SINGER-SONGWRITER HANNAH MAE DEFINITIVELY BROKE THROUGH WITH HER DEBUT ALBUM RODE DRAAD (COMMON THREAD). HOW DOES SHE WEAR HER SUCCESS, BOTH LITERALLY AND FIGURATIVELY? ‘I NEED TO BE ABLE TO DANCE AND JUMP AROUND IN MY OUTFITS!’
“Dreamy and country, that’s what I love. With cowboy boots to complete the ensemble, of course.”
She opened for Suzan & Freek in a sold-out Ziggo Dome. ‘That was great and left
me craving for more.’ She laughs, ‘I still remember exactly what I was wearing: a white, satin slip dress covered by a lace tunic top from Summum, my favourite item. I’m actually not sure if it’s even meant to be used as a tunic top, but I felt so good in it. Dreamy and country, that’s what I love. With cowboy boots to complete the ensemble, of course.’
Do her outfits influence her performance? ‘They certainly do. If I wear something I
don’t feel comfortable in, I immediately feel it when I’m singing. I need to be able to dance and jump around. And my skirts can’t be too short, because I love kicking while dancing.’ She adds with a laugh, ‘And I’m not looking to constantly flash my audience.’
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“Nashville breathes music; even the bar staff are fantastic singers”
Hannah Mae still lives in Emmen, where she was born. ‘It’s peaceful, which is very nice, especially with all the chaotic periods in my career.’ In other words, she does not plan on moving any time soon. Her dream location: Nashville. ‘The city breathes music; even the bar staff are amazing singers. Ideally, I’d like to perform in The Bluebird Cafe. Taylor Swift performed there early on in her career, all major country
stars have performed there.’ She already got a taste of the magic there during a writing trip. ‘I was allowed to quickly walk onto the stage with a writer, but I’d really like to play there someday, preferably with my own band.’
She does not aspire to the level of success Taylor Swift has achieved. ‘I have some idea now of what it means to be famous. I want to be able to lead a normal life and be at the centre of it. As long as I can stay close to my audience,
I can make music that reaches them.’