Philippa Hanna is one of the most exciting country music artists in and around the UK scene at the moment. Her latest single ‘Getting On With Life’ is quickly building up a head of steam and it recently received its first national radio play via Bob Harris’ Country station.
Hanna’s new album ‘Come Back Fighting‘ which dropped last November is also gaining mass critical and fan acclaim and this April the rising star will tour the LP throughout the UK. Tickets for these shows are on sale now!
Here we speak exclusively to Philippa Hanna to discuss her latest album, upcoming tour, UK country music scene and much more;
The past twelve months have been very successful for you, what are your highlights?
Thank you! We had some incredible moments on the Collabro tour at the end of 2017. Made so many new friends opening for them and LOVED playing the new songs to a sold out Palladium. Nothing quite like a full theatre! Also having the incredible Bob Harris play out ‘Getting On With Life’ was a dream come true. I’m a big fan of his show.
How do you feel about your album ‘Come Back Fighting’s success?
I’m so grateful! These songs are by far my most personal and it felt like a big risk being so open. Thankfully people have received it with so much warmth. It’s been like getting to know friends better.
You will be taking the LP on the road this April, how excited are you about that?
Excited and a little nervous. Headlining these venues is an awesome opportunity. So looking forward to seeing the people who went out and bought the record in person!
Can you tell us what fans can expect from your live shows?
As always I’ll be playing for my life and storytelling as best I can. I love to share what’s behind the song. Also I love to have people sing along with me so I hope they come ready to let loose! I’ll have my favourite musician friends playing with me too and can’t wait to share their talent with new people.
What do you love and hate most about touring?
Love playing. HATE not being able to find healthy food at crazy hours of the night! Always happy to see a Subway sign though… Not sponsored! Lol.
You have been accepted into the UK country music scene with open arms, how do you feel the US and UK scenes differ?
We’re connected across the big ocean! That’s one of the things I love about it. But I guess Country is more mainstream in the States. We’re more underground here. But the UK country scene is so exciting at the moment. There are lifelong country lovers and a whole wave of newcomers falling in love with genre. I guess for us in the UK, we’re finding our own voice and sound, grazing other genres too from folk to soul. Every UK country fan SHOULD do their pilgrimage to Nashville though. It’s a must ?
Are there any Brit country acts you’d like to work with?
I wrote with Lucie Silvas on a previous album and she’s a sublime artist. Would love to go out on the road with her at some point. She’s in Nashville mostly though. My pals Wildwood Kin are incredible, though they are a little more towards Indie. UK country fans would totally love their sound though.
Do you feel a different energy when performing in front of UK country fans compared to American fans?
I haven’t toured extensively in the US yet so it’s hard to compare. But I guess UK country fans are crazy appreciative because its not as easy to come by here!
Apart from the tour what else do you have planned for 2018?
I’m releasing a book at the end of the year, sort of a daily inspiration read. Life can be really challenging, dealing with setbacks and failures etc so I wanted to share something uplifting with the people in my life. I’m also sharing DAILY content on YouTube this year with the same theme. The series is called Inspiration 365. Really hoping it helps people!
Make sure you follow Philippa Hanna on Twitter @Philippahanna to keep up to date with all her latest music, tour, book, and YouTube news!
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