THIS IS GOOD – A HANNAH GEORGAS INTERVIEW

-Interviewed by Gavin Hughes

Canadian singer/songwriter Hannah Georgas floored the critics with her 2008 Debut The Beat Stuff EP. While we here at the Tuesday Guide don’t actually critique records (everyone has their own ears), we were proud to include her on Tuesday Guide’s most listened to albums of ’09 list.

Now, with the upcoming release of her debut full-length album, This is Good, on April 27th, Hannah’s passionate music and intense lyrics are propelling her to expand her fan base and become the next big pop rock sensation.

Our man Gavin spoke with Hannah about her rising career, the experience of cutting an album in studio and the motivation to do what you love. As he found out, Hannah Georgas’ debut full-length album, This is Good, is a telling term to describe her musical journey.

What is it like to be referred to by critics as the next big thing in pop music?

It’s very flattering. It’s confirmation for me that I’m doing the right thing with my music and it’s amazing to know that people are responding to that music.

You played on Parliament Hill for the Prime Minister and thousands of others. Was that a high point of your touring or just another venue?

It was huge for me. I’ve never played in front of that many people before and it was such an honour to be apart of that. It was overwhelming to see the sea of people there for Canada Day. It was beautiful out and it was just such a memorable experience.

Your song “You’ve got a Place Called Home” was featured in a Wal-Mart commercial and as the story goes, it brought Taylor Swift to tears. Is that the ultimate compliment for an artist, to get such an emotional response, especially from another singer/songwriter?

Absolutely. That’s one big point of making music for me, to have people connect with it and respond and feel like they can relate. It’s just such a positive response for me.

When the new album is released, how do you hope your fans will respond?

I hope that they love it and dig it as much as the EP. I’m really excited about the release. It’s been finished since last fall and I’m anxious to get it out there.

In your newest video for the song “Thick Skin”, you roll in mud naked. How did you survive such a vulnerable experience?

It was intense. I had to mentally get ready because I really wanted to pull off the performance making it as believable as I could. The first half an hour being naked in front of the crew was a little weird, but they made me feel comfortable and relaxed. And after really getting into the performance, it didn’t even feel like I was exposed.

After feeling the freedom of playing live shows, is it difficult to lock yourself up in a studio to record an album?

Being in the studio is one of my favourite things to do. Making this record was one of the highlights of my life, working with the people I had the chance to; it was amazing to be apart of that world. It was great to be with people who are on the same page as you and make the album come to life and get what you are doing. I’m actually itching to get back in the studio and do more.

How do you view the songwriting aspect? Does it become an arduous task or is it more cathartic in nature?

It’s very cathartic. If I’ve got something heavy on my mind I can be walking or riding my bike and I’ll think of something catchy and have to get home and get on the guitar or the piano and flesh it out. It’s usually something weighing on my mind or I’ve been inspired by something.

What is the most noticeable difference from the The Beat Stuff EP to the new album?

The time factor. I only had five days to record the EP and two months to do This is Good. You’ll hear more of an edge to this collection and it’s a bigger sound with more time to put into production. All of the songs on the new record are a progression from the EP, they’re fresh and I have a lot to say.

Now looking back on that experience, what in your view was the best part of putting This is Good together?

It was having the end become a reality, and having all of the songs come to life and sound the exact way I dreamed of from the beginning. And definitely all the talented people I got to work with.

Seeing how all your hard work is resulting in success, what would you say to young Canadians who have the desire to make music?

As long as you are passionate about what you are doing, the music will find its way. Do it, follow what you want to do no matter what. Do what you love because at the end of the day you not going to like life if you’re not doing what makes you happy.

With the release of This is Good on April 27th, what else can we expect from Hannah Georgas in the coming year?

As soon as the record comes out, I’ll be touring Canada. And I will be doing Lilith Fair this summer in Edmonton, which is awesome! My plan is just tour as much as possible and get the record out there.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES

April 22 – Wakefield, Quebec @ The Blacksheep Inn

April 23 – Montreal, Quebec @ La Sala Rossa

April 25 – Peterborough, Ontario @ The Red Dog

April 26 – Toronto, Ontario @ The Garrison

April 27 – Toronto, Ontario @ Criminal Records INSTORE

April 27 – Hamilton, Ontario @ This Ain’t Hollywood

May 7 – Kamloops, British Columbia @ The Loft

May 8 – Nelson, British Columbia @ Blue Church

May 10 – Swift Current, Saskatchewan @ Lyric Theatre

May 12 – Winnipeg, Manitoba @ West End Cultural Centre

May 13 – Regina, Saskatchewan @ O’Hanlons

May 14 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan @ Amigo’s

May 15 – Edmonton, Alberta @ Brixx Bar and Grill

May 16 – Canmore, Alberta @ Communitea Café

May 18 – Red Deer, Alberta @ The Vat / TBC

May 19 – Lethbridge, Alberta @ Henotic

May 20 – Calgary, Alberta @ The Stage

May 21 – Kelowna, British Columbia @ Habitat

May 22 – Vancouver, British Columbia @The Venue

May 29 – Victoria, British Columbia @ St. Ann’s Auditorium

Whether it’s on a novel, short stories or a screenplay, Gavin can be found constantly writing. However being a generous man, he gives up some of his limited spare time doing interviews for The Tuesday Guide. Otherwise he’s checking out new flicks, new music or putting his stinky feet up with a new book. Gavin Hughes lives with his wife in Liverpool, Nova Scotia.