Hannah Elkins: her new single 'Her' released on September 1 has her mum, Sandie, on backing vocals.
Published: September 1, 2022 | Updated: 2nd September 2022
It’s little surprise that Hannah Elkins decided to pursue a career in music.
The talented 28-year-old developed a love of singing at a young age after being inspired by her mum, Sandie, also a singer.
They often found themselves harmonising at the piano, eventually leading to Sandie founding the Bournemouth-based Funky Little Choir when Hannah was 13.
The choir is still going strong with 80+ members.
Now Sandie, pictured right with her daughter, has joined Hannah on her new single, called ‘Her’ – released on September 1 – where she provides backing vocals.
It was produced by Niko Battistini in his studio in Bournemouth with Harry Style on piano.
The single has been described as “beautifully understated in its arrangement of piano and vocals, enabling Hannah’s lyrics to shine through”.
Hannah, who grew up in Christchurch and attended Highcliffe School and Brockenhurst College where she was often found in school and college productions, said: “This song is deeply personal and possibly the most vulnerable song I have written.
“The inspiration came from the end of a relationship and the heartbreak we experience when somebody you love moves on with someone new.
“However, I do believe that all things happen for a reason, ending the song with ‘I wish the best for you, I wish it for her too, time to let go’.
“If nothing else at least the experience helped me write a big heartbreak ballad.”
Following her love of singing, Hannah left college to study music at the University of Leeds.
Here she discovered a passion for songwriting and releasing her own music, collaborating with long-term friend and guitarist Elliot Wenman.
Under this collaboration, Hannah released five singles which led to her being listed in the ‘BBC Music Introducing Hot List 2020’.
Early last year, Hannah co-wrote Paradise with soul artist Nick Corbin.
The collaboration saw her opening for Nick’s album launch at the O2 Islington, London.
Hannah’s performance history has taken her to numerous venues and festivals, including Camp Bestival, Pizza Express Jazz Club and Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s.
She has performed at many venues, festivals and events across the South including Bournemouth Music Festival, Larmer Tree Gardens, and the Pavilion.
Hannah also tries to schedule at least one gig a year for her own music releases.
Last October she performed a sold-out gig at The Wight Bear in Southbourne.
Post-pandemic Hannah and her partner relocated to Berlin to seek further opportunities as musicians.
She said: “It has been a very exciting venture so far.
“However, I am hoping to return to Bournemouth to debut my single release live before the end of the year.”
Raised listening to her mum’s soundtrack of female greats including Eva Cassidy, Beverley Knight, Aretha Franklin and Minne Riperton, Hannah’s music now is inspired by artists such as Jessie Ware and Lianne La Havas.
The remainder of 2022 will see more releases from Hannah and also a debut concert in her new hometown, Berlin.
