In a new release from Hannah Byers, the artist gets very personal and very one-on-one and puts out a track that is emotionally driven and has a beautiful dynamic to it as the track builds and expresses her feelings brought on from what's likely to be life experience which is what makes this so powerful.
"Barely Breathing" is an absolutely gorgeous piece of work that showcases a young artist's ability to let it all out in the only way she may know how. This of course being in the form of song which for some and most likely for this artist is very cathartic.
The piano and vocals have these textures that line up perfectly and let the song flow and swim around you while you get engulfed and finally washed away with the song itself. And it feels amazing to just let this happen.
This is one of those songs that take you to a different place and make memories of your own pop into your head when you least expect it.
And it's really important to have music like this right now. We all have to have songs that move us or make us feel something because that's how we know we're human.
The self-expression on the single puts Byers on such an amazing level because of the presence and character portrayed. You come to know her to an extent and that's part of the beauty of this whole thing.
This obviously has a very cinematic feel to it and that of course is derived from that emotional impact that the song bears. You can certainly see this in the scene of a film.
So, this release boasts a gorgeous texture that has the ability to swoop you up and when it's over, you need to sort of Shake It Off to come back to reality again.
It's an awesome thing really.
With the release of such a wondrous single, we wanted to have a chat with Hannah Byers to find out what this single actually is about exactly, where it came from, and what might be next for her as an artist.
Here's what happened.
RAG: Let's kick things off with "Barely Breathing". This track has a powerful and honest feel to it which is very refreshing. Where did this single come from?
This song was written the day after I said goodbye to the person I loved. I wanted to capture the intensity of the emotions I was feeling at the time. This person had been my closest companion for three years, and writing this song helped me through accepting their absence. Heartbreaks are a universal experience, so I wanted to remain transparent with the listeners, and use raw lyrics.
RAG: When did this all start for you as an artist? When did you fall in love with music?
I started songwriting when I was in middle school, as a way to express my pensive emotions. After only writing one song, I knew I had found my passion. I was able to take my struggle, and turn it into music that others could relate to. That is a beautiful thing.
RAG: What inspires you to write a song?
I have a tendency to write from melancholic emotions, therefore my inspiration comes to me when I am experiencing hardship. This could range from something as simple as failing an exam, to more complex situations such as losing a loved one. If a situation provides me with enough emotion, I will write a song about.
RAG: This track has some great styles! Can you give us some of your top musical influences?
My top musical influences are Tate McRae and NF. I admire the rawness in NF’s lyrics, and I adore the musical style Tate McRae uses. I feel my work represents a combination of the two.
RAG: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
When I am not working on music, I am either spending time with my friends, student teaching or taking time to relax by myself.
RAG: Who's in your headphones right now?
Right now, I’ve been listening to a lot of Tate McRae and Nessa Barrett. I’ve been obsessed with the song “I miss you, I’m sorry”, by Gracie Abrams.
RAG: Are you doing any live performances right now?
At the moment I am not doing any live performances, but I plan to start performing live again in the spring.
RAG: This song feels like a big undertaking, is there any advice you'd give to other up and coming artists out there?
I would encourage up and coming artists to continue to advertise and promote their music. The more you put it out there, the bigger of an audience you will gain. You never know when you will reach someone who has the connections you need to take off. Don’t be discouraged if you seem to not be making progress, everything takes time. Remember the reason you started making music, and let that guide you. Be your own biggest fan.
RAG: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
It has been brought to my attention that all of my songs carry a melancholic tone, and a change in mood has been long anticipated. I am able to say that as we approach spring, I intend on releasing new music that is refreshing and upbeat. Until then, I have a few songs that continue with the pensive mood of the past.
RAG: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
When people can either relate to my songs or simply enjoy the melody, that’s when I know I did my job. You are the reason I continue to release my songs into the world, and I am so thankful for you.