WORDS AND IMAGES DESH KAPUR
I attended a gig on Friday night at Chester Live Rooms, where I had the pleasure of experiencing an evening with the incredibly talented Nashville songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, visual artist, and blues songstress, Hannah Wicklund.
Having grown up on the picturesque beaches of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Hannah carved out her own path in the music industry. She formed her band at the tender age of eight and embarked on a remarkable journey, performing at esteemed US festivals like Firefly Music Festival, Shaky Knees Music Festival, Bourbon & Beyond, Summerfest, and Kaboo Del Mar. Additionally, she toured as direct support for Marcus King and opened for Greta Van Fleet.
In 2018, she released her debut LP, “Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones,” under her label, Strawberry Moon Records.
Before Hannah’s captivating performance, the audience was treated to an invigorating set by Bristol band Hunni Buzz, comprising Lydia Read on vocals and guitar, Rowan Barfoot on guitar, Ewan Base on bass, and Billy Pedrick on drums. Their music, characterized by fuzzy guitars and sharp, aggressive vocals, was full of infectious energy, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in the room.
Although I had only recently discovered Hannah’s music through YouTube, I was thoroughly impressed. However, nothing could have prepared me for the sheer brilliance of her live performance.
As she graced the stage to a rapturous welcome, dressed in an enchanting, almost fairy-like dress, she effortlessly seized the audience’s attention. With her guitar in hand, she proceeded to deliver a breathtaking performance that left everyone in awe.
Hannah’s set was a mesmerizing display of raw, blues-infused rock. Her voice, boasting remarkable range and power, evoked echoes of Janis Joplin, both spellbinding and bittersweet. Her guitar prowess was equally captivating, complementing her infectious, soaring melodies. Throughout her performance, she held the audience in her hand, their voices mingling with hers in harmony.
It’s abundantly clear to me and anyone else that was at this show that Hannah is an immensely gifted artist, and I am eagerly anticipating her future endeavors. I wholeheartedly urge everyone to discover and experience her music.
Song Of The Night – Witness
SET LIST
1/ Hell in the Hallway
2/ Hide and Seek
3/ Witness
4/ The Prize
5/ Shadow Boxes and Porcelain Faces
6/ Songbird Sing
7/ Can’t Get Enough
8/ Mama Said
9/ Intervention
10/ Dark Passenger
11/ Sun to Sun
12/ Bomb Through the Breeze
Encore:
13/ Strawberry Moon
FOLLOW HANNAH WICKLUND
FOLLOW HUNNI BUZZ
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
