Goth-rockers Hana Piranha prepare to release their explosive new album, Waiting To Burn, on March 22nd (2019) via Fourglove Records.

The album is full of fast-burning energy from the offset. Each track on the album overflows with raucous guitar riffs, pounding drum beats and snarling vocals from leading anti-heroine Hana Maria (violin/vox). Hana’s vocal pierces through the fierce musicality effortlessly, sounding akin to the likes of Juliette Lewis or Garbage’s Shirley Manson. Hana Piranha are a band that breach genre with their use of traditionally classical instrumentation, such as violin and harp, in a hard rock setting. Hana’s razor sharp violin licks are undeniably impressive, enabling that band to create a sound that is both dark and tantalising. Talking about the album, Hana elaborates “Waiting To Burn conceptually follows the story of a witch being burned at the stake. It ties into common themes explored in previous albums – of being both the architect and victim of your own downfall.”

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Hana Piranha about the new project, technology, challenges and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

I have a lot of darkness and pain inside me that can only be expressed through snarling vocals, minor chords and distorted guitars.

What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?

I was a musician before I was a songwriter – until I was about seventeen I was exposed to nothing but classical music. Then I discovered rock music for the first time and it provided an outlet for all the pain and isolation I felt growing up. For a long time, I felt that writing songs was the only way people would really hear me. I’m very shy and introverted but I’m at my most comfortable when I’m on stage singing.

Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?

I still like the same music as I did ten years ago when I first got into music with words. I go in phases of listening to bands but I know I’m really into a band when I go in phases of their albums. Bands I would include on that list are PJ Harvey, Placebo and Nine Inch Nails. My music tastes have expanded in the last few years and I listen to a variety of more mainstream artists, such as Lana del Rey.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

My sole purpose in making music is to exorcise my demons. 

What was the last song you listened to?

“Why D’Ya Do It” by Marianne Faithfull. The line “you just tore all our kisses right in half” always leaves a lump in my chest.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

MP3s simply because I’m always on the go. If I was at home more I’d probably invest in a vinyl player and start a collection.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I enjoy Spotify because I have lots of friends who make great playlists on there, which helps me discover awesome new music.

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?

I struggle with the sheer amount of personal interaction that musicians are expected to go through these days in order to build their fanbase up. I’m a very introverted person and even responding to messages can often feel like an insurmountable task.

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?

We do our best to keep our website updated and I’m active on Instagram and Facebook. However, the best place is Patreon (www.patreon.com/hanapiranha) where you pay a subscription of your choice and hear exclusive or early workings of tracks. Making a band work financially is a hard task and this is the best way to help us.

Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?

I’m currently also working on a solo harp album called “Wednesday’s Child” which I will be releasing later in the year.