By: Staff
With bold and punchy lyrics, Hannah Koivu cracks open an emotional response in listeners with the release of, “Glad You Weren’t My Boyfriend”. If pain were a language, this artist is fluent and passionate in it. Vocally, it's an absolute standout performance that goes from expressions and declarations like "You were only thinking about you," conveying a tone of disappointment and scolding. The sudden change in the middle of the song won us over completely. Jumping into a tongue-lashing that slaps your emotions, Hannah made us realize this object of affection learned all about "eff-ing around and find out!" Hannah Koivu shows the ability to conquer everything from Broadway to rapping, which blew us away. We can’t wait to hear more.
We had a chance to catch up with Hannah Koivu and we wanted to let you hear a little bit about them and their career.
What first sparked your passion for creating music?
I have always been a creative person and I remember sitting in the car as a kid and going through all the possible careers I could think of. As a kid everyone tells you to do what you love the most, and I decided music was what I loved the most. I realized I could start writing my own songs and use them to help other people. The more I wrote songs from my personal experiences the more it connected with other people. It’s a win-win. It’s that moment you have making friends when they say “you too?” and you bond over shared experiences. Music helps people feel less alone, and even when I write about a specific situation, there’s someone else out there who has gone through the same thing.
Can you walk me through your songwriting process for this latest project? Where did the inspiration come from?
I wrote “Glad You Weren’t My Boyfriend” after I lost a friendship with someone I had feelings for. This was definitely a song that helped me get out some anger in a healthy way. I honestly can’t even remember the day I wrote it or what was going through my head, but it was one of those songs that’s written in an hour or two. I wrote it on my guitar in my bedroom and I made a voice note. I really loved singing it and listening to the song helped me keep a positive attitude. I’m trying to believe that only the things meant for me will find me, and if someone doesn’t treat me well, that’s not a reflection of my worth but simply their lack of necessity to be in my life. This song carries the mindset I knew I needed to have about the situation even though I was really sad about it for awhile.
What was the most challenging part of bringing this project to life, from the initial idea to the final recording?
Believing in the song and myself. After my first single came out in March, I knew I wanted to put out another upbeat and confident song. This was my first pick. I started the project in Denver, and then moved to Nashville for summer. The first producer I worked with in Nashville didn’t seem to get the vision for the song, and the “final” product was disheartening for me. However, I knew what the song could be and what direction I wanted to go. I decided to work with another guy and we started again from scratch. I am super happy with how it sounds now, and I am glad I took a risk on myself!
Is any part of your music's message or purpose overlooked, and if so, what is that element, and why is it so important to you?
The message I want people to know from me and my music is this…you can do it. You can do it. Life is hard, and crazy things are going to happen. You may not always wake up with a smile on your face, but you can do it. If I can do it, so can you. Mindset is everything. Not every song I put out is going to be upbeat and confident though, because that’s not real either. My music is vulnerable and honest, just like me.
What has been the most motivating force in creating your music?
My younger self. When I think about myself as a kid, I know whose dreams I am fighting for. I want to be the person she needed and never had.
If there was one thing you could change about the music industry you could change, what would it be?
There’s too much I could say on this topic, so I will just say one thing… More female producers!!!!
Where do you see your sound and artistry heading in the future? Are there any exciting new directions you're exploring?
I have plans to release more music as the year continues! I am excited to put out some of my sadder songs. I love slow songs that you can cry to. You can definitely expect to hear more of those soon.
Do you play any instruments?
Piano, guitar, ukulele, and violin.
What is your favorite quote?
“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” Audrey Hepburn
How do you feel about social media?
I hate it but I’m trying to have a better mindset about it. I know how great it is now for independent artists to be able to take charge of their career.
If you could go on any talk show, which would it be? And based on present life, what would be the topic of discussion?
The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon because it would be a fun time, or The Drew Barrymore Show, because she is an empath like me and I think we would have a really meaningful conversation.
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