Veronika Hanl - Where Do We Go (Single) + 10 Questions
Award-winning Austrian composer and producer Veronika Hanl shares the music video for her captivating track 'Dancing in Nylon', out now. She also shares her brand new single 'Where Do We Go', out now also.
Featuring vocals from singer, songwriter, dancer and collaborator Julia Romana, 'Dancing in Nylon' exudes sensuality from the very first note. Reminiscent of a hopeful dream sequence, Veronika's euphoric instrumentals paired with Julia's sultry voice makes for a truly heavenly slice of left-field alt-pop. Written during lockdown, Veronika's aim was to create something that people could dance to. The music video also stars and is choreographed by dance coach and choreographer Jenny Stones.
Veronika says, "I played around with some basic chord ideas on the piano, and used an old drum loop and guitar loops we recorded in the studio previously. I sent the basic structure and chord ideas to Julia and asked her to create some vocals and lyrics on top. I love working with Julia - we just understand each other when creating music, and what kind of vibe we are after. Julia got back to me with the lyrics within a couple of hours and just came together perfectly."
Speaking of the track, Julia says, "I felt a very airy vibe when listening to Veronika’s instrumental so I tried to let myself fall into that mood as much as possible. When I first heard the instrumental I could picture a dancer in my head. A woman, euphorically spinning around in a room, carefree, feeling really good and sexy in her body.”
Veronika sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
My dad, being a musician himself by playing the flute and saxophone in big bands and orchestras for decades, always encouraged me and my sisters to learn instruments. All three of us started of with the recorder, but I soon switched to the clarinet. He definitely played a big role in me developing a massive love for music, I loved hearing him play in the house, or just playing along/ improvising around a tune. Training in classical music made me soon realise that of course I wanted to become a musician, but also write my own music. At the age of 14 I began to teach myself the piano and guitar, and I wrote my first piece for piano soon after. Around that age I just became obsessed with film and music, soundtracks and music for games. I just wanted to write and produce music for media, so I decided to study composition and music production.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future? I do have a couple of favourite composers but not really a favourite artist. Im a massive fan of Thomas Newman and James Newton Howard, Hans Zimmer, Rachel Portman, Justin Hurwitz to just name a few. Music Production wise I don’t have a favourite artist - for me its all about the vocals, the vocal arrangement, the sound of the voice itself and the production in general. Soon when I started writing for film I always had the urge to add vocals in some capacity - as a layer, as the top melody or as a weird sounding texture in the background. When I listen to artists and their music now I immediately start to analyse the vocal production. I literally listen to everything, ranging from Reggae to Pop, Indie, Dancehall, Afro beats, Rap, HipHop, music from the 60s, Rnb, literally everything apart from Heavy Metal :) But I think to be honest if there is an artist I would love to work with its someone with a voice like Mahalia Jackson had, someone with a similar voice like hers for example Tom Jones, or Jennifer Hudson must be absolutely amazing to work with.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I produced Julia Romana’s upcoming album, which is coming out very soon. There is some other things in the works at the moment, other singers I started to work with and other projects in the pipeline which I will be sharing soon - it is a very exciting time for me right now!
4. How would you describe your sound?
Very atmospheric and cinematic, a lot of vocal textures, dreamy with a bit of an edge to it.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I would say Dancing in Nylon and making the video to it has definitely been a highlight, but also assisting on the Apple TV show ‘Roar’ starring Nicole Kidman was a massive experience.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Never give up. Being in the music industry is very hard and I sympathise with everyone who tries to make a career in it. I think what keeps me going is my drive for music in general, also even tough I am quite an impatient woman I have learned to become more patient and calm with how things develop in my career. There is no plan A or B or a blueprint to how to become successful in this business, you just gotta stay content and find your own path in the game.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Julia Romana of course :) , Celine Love, Joe Taylor, Amindi, Amaarae, Bilderbuch and Melvitto.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Latest works of Melvitto, Wizkid, Doja Cat, Rosalia, L.A.X, Florence and the machine and Bilderbuch.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I’ve recently fallen back in love with dancing - I’m doing a course in Heels, and Twerk and Latin. It really helps me to cope with stressful situations and is a great and fun workout. I also love to box, to read or listen to audiobooks and to cook. Apart from that I am a social bee and love to be around family and friends as much as I can.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Coffee, comfy pants, and good speakers!