Fresh Find - Hannah Bethel
- Freshly Brewed Country
- Oct 27, 2015
- 5 min read
We are happy to announce the talented Hannah Bethel as our latest Fresh Find here at Freshly Brewed Country!
Hannah Bethel grew up on country music and classic rock in the backwoods of Northern Michigan. She spent most of her teenage years traveling the Upper Midwest performing original music at fairs, bars, talent shows, coffee houses, shopping malls and country and western shows. Hannah self-released her first record at 17 and the following year she moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
Hannah completely immersed herself in the Nashville songwriting and business community. In 2010 she self-released her second record, No Stopping, Standing, Parking, which was recorded at Ricky Skagg’s studio, Skagg’s Place in Hendersonville, TN. Several of the tracks from No Stopping, Standing, Parking were featured in independent films and television shows.
In 2011, Hannah connected with producer, Andy Sheridan, who is currently touring with Hunter Hayes, and the two started work on what would be Hannah’s third studio project, The Freedom EP. This record brings Hannah’s catchy, unique sound into full light; traditional country music with a quirky, organic pop twist. The Freedom EP sparked worldwide attention and rave reviews for Hannah. She received acclaim from such renowned music industry critics as Robert Oermann, “She has a very cool Appalachian vocal style. The upbeat tune is produced perfectly with plenty of open spaces between the fiddle, dobro and steel lines… The accomplished singing is as impressive as the fact that she wrote or co-wrote all five of the EP’s fine songs.”
The Freedom EP also caught the ear of manager, Rikk Feulner. Hannah and Rikk began working together in late 2012 and have taken huge strides in spreading Hannah’s music throughout the USA, UK, Europe and Japan. Hannah’s debut single, No Where Left to Roam received airplay across the US as well as Europe. Hannah’s music videos for No Where Left to Roam (created by J Bryan Dill and Hannah Bethel), Medicine (created by Kylie Harris and Hannah Bethel) and If I Don’t Love You Anymore (Hannah Bethel, Jessica Frech and Tracy Facelli) have received airplay on The Country Network, ZUUS Country, The Nashville Network, GACtv.com, CMT.com and hundreds of retail outlets across the US. Medicine reached #11 on the country radio chart in Belgium. The Freedom EP was named Independent Country Album of the Year on Examiner.com.
Hannah is an avid writer and co-writer. She has written with some of Nashville’s finest songwriters, from big names to newcomers. One of those newcomers is Momentum Label Group artist, Rachele Lynae. Hannah had her first song cut in 2013 with Rachele’s sophomoric single, Fishin’ For Something, which received extensive radio play across the US, followed by another single of Rachele’s, Whole Lotta Nothing.
Hannah has spent the last year touring the United States, performing shows from Alaska to New Jersey and everywhere in between. She has shared the stage with such artists as Joe Nichols, Rodney Atkins, Trisha Yearwood, Charlie Worsham, Buddy Jewell, Frankie Ballard, Canaan Smith, Nine Days and Leigh Nash. As one of CMA’s ‘Who New to Watch’ artist, Hannah’s newest record, Never Ending Sky, was co-produced with Brennin Hunt. Her sassy, pop-country single You Wanna Be My Man is getting great reviews from media and country radio.
Be sure to buy Hannah Bethel's music today.
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We know you want to know more about Hannah Bethel so be sure to check out our interview with her below.
FBC: What made you want to get involved in the country music world?
HB: I grew up on country music! My Momma used to play the great women of country around the house, and when I was in middle and high school I sang with a local country music jamboree. From the time I was 12 until I graduated from high school, I had a little quote that I cut out of American Songwriter magazine hanging in my locker that said, “Inside every good girl is a bad girl packing her bags and heading to Nashville”. I’ve always known that country music is where I belong.
FBC: What song is your favorite and why?
HB: This is like choosing between my babies! One of my favorite songs I’ve written is called “Come Back Down” from my new record, Never Ending Sky. I wrote it with Matt Vrba about a guy that I briefly dated who I never knew if he was gonna be high or not when we got together. I have had several people reach out to me to say that this song has helped them confront their addiction or cope with loving someone with an addiction. As a songwriter, these are the things that make it all worth while. Every day that I felt like I wasn’t accomplishing anything washes away and I know I am doing what I’m supposed to do on this planet.
FBC: What has been your favorite memory of your music journey so far?
HB: This is hard question. I have had many, many moments of gratitude, joy, laughter and terror in my journey. I’ve had long nights on the road by myself, hoping I wouldn’t get kidnapped (or adult napped?), I’ve played shows where my audience sang every word, I’ve played shows where I’m pretty sure my audience didn’t listen to a word. I’ve seen and felt a lot. One of my favorite memories that’s coming to mind right now, is running into a young fan of mine at the Walmart in hometown. She came up to me and said, “I thought that was you but then I thought, no way! She’s rich and famous, why would she shop at Walmart?” I just smiled and didn’t mention that I needed the rollbacks just as much as anyone.
FBC: Where do you get inspiration for your songs?
HB: Everything. My life. My friends' lives. I get a lot of great ideas when I’m driving or walking. Sometimes I cruise around just to see what comes to me.
FBC: What was the name of the first song you ever wrote and what was it about?
HB: The first song I wrote was called “Watch Me Fly.” I wrote it when I was 14 and it was about pursuing my dreams and never giving in. And also about not letting boys get in the way!
FBC: Who is your country music idol and why?
HB: Willie Nelson! He is my favorite. He is such a diverse artist yet he is always true to himself even when he’s exploring new territory. Something not easily accomplished!
FBC: If you could do a country duet with anyone who would it be and why?
HB: Willie. He is such a legend! And Dolly. OMG.
FBC: What are three fun facts about you that you want your fans to know?
HB: 1) I love to cook! I especially love experimenting with gluten free cooking and baking. Wheat does not agree with my body so I enjoy the challenge of creating something healthy and delicious. 2) I love being outside, hiking, camping, fishing and doing yoga. I plan on moving to the mountains as soon as I can. 3) I have the cutest beagle ever and his name is Jake.
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Stay up to date on the latest Hannah Bethel news by following her on social media.
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