You can’t sit still when it plays.

 

Q) You have written a song for the Dodge Ram Truck company’s “Nashville Giveaway” campaign. What does it mean to you to have your music featured in advertising or television?

 

A) That’s always an incredible honor when people see value in your songwriting ability and storytelling. That was a very cool moment.

 

Q) You have shared the stage with fellow artists like Locash, Billy Currington, and Keith Anderson.  Which other artists would you like to collaborate with?

 

A) It would be a dream to play with Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton.

 

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and the wonderful music that you make?

 

A) Thank you. Thank you for making my music a part of your life and your stories. It’s so meaningful and I’m forever grateful.