Hannah Georgas released her latest album, I’d Be Lying if I Said I Didn’t Care, this August. Described by NPR as “A beautiful new album full of bright and shimmering guitar lines and sweet soothing harmonies,” it’s received widespread critical acclaim. This Canadian singer-songwriter has a long list of accomplishments behind her and now she’s added “produced an album” to that list. After working with Aaron Dessner, co-founder of superstar indie band The National on her last record, Georgas worked with her partner Sean Sroka (also of Ten Kills the Pack) to produce her latest work. Read on to hear her thoughts on producing, touring and why she claims she is “boring.”
I’d Be Lying if I Said I Didn’t Care is the first album you’ve produced. Tell us about how it went! Why did you want to try your hand at that?
I had been thinking about the idea of producing my own album for awhile and I wanted to push myself to finally do it. I was excited to fully trust my instincts and make a record that was solely based on my own decision making. I’ve been lucky to get to work with so many great musicians and producers throughout my career and I’ve learned a lot from those experiences. I think it all led me to this point. Giving myself the chance to produce was a great learning experience and felt super rewarding. It was also challenging but I think anything that is worth your time is going to have its ups and downs.
You’ve been busy touring with the aforementioned album. What are the most and least enjoyable parts of your tour thus far?
The best part about touring is being able to connect with your fans. It’s so nice seeing people enjoy the music and getting to say hi after the shows. It’s an empowering feeling when you have a really great show. A great show for me is when I sing and play well, my band plays well and the sound feels good. It’s really awesome when you’re a bunch of shows in and you and your band hit a stride. Playing show after show after show really does make you better. It doesn’t feel great when you have an off show… It affects me more than I’d like it to. Another challenging thing about being on the road is being away from my routines at home. I like sleeping in my own bed and eating healthy. My eating and exercise habits are all off when I’m on the road. I used to be better at it but I’m finding it more challenging to get into a routine on tour. I don’t like to eat before a show so I don’t end up eating until really late at night sometimes.
Tell us about your sound these days; how has your music evolved over the years?
I wrote a lot of the songs off my latest album on a classical guitar at home. It felt so easy and natural to play. I wanted to blend acoustic, organic warm sounds with synths and electronic textures. I’ve always been drawn to music that marries those ideas. I think I’m getting better at trusting my own instincts with the music I write and create.
What are some of the little things that always bring you joy and/or help you get through a tough day?
Getting out for some fresh air and going for a walk always puts things back into perspective for me. I love to swim. Talking to the people that love and care about me always helps me get through tough times. Eating good food and watching a good show feels nice too. I’m boring!
What happens for you in the coming months, what’s up next?
I’m touring my new album in Canada up until the end of the year. Next year I’ll be playing more shows. I’m working on putting together a music festival that is set to happen next summer.
Thanks Hannah! As our illustrious host Tony King would say, bless your cotton socks.
Hannah Georgas is performing at the Starlite Room in Edmonton on Nov. 30 and the Commonwealth Bar and Stage in Calgary on Dec. 1. Details here and here.
Listen to “What I Don’t Want” from I’d be Lying if I Said I Didn’t Care:
