MAKING MELODIES

FROM FALLING IN LOVE WITH MUSIC AGED 11 WHEN HER MOTHER WAS GIFTED A PIANO, TO BEING ON CUSP OF RELEASING HER DEBUT ALBUM IN 2023, HANNAH PISANI TALKS ABOUT THE SONGWRITING, LIFE AS A BRITISH-MALTESE WOMAN, AND WHO SHE WOULD MOST LIKE TO SEE IN THE PAGES OF IL-BIZZILLA.

Spring is fast approaching, and with it comes the promise of new life and new music. Hannah Pisani releases ‘Braver’ in April 2023, promising a mix of recent single releases and new songs, all wrapped up in an easy-listening style. “The songs are a mixture of folk, country, and pop – the kind of music you might hear in a cosy coffeehouse or want to listen to winding down after a long day."

The ’cosy coffeehouse’ vibes have evolved from writing songs as a hobby fueled just by a “stream of consciousness”, to something more “proactive and thoughtful”. Hannah describes refining and pondering the lyrics in her songs a lot more now, searching for inspiration in poetry and song. “I love reading poems and other artists' lyrics for inspiration. Leonard Cohen, Rupi Kaur, and Chelsea Cutler are some of my favourites. I admire how they capture complex human emotions in succinct metaphors and rhymes.”

Writing songs for an album is just one half of the story. Heading into the studio is a whole other learning process and an experience Hannah has relished. “The most important thing I have realised is to enjoy creating without judgement. Recording the album has taught me a lot about the power of harmonies and textures to elevate a song. A well-placed backing vocal or riff can completely transform the feeling of a musical moment. I’ve also learned that songwriting ideas can strike at the most unexpected times. I could be out with friends, reading a book, or on a walk, and a melody or lyric will pop into my head.”

While the inspiration has been flowing in the studio, Hannah has also built up an audience on Spotify, featuring on playlists and building up a global audience. “If you had told me a couple of years ago that I would have millions of streams on Spotify, I wouldn’t believe it! I’ve received messages from fans in New York, Italy, and even Indonesia, and that’s thanks to the Spotify playlists my songs are on.”

With a British mother and Maltese father, Hannah Pisani has plenty of time to listen to her favourite playlists on planes between London, where she lives, and Malta. She has some favourite spots on the island, including in St Julian’s where she stays, taking boat trips to Gozo, and the many opportunities for good food. “There are so many great restaurants I am yet to go to, but I love catching up with family and friends at Broadside Terrace (St Julian’s) in the summer, or discovering different bars and restaurants in Valletta in the evening.”

Hannah was born in the U.K., moved to Malta as a toddler, and has been living back in the U.K. since she was 7. While Hannah reflects on feasts and fireworks with her extended Maltese family, living in a vibrant capital city is also on her mind.

She reflects on multiple yearly visits to Malta, and the memories of Sunday lunches, feasts, and fireworks with her wider Maltese family. Yet, living in a vibrant capital city is never far from her mind. “London is a treasure trove of amazing experiences. I’ve lived here for a little while, and I am still discovering new places, events, and restaurants all the time. There are lots of wonderful markets for foodies: Borough Market and Broadway spring to mind. Of course, Oxford Street is well known for the shops, but I’d recommend walking a little further afield to Marylebone, which has a quintessentially English high street and a wonderful bookshop called Daunt Books. Fitzrovia is also beautiful, particularly Charlotte Street, which is a short walk from the British Museum.”

Hannah talks with equal joy about exploring London and visiting Malta two or three times a year to see family. She will be on the island during her album release month, working remotely and writing new songs. With flying soon on the horizon for Hannah, we had to end by asking how she spends her time in the air and who she would most like to find in the pages of an issue of Il-Bizzilla “Listening to music, reading, and napping are my favourite ways to spend time on a flight. There are so many Maltese bands and singers I would love to learn more about. My Nanna is a huge fan of Joseph Calleja so he would be my top pick.”

Keep up to date with all of Hannah Pisani’s music and gigs on Instagram @hannahpisani_

WORDS CHRISTINE CASSAR