While an ongoing pandemic might prevent creative performances on a live stage, there’s no keeping local artists down as they continue to make the best of a tough situation.
One more young musician who is making waves during lockdown is Hannah Anderson, a Grade 11 student at Fort Frances High School who is releasing her first original song “Where Ever You Are” as a single very soon.
“I wrote it and I got to work with a singer-songwriter named Alyssa Scott about a month ago,” Anderson said.
“I finally got to finish it so I’m pretty excited about that. I haven’t recorded it yet, but it’s going to be coming out in a few weeks. I’m going to the studio this coming week.”
Anderson is certainly no stranger to the stage and recording music. She has taken part in performances at the high school, including past musical revues and on her Facebook page “Hannah Song Covers” she has shared more than a dozen songs she has recorded with the help of Maverick Judson of MJ Interactive. However, her upcoming song marks the first recording she has done of her own original work.
Anderson reflected on what made now the right time to record an original song and how she came to collaborate with another performer.
“I decided to write a song about these tough times because right now it is tough,” she said.
“[Alyssa] DM’ed me and she saw some of my song covers and she wanted to collaborate. We got on the phone to talk about some of our music. It was cool.”
Anderson said her goal for this year is to complete an entire album of original songs, something she’s gotten a head start on with her upcoming single, along with a music video to complete the package. She’s also planning on going away to school for music as well. Past that, however, she’s set her eyes a little bit higher.
“It’s always been my dream to go on Broadway, I’d love to do a Broadway show,” she said.
When it comes to making music, Anderson said it’s something that makes her happy by helping to make others happy.
“I’ve always liked singing,” she said.
“So many people admire my music and I really appreciate that. I love putting a smile on others faces. If I can make someone else feel happy, that’s really all that matters. We’re in a tough time and music is something that’s good for people, it helps them.”
For now, Anderson will continue to make her music in her home town, with a little help from her friends like Scott and Jordynne Brown, another local performer with her eyes set skyward. In the future, though, there’s no telling how far her passion and hard work will bring her.
