Isaiah Hanna, a 16-year-old singer-songwriter from Sydney, Australia, is celebrated for his deeply introspective lyrics, drawing comparisons to music legends like Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi. His raw and vulnerable nature sets him apart, often evoking tears with his soul-stirring voice. Isaiah’s musical journey began in childhood, and he has since penned countless songs inspired by personal experiences, captivating audiences with his magnetic stage presence and emotional live performances.
Isaiah Hanna‘s musical journey began in childhood, drawing inspiration from R&B music in his vibrant Australian-Lebanese household. His songwriting process starts with the magical moment when the music finds him, leading to heartfelt explorations of emotions in his songs. He aims for his music to be a safe hideaway for listeners, offering a unique connection while sharing his journey. Despite facing hurdles, he remains committed to pursuing his musical calling and looks forward to sharing new music and collaborating with artists like Brian McKnight.
Isaiah Hanna is a talented singer and songwriter with a unique background and musical style. In this interview, he shares his first steps into music, his influences, songwriting process, and the story behind his very first song. Get ready to be captivated by Isaiah Hanna’s journey into music and discover what makes him stand out as an artist in the industry.
Tell us about your first steps into music and singing.
My adventure into the world of music started when I was just a little kid, singing myself to sleep with beautiful hymns and stories. My parents, seeing my budding talent, signed me up for lessons. At first, I was a bit shy and unsure of myself. But as I got more comfortable with my singing, I found a strong and captivating voice that I didn’t know I had. Great artists like Christina Aguilera and Whitney Houston inspired me with their powerful hits. Their music pushed me to pursue my dreams in music.
What do you think sets you apart from other artists?
What makes me a bit different from other artists is the special mix of influences I’ve had growing up. I was lucky enough to grow up in a vibrant Australian-Lebanese household, where the sound of R&B music was a constant. Having this music around all the time really helped shape my ear for it.
Can you describe your songwriting process? What tends to come first for you, the music or the lyrics?
Isn’t it magical when the music just finds us? That moment when I hear the chord progression, it’s like the melodies rush in. Once I’ve got the hook in place, I sing any words that come to mind. And then, the real fun begins – finding the perfect story to fit the song.
What was the first song you ever wrote?
The first song I ever wrote, ‘When You Walked Away,’ came to life when I was just about 13 years old. It’s a heartfelt exploration of the emotions we grapple with when a loved one leaves. I actually put the piece together in my sister’s bedroom, using her piano. Back then, I didn’t even know how to play the piano – I just trusted my ear to lead me to the right chords. Can you believe it worked?
What do you hope listeners take away from your music? What is Isaiah Hanna about right now?
I really want my listeners to feel like my songs are their own safe hideaway. A place that’s always open to them, no matter what life is throwing their way. I hope my music reaches out and touches everyone in a special and unique way, all while sharing some of my own journey.
What has been your favorite live performance so far?
The most memorable live performance I’ve ever done was singing ‘Just the Two of Us’ at my high school showcase. I can still recall the butterflies in my stomach as I waited offstage, a bundle of nerves and excitement. Whispering to myself, “I absolutely adore this feeling. This is what I live for,” I stepped onto the stage with a smile on my face. I was over the moon with how well that performance went.
Pursuing music is a struggle in and of itself, especially at the very beginning. What are or have been some hurdles that come to mind?
Making music has always felt like my calling like it’s what I was put in this world to do. Sure, I’ve had plenty of folks tell me it’s unrealistic, but I’m set on showing them wrong. They might have a point, but deep down, I know I’ve got it. At the end of the day, I need to remember that it’s not about what others think, but about overcoming my own mind.
Are there any artists that you would like to collaborate with in the future?
I’ve been daydreaming about collaborating with so many distinct artists, each bringing their own unique sound to the table. But, if you’re asking me to pick just one, Brian McKnight would be at the top of my list. His music has been a massive inspiration for me, and his songwriting skills paired with his otherworldly voice are simply breathtaking. He’s made a name for himself in the R&B, soul, and pop scenes, which is exactly the kind of vibe I’m aiming for in my upcoming songs. The R&B pop scene is bustling with extraordinary talents, and I’m super excited about the possibility of working with these amazing artists to create some truly great music!
Speaking about the future: What’s coming up for you? What’s on your near horizon?
I can’t wait to share what’s in store over the next few months. I’ve been pouring my heart into new music all year, and I’m absolutely buzzing to share it with everyone. While we’re still ironing out release dates, they’re definitely just around the corner! So, make sure to follow my socials and stay tuned for all the fantastic things I’ve been working on!
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