"Fantastic song, really well written, and beautiful vocals. Why isn't this talent on every radio station yet!"
Claire Whiting - Triple J Unearthed
Hannah uses melodic and meaningful phrases that come together in perfect harmony - a gift to the audience that resounds in the soul of music lovers.
Review: Live Performance - Hannah Acfield
Live Performance - Hannah Acfield
Last night, for the first time in over 10 years, I was lucky enough to witness Hannah Acfield on stage. Many years ago, I saw her on stage at a school dance singing a cover of Volcano Girls by Veruca Salt.
Since those days, Hannah has gone on to become a great piece of Australian talent. She is a singer/songwriter and has spent a lot of time perfecting her craft.
Sweeping onto stage shortly after 11 pm at The Empress Hotel in Fitzroy, she proceeded to show what a talented woman she is. Even after being sick all week, she took it in her stride and made references to her ability to mimic Jimmy Barnes at the current time.
Her set list had songs from both her EP's. From the title track of her debut release My Tomorrow to the her closing encore cover of Jolene by Ray LaMontagne, Hannah had the audience's undivided attention. Glancing around the venue, people were stopping conversations to listen to Hannah singing.
Hannah interspersed some idle talking during each song. With jokes about her bass guitarist being single to her mother being a good dancer, despite the fact that she couldn't be there on the night.
Hannah Acfield is a beautiful singer/songwriter and a brilliant performer. The night was highly anticipated and well worth the wait of 10 plus years to see her performing again.
So then, what's the band name and what you 'do' in the band?
Hannah Acfield - singer/songwriter. Sometimes I play with a four piece band but generally I play around solo. Sing, play mean acoustic guitar and write music.
Bearing the terrible clichéd nature of this question, what do you reckon people will say you sound like?
The Waifs / Eva Cassidy / Missy Higgins
What do you love about making music?
Making music is terribly therapeutic for me but I also love being able to connect with people. It's fun performing, being able to connect with and have a bit of a laugh with the audience. I feel good when I play music.
What do you hate about the music industry?
Well despite the musician being the most important element of the industry, they still manage to be the bottom of the food chain. Musicians keep the whole industry alive but generally still struggle financially. That's why it's extremely important to support independent music.
If you could travel back in time and show one of your musical heroes your stuff, who would it be and why?
My grandfather was a professional bass player in the Adelaide Channel 9 live band. He passed away before I really started writing and performing my own music. It would be great to be able to talk and play music with him. He also played with Cat Stevens, Frank Sinatra & Kamal - I'd love to hear some of the stories!
If you could assassinate one person or band from popular music, who would it and why?
Jeez….probably Keisha. Why would you put a $ sign in your name?? She could also do with some singing lessons….
What can a punter expect from your live show?
A down to earth performance of my acoustic folk/pop songs.
What you got to sell CD-wise?
"Where You Once Lay" is my latest EP released late last year. I also have my first EP "My Tomorrow"
When's the gig and with who?
The Melting Pot - Songwriter's in the round. I LOVE the format of the night - 3 songwriters sit in the middle of the room and take a turn playing one of their songs. It's really fun!
My brother Dan Acfield (Brisbane) is also performing on the night. We grew up singing together and I love performing with him. I know all his dark secrets!
Anything else to add?
Thank you
In light of their joint EP launch, Melbourne’s HANNAH ACFIELD and Sydney’s ROSE WINTERGREEN talk to HANNAH DAYMAN about inspiration, writing and friendship.
HANNAH DAYMAN: Hannah, for someone who hasn’t heard your music before, how would you describe your sound? HANNAH ACFIELD: It’s a blend of folk pop with a slight country influence, a cross between The Waifs and Missy Higgins. My aim for this record was to keep the instrumentation as earthy and basic as possible, allowing focus on the vocals.
HD: What initially inspired you to start writing your own songs? HA: I come from a musical family, both my parents used to write their own songs and I guess they inspired me. It was also a good way to work through my emotions, writing a song seemed much easier than talking about it.
HD: As quite a prolific songwriter, what do you find is the biggest obstacle to writing? HA: I guess my biggest obstacle with my songwriting is overcoming my inner critic when it kicks into overtime.
HD: Rose, who or what do you draw inspiration from when writing music?
ROSE WINTERGREEN: My songs are about trying to understand what’s happening around me, so my inspiration comes from watching what people do, taking notes (literally), thinking about why they behave the way they do, and putting it together with music.
HD: What was it like working with Brisbane legend Magoo as producer on your debut EP? RW: Magoo was great to work with. Recording with him at Applewood was like going on retreat from the rest of my life at that time. We built the songs in layers, with session musicians coming in separately to lay down their parts. Hearing it all come together was very exciting.
HD: This joint CD launch with Hannah should be quite the meeting of minds (and talent). What do you like most about this co-operative mode of playing? RW: Hannah is a really incredible singer-songwriter. Working together we’ve inspired each other and been a real source of mutual support. It’s a lot more fun than trying to go it alone.
HD: What sorts of emotions are you both hoping to inspire in listeners with your music? HA: Belonging and aspiration. RW: Hope and a sense of coming home.
HAVING BEEN raised in Rockhampton by a family with a deep musical background, local acoustic singer songwriter Hannah Acfield has decided the time has come for her to seek her own fortunes in the bright lights of Melbourne. Although I was always surrounded by music, it wasn’t until I was about 16 or 17 that I really started playing, Acfield begins. I started as a bass player and eventually progressed to guitar. I’m a Queensland girl, originally from Rockhampton, so it will be good for me so experience some new things. Melbourne has more venues, more people, more musicians and more opportunities. There is more of a live music culture in Melbourne so it feels like the right time to make the move.
The young musician, whose EP entitled My Tomorrow is soon to be released, said the recording of the album was very rewarding but not without the usual setbacks. "We had a few hiccups with one song in particular and at the time it seemed like a nightmare but I guess the extra work we put into it paid off. I was finally able to see how bands could spend months in the studio making an album. Making this EP was extremely important for me.” At gigs, people were always asking if I had released a CD, so it was well overdue. I’ve spent the last year working and saving for the EP but before then I was studying. I didn’t have the means previously to record as I was a full time music student. But now I am very happy with the results it feels good that it’s finally finished. Hannah Acfield and the band play the My Tomorrow CD launch at The Globe on Thursday Feb 28. To listen to the new tracks from the EP, visit myspace.com/hannahacfield1.
Hannah Acfield has released her EP.
How do you feel about this statement, and how difficult a journey was it to see through? It feels wonderful, I’m so glad it’s finally finished. The journey was spanned out over a period of a year. The EP was self-funded the most difficult part of the process was trying to juggle a full time job whilst recording. It took a lot of hard work and persistence to make it all come together. The ball started rolling fairly quickly once we hit the studio.I was lucky enough to work with producer Brendan Anthony and some very talented musicians (mostly boys who love fart jokes), which was a great but smelly experience.
Your brother (Dan Acfield) is supporting you at your launch show at The Globe, has it been difficult having a brother who is also a musician, or do you find it actually quite a help? It hasn’t been too difficult; we’ve got a healthy competitive relationship. I think we drive each other to achieve and work harder. Our songwriting styles are different so our music varies. Dan is able to give me constructive feedback on my music and vice versa, even though I might feel challenged by his advice, I usually come around. Just because he can fit a whole orange in his mouth (with the skin) and I can’t, doesn’t mean I don’t think he’s a talented musician! Our musical relationship is a blessing rather than a burden. At least that’s my perspective.
Is there anything special planned for the Launch Party? Well apart from the good music and great company, my parents and brothers are getting up to sing a song with me. We will not be wearing matching outfits (note to self ), any colored corduroy or flares. I’m looking forward to it should be fun.
What does 2008 now hold for Hannah Acfield? Touring? Supporting? Or getting straight back to work? Hopefully 2008 holds all of the above! I’m heading off to Melbourne in March to immerse myself in the music scene down there. After spending the last six years in Brisbane I’ve got itchy feet. It feels like the right time to make the move. My band in Brisbane is slowly dispersing to various world destinations so it’s time to move on. Once I get to Melbourne the plan is to attend as many local gigs as possible, network, meet people and get familiar with the music culture in Melbourne. Ideally I’ll get a band together and start gigging. A tour is highly probable; it’s just a matter of having the funds and resources.