Hana Lili is Feeling “Iconic”

INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

Alt-pop singer-songwriter Hana Lili is back with her latest single, "Iconic" delving into the universal complexities of emotions and feelings surrounding a multi-faceted relationship. And through the song, she eloquently captures the essence of both love and turmoil, drawing inspiration from legendary band sounds — marking an exacting new chapter in her musical exploration that feels unique to her previous work while still complimenting her own identify as an artist.

Now, after dropping her fresh alternative-twinged track, opening for Coldplay on tour, and polishing her impactful sound, the singer is sharing some of the ideas behind her new era of music.

Hana Lili

Can you share more about the inspiration behind your new single “Iconic” and how it compares to some of your other work thus far?

Hana Lili: The song “Iconic” is about a boy, where it felt like everything happened, but nothing happened at the same time. The song poses a juxtaposition between loving the feeling and also absolutely hating it. It was really fun to write and explore this record, taking influence from bands such as Nirvana, Deftones, The Cardigans and No Doubt. I’m really happy to have this record out, as it’s a new energy that I haven’t explored yet until this track. 

The artwork for “Iconic” definitely lives up to the title! How does this imagery connect with some of the themes of the particular song?

Hana Lili: The imagery was massively inspired by the past three singles. “Small Talk’s” artwork relates to hiding from the fire, as it’s going on behind, “Basement’s” artwork relates to finding the fire in the basement and “Iconic” is just about embracing the chaos of it all! 

You mentioned a strong connection between your lyrics and visuals. How do you typically ensure that the visual representation of your music aligns with the emotions and messages conveyed in your songs?

Hana Lili: I think it comes from wanting to correlate what the records say. It’s really fun to think of a creative way to portray what the song means to me. I try not to overthink it, and stay true to myself! Which is sometimes hard because it comes with all the emotions, both sad and happy!

Your music has a mesmerizing ability to blend alt-pop with an array of other styles. How do you navigate between genres in your songwriting process?

Hana Lili: Thank you! I think it’s an amalgamation of the music I grew up listening to and implementing into my own style into it. I’m massively into Deftones and The Breeders at the moment. And then it’s adding what I’m really feeling into the lyricism, even when sometimes I’m not ready to delve into processing something yet, I know I can do it through the music. It’s a safe space where I can explore that. I love it. 

Hana Lili

How was your experience working with co-writers and co-producers Daniel Newcombe and Mark Vallance on “Iconic”? How did their collaboration strengthen the final product?

Hana Lili: I absolutely love working with Daniel and Mark. It’s been so fun to delve into the lyricism of the records, go in and record bass and guitars together! They’re really amazing at letting me portray things I’m going through, they always want the records to be true to what I’m feeling and I’m massively appreciative of that. 

Growing up in Sully, South Wales, how has your background in the local folk scene impacted your current music and artistic direction?

Hana Lili: Growing up competing in the Eisteddfod, which is a welsh traditional competition in Wales, I really found my love for performing. The wealth of culture in Wales is really awesome, and it’s so exciting to see the welsh language and welsh music scene grow in Wales at the moment! 

As an artist who self-taught production skills, can you speak to the challenges and rewards of building your own creative process and sound?

Hana Lili: It’s always about not trying to get in my own head. It’s trying to stay in that creative state where I’m just having fun! Similar to when I first started writing and producing, I think theirs something really nice about that space where your just making music for the purpose of just making music!

With performances lined up at The Great Escape and Dot to Dot Festival, how do you prepare for live shows and connect with your audience in a festival setting?

Hana Lili: A lot of running with the guitar on the spot and singing the set through [laughs]. I also find watching other artists set massively inspiring! I also practice a lot of silly moves in my bedroom. One day I really want to do a wall of death on stage at a gig. That would be so much fun.