Biog

Hannah Atkins has a gossamer-smooth, effortless vocal delivery, strengthened by a deft skill with a writer’s pen and an multi-instrumental talent that many more established performers would envy.

Like many, she began to play and perform from a young age, but it wasn’t until moving to Manchester in her late teens that her sound began to define itself. Her latest album ‘Beyond Your Skin’ has been described as an ‘oral sculpture of ethereal yet memorable melodies, with elegant piano riffs and an abundance of live strings – bringing an almost orchestral sound with a pop twist. You can hear hints of what can be likened to Imogen Heap’s vocal layering, cinematic elements akin to film-score composer; “Hans Zimmer”, with moments as raw and intimate as Damien Rice.’

Atkins is fascinating to watch. Creating electro-acoustic soundscapes in front of your very eyes with the help of her loop pedal and no shortage of talent. She starts recording mesmerizing rifts on the piano, then switches to the guitar, adding violin and vocal layers to her loops – all live.

Lyrically there is depth and resonance too. Atkins has made sure to plunder life’s opportunity box of treasures that stir the emotion. Since her teens she has had a heart for taking music to the other side of the world and has been on many international trips to Peru, Ethiopia and South Africa where she has been able to perform her music. With a big heart and a green conscience, Atkins continues to produce albums such as ‘Beyond Your Skin’ with 100% eco-friendly packaging. She loves to use her music to aid her her social justice advocacy, the content of seven out of ten songs on her new album being about social causes. After several years honing her craft, it would seem Hannah Atkins is now ready to grab more opportunities with both hands and others have noticed. www.hannahatkins.com”

Extended Biog:

Hannah Atkins, singer-songwriter was born 8th August 1981. Growing up in rural Lincolnshire, Hannah was immersed in music with singer/songwriter Father, musical mother and 4 musical siblings.
The VonTrapp family was a regular joke! The earliest record of her songwriting is at age 8, with meaningful poetry neatly written on paper with flowery illustrations!

Hannah had classical piano and violin lessons growing up. At age 12 she suffered the loss of a much loved piano teacher Mrs John and refused to be taught by anyone else. ‘Mrs John lived in our village & she was lovely! She was so eccentric, gave out great biscuits and got me hooked to The Beano! Her village renowned question to her pupils ” Are you full of beans today?!” From age 7 she encourages me perform my piano pieces and sing along. I have a lot to be thankful for from Mrs John! Hannah continues with her violin lessons and was part of a few local orchestras as 1st Violin. At 14, Hannah took up the piano again and taught herself to play chords. This was when She started to regularly write and perform her material at local community gatherings around Lincoln.

At 16 (1998), one of her songs ‘Closer still’ was published by radical UK/Integrity Records and made it onto several albums. At 17, a further 2 songs were published and Hannah became a regular performer at the Grapevine festival. At 18, Hannah had finished A-levels and took a gap year, writing and recording a first ‘live’ album’ Dreamer’ in order to raise money for a trip to Peru to work in the shanty towns of Lima. In the poverty of the shanty towns, Hannah discovered that besides the common known phrases of ‘coke’ and ‘Beckham!’, music broke down language barriers and the children were drawn to the tiny Casio keyboard she took with her! Hannah’s Spanish improved whilst out there, but music was excellent way to bring smiles to the children’s faces.

On return to the UK, Hannah did a 5 month voluntary stint in Watford where again, she combined her music with working in a homeless day centre. Her months in Peru fueled Hannah’s passion to link music and social justice work and she went on to study health and Development in a Human Geography degree at Manchester University.

Hannah definitely did more music that geography during her 3 years at Uni, but managed to get a 2:1 all the same! She won a grant to complete her final year dissertation in Ethiopia where she studied the tragedy that HIV/AIDS has brought to that Nation.

In 2004, Hannah recorded a 2nd Album ‘Hold Me’ promoted and released it herself selling a 1000 copies and even more downloads the year to follow was spent performing at local gigs and festivals.

Hannah’s album ‘Falling’ was a while coming! In 2004, she set up a not-for-profit music / Arts and Media company with 3 friends called MassiveUK. Marrying excellent quality music with community action and creative workshops, this consumed her time. ”If you’ve ever started your own small business (especially non-profit) – you’ll know what I mean”. We had some great experience doing hundreds of high end hotel and bar gigs,
and released 2 acts on our label; Becky Higg; a female Jack Johnson and Bluebird Kid Clark; a New-Retro band”. But now is the time to release her own music, so Hannah is full steam ahead.

Hannah Atkins has a gossamer-smooth, effortless vocal delivery, strengthened by a deft skill with a writer’s pen and an multi-instrumental talent that many more established performers would envy.

Like many, she began to play and perform from a young age, but it wasn’t until moving to Manchester in her late teens that her sound began to define itself. Her latest album ‘Beyond Your Skin’ has been described as an ‘oral sculpture of ethereal yet memorable melodies, with elegant piano riffs and an abundance of live strings – bringing an almost orchestral sound with a pop twist. You can hear hints of what can be likened to Imogen Heap’s vocal layering, cinematic elements akin to film-score composer; “Hans Zimmer”, with moments as raw and intimate as Damien Rice.’

Atkins is fascinating to watch. Creating electro-acoustic soundscapes in front of your very eyes with the help of her loop pedal and no shortage of talent. She starts recording mesmerizing rifts on the piano, then switches to the guitar, adding violin and vocal layers to her loops – all live.

Lyrically there is depth and resonance too. Atkins has made sure to plunder life’s opportunity box of treasures that stir the emotion. Since her teens she has had a heart for taking music to the other side of the world and has been on many international trips to Peru, Ethiopia and South Africa where she has been able to perform her music. With a big heart and a green conscience, Atkins continues to produce albums such as ‘Beyond Your Skin’ with 100% eco-friendly packaging. She loves to use her music to aid her her social justice advocacy, the content of seven out of ten songs on her new album being about social causes. After several years honing her craft, it would seem Hannah Atkins is now ready to grab more opportunities with both hands and others have noticed. www.hannahatkins.com”