Interview: Philippa Hanna
British singer/songwriter Philippa Hanna has been touring and releasing albums for a number of years, but this year she surprised us all with the news that she would be supporting soul legend Lionel Richie on his UK arena tour. We caught up with Philippa in the middle of the tour to find out how she's getting on with Lionel!
Congratulations on landing a support slot on Lionel Richie's UK arena tour! How did that come about?
Thanks for the congrats! I feel very blessed. I've been working with the wonderful Eliot Kennedy since making my album at Steelworks in 2009. I've since become a part of the writing team and spend lots of time there! Eliot did a concert celebrating his greatest hits and I did support for that. That's when I met the tour manager and agent who put me forward for
the Lionel Richie support! I was flabbergasted when I got the call to say his management were thrilled to have me aboard!
Having completed the first few shows on the tour how has it been going?
It's been an emotional roller coaster. So hard to process the magnitude of the opportunity! But at the same time I've been high as a kite after playing to these epic audiences and spending time with the great soul legend himself. It's cloud 9 stuff.
What songs are you playing at the shows and how are they going down with Lionel's fans?
I've been playing a variety and haven't done the same set every gig. But I have been sharing 'I am Amazing' every night as a free download and it's had a wonderful response. Nearly 800 people downloaded it in Manchester. Thank you Manchester! It seems people like to hear a positive message!
I wrote the song in response to an add campaign. It featured pictures of post-op cosmetic surgery patients and boasted of life changing effects. It claimed to 'make you amazing'. Being a typical girl, I often struggle with low self-esteem and the campaign incensed me! Just imagining all the impressionable young people who would see that add, look in the mirror and consider surgery made me shudder. The song came about after a passionate conversation about the whole thing.
Judging by your tweets, you've met a few celebs including Lionel during the tour! Do you get star struck and what did Lionel say to you?
Hmmm, not usually star struck. Being in show business from a young age you quickly learn that music is a job like any other and normal people do it. But Lionel Richie... it's a bit different. Such incredible timeless songs hit after hit after hit! I was a little tongue tied to begin with. But he was so warm and friendly. We talked about music and song writing and he had lots of tips for an artist in my position. He was very sweet to my mum and dad too.
You've recently founded The Raggedy Doll Foundation, tell us about that and what it does?
The Raggedy Doll Foundation is currently under construction! Our goal as an organisation is to encourage healthy self image in children, by producing a Ragdoll which represents our individual unique beauty. We want to be able to donate them to children's hospitals and care facilities as a reminder of how precious each child is.
When can we expect a new album from you?
Spring 2013! So excited! It's well underway. I'm really enjoying the new material. The album has a strong theme and it's so fun! Watch this space...What advice would you give to any aspiring singers or songwriters out there?
Try to get input from professionals and people with experience in the industry. If you go to church collar the worship pastor and ask for some feedback on your music or playing. Mentors are so important especially those that give honest feedback. But above all value friends and family because they're with you through thick and thin. As a Christian my relationship with God and fulfilling His plans for my life come above any career plans and my prayer is always to keep it that way!
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?
'I believe in Miracles' By the Jackson Sisters
What does the next year hold for Philippa Hanna?
I keep asking God the same question! But He won't tell me. He's secretive. If it's anything like this year my mind would be blown!! He's Good.
Find out more at PhilippaHanna.co.uk
