Dine Alone Records – poetry in an empty coke can

[CCP Interview]: Hannah Georgas on the Inspiration for her New Record, Being Featured on HBO’s GIRLS, and Balance as a Beacon of Success

Posted on October 5, 2016April 18, 2017 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Canadian artist Hannah Georgas may not be a household name just yet, but as the recipient of Emerging Artist of the Year at XM’s Verge Music Awards in 2011 and numerous accolades since, it’s obvious that she’s a rising star. The Toronto-based singer has released three albums to date, including her latest, For Evelyn that came out June this year. The new critically-acclaimed record, named in honor of Hannah’s “compassionate, patient, kind and beautiful” 98-year-old grandmother, was produced by Graham Walsh (Preoccupations) and mixed by Nicolas Vernhes (Animal Collective, Dirty Projectors, The War on Drugs).

For Evelyn encompasses a range of emotions and offers an intimate look into Hannah’s psyche as she navigates her insecurities and anxieties surrounding loss. Musically, she sits somewhere between the vocally emotive sounds of singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles (whom she’s actually toured with), and the synthpop stylings of Metric. Her album, however is deeply personal.

Currently on tour this month in support of the LP, the songbird will be gracing the District with her presence at Songbyrd October 6 alongside Firekid and DC’s Wylder. In advance of the show, Hannah took the time to talk to CCP about the inspiration for the new record, working with Graham Walsh, finding balance, being featured on HBO’s GIRLS, and her dream of performing on Jimmy Fallon.

First off, give us a bit of background info. How did you get into music and when did you first discover that you had musical ability?

My dad was a really great piano player and performer. He was always playing the piano and singing around my family when I was little. I think his energy rubbed off on me. My mom put me into piano lessons when I was five, and I started writing songs as soon as I could figure out my way around the piano. Music was an important topic and outlet in my household.

On your last couple of records you worked with seasoned producer Graham Walsh. How did that come about and what was it like working with him?

I met Graham in 2011 when we worked on my self-titled album together. I was a big fan of his project Holy F*ck and wanted to reach out to him. We’ve developed a great sense of trust and comradery. It feels really comfortable going to him with my songs and bouncing off ideas together.

The new album, For Evelyn is dedicated to your grandmother. Can you speak about the significance of your relationship with her and the thematic connection to the record?

I’ve always admired her openness and patience. She’s a strong and powerful woman but so humble in her demeanor. I wanted to acknowledge her compassion and the positivity she’s shown me. The album is very much about my ongoing challenge of overcoming my fears and rising above it. I feel like she’s someone who has been through it all and can now reflect upon it.

The single “Don’t Go” is particularly poignant. Can you elaborate on what this song means to you?

I have been thinking a lot about mortality and the thought of losing my mother. It’s definitely an overwhelming and heartbreaking feeling, and I felt inspired to write about it.

What is your favorite song off the new album to perform?

It’s been really fun performing “Crazy Shit” and “Waste” with my band. We have those two songs placed towards the end of the set and I always look forward to playing them.

Your track “Millions” was featured on a episode of HBO’s GIRLS. How did you feel about that, and do you watch the show?!

I’ve watched every single episode of that show. I’m a big fan of Girls and love Lena Dunham, so I was super excited to find out that my song would be on the show.

Who are some artists you’re listening to at the moment? Do you have a favorite album of the year?

I’ve been listening to the new Frank Ocean album a bunch. His last record inspired me a lot too. My friend Jeffrey Innes has a project called High Ends and he put out an album called Super Class. I listen to it a lot. Sylvan Esso, Perfume Genius, Wye Oak, Christine and the Queens are other artists I’ve really gotten into over the past couple of years.

You’ve received numerous awards and accolades in Canada . . . what does success mean to you? Any other goals you’re currently striving for?

I feel like success is being able to create a balance between your work and personal life and finding happiness amongst it all. I feel really thankful that I do what I love for a living, and I’m still sometimes trying to find that balance. There a lot of things that I’d like to accomplish and goals that I would love to achieve with my music. I want to continue to work with people that I really admire and make music that’s inspiring. I also want to play on Jimmy Fallon because he’s the best.

Last but not least, what is the best and hardest thing about being on the road?

The best thing about being on the road is getting into a groove playing live and feeling really comfortable on stage. The worst thing about being on the road for me is living out of a suitcase and not having the comforts of home. I also misplace things a lot and that sucks when you’re running around from place to place!

Watch a video of Hannah performing the track “Lost Cause” live, and if you’re in the DC area be sure to check out her show at Songbyrd this week! For Evelyn is out now on iTunes and available for streaming on all major digital outlets.

Hannah Georgas – Don’t Go

Posted on July 6, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

hannahgeorgas

Everyone deals with the subject of mortality differently, and Canadian artist Hannah Georgas confronts the topic beautifully on her third album, For Evelyn. Georgas channels her pain, inner fears and general disquietude into the effort, which was inspired by her “compassionate, patient, kind and beautiful” 98-year-old grandmother. Lyrically simplistic, the LP’s lead single “Don’t Go” assumes a numinous quality as Georgas’ moving vocals float above the song’s gorgeous and funereal instrumentation. Listen below.

The album, produced by Graham Walsh (Holy Fuck) and mixed by Nicolas Vernhes (The War on Drugs, Animal Collective), was released on Dine Alone Records last month and is available for purchase here.

DC LIVE: Oh Pep! / Broncho / Fear of Men

Posted on June 6, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

June is a busy month for shows, so we’ve got a new installment of DC Live for you today. The first band we’re featuring is a group called Oh Pep! that hails from Melbourne, Australia. The duo, headed by Olivia Hally (guitar/vocals) and Pepita Emmerichs (fiddle/mandolin) have a hybrid sound of folk and pop that has won the praises of NPR‘s Bob Boilen and KCRW. For a taste of what they have to offer, listen to the second single “Bushwick” off their forthcoming debut album Stadium Cake, which drops June 24 via Dualtone.

With a tireless year of touring ahead, the DMV will have not one but two chances to see them this summer — first at Wolf Trap opening for Lord Huron June 7, and then headlining at Jammin Java on July 7. Get hip to Oh Pep! now.

Next is a garage-rock band that originates from Norman, Oklahoma, has two albums under their belt and has seen a surge in popularity over the last few years. That’s right, BRONCHO is back with a new record, Double Vanity slated to release June 10 via Dine Alone Records. While the group is known for their unbridled, early punk influenced sound, the new album marks a shift in tone towards a sleeker, darker, and broodier vibe. Case in point, the track “I Know You” is a mellow, but still gritty late-night song — the kind you play when the party is winding down.

BRONCHO will be playing DC9 on June 25.

Finally, Fear of Men will be bringing their stoic, dark synthpop sounds to DC9 on June 30. For those unfamiliar, Fear of Men is a three-piece band based out of Brighton, UK, whose second full-length Fall Forever came out June 3 via Kanine Records. Speaking on the song “Trauma,” vocalist Jessica Weiss describes the topic at hand as “the undefinable anxiety and damage that all of us suffer at some point at the hands of another. It’s how we deal with it that defines us…to me, dealing with trauma is not about looking back, it’s about taking that experience and putting it under your own control, letting it become a part of you.” It’s about “empowerment through taking control.”

Weiss couldn’t be more right about that. Listen to the single below and be sure to check out their show later this month.

Miami Horror – Love Like Mine

Posted on June 13, 2015June 13, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Miami Horror

Australian outfit Miami Horror have just released their second LP, All Possible Futures via Dine Alone Records and are currently on tour in North America in support of the LP. The new record is ripe with post-disco dance jams inspired by ’80s rock groups along the likes of Talking Heads, New Order and INXS — as well as iconic pop stars such as Paul Simon and Michael Jackson. The sunny disposition on the album can be attributed to the band’s time spent writing and producing the album in LA.

Listen to the catchy lead single, “Love Like Mine” and check out their stateside tour dates below. DC peeps will have the chance to see Miami Horror live in concert at U Street Music Hall June 19.