"Shadow on the Wall"

Hannah, Snowdog Records
 
Estonia's most successful and respected singer-songwriter is releasing her huge new single 'Shadow on the Wall' here in the UK on November 23rd.

Hannah, Estonia’s biggest singing sensation, has ruled the charts in her homeland for more than a decade and her mantelpiece groans under the weight of awards. She has enjoyed massive record success on six albums and now residing in London she has collaborated with some of the hottest writers and producers, ready to make an imprint on the UK pop scene. The remixes by Bimbo Jones have already ensured this track has gone into the top 10 of the Club Charts.

The brand new single, released on November 16th, was written by Hannah and award-winning song writer Steve Booker, who was behind the huge international number one ‘Mercy’ for Duffy in 2008. The strong melodies and sing-a-long chorus of ‘Shadow on the Wall’ ensures it will be a big contender for the top spot this November.

"I loved working with Steve," Hannah revealed. "He has this, almost unusual, sense of rhythm that really brings a song to life. Shadow on the Wall is all about describing a moment when you're stuck in a situation and you're not sure how to get out of it. You know, those times when you want to move on but just can't let the past go."

It follows her huge club single ‘Keeping Score’ that lent itself to a great Bimbo Jones remix and Hannah is pleased to say Bimbo Jones and Riff & Rays are back on board to remix the brand new single.

It’s over ten years since Hannah’s blend of incisive ballads and savvy pop first made its mark. Her long reign has brought repeated recognition, including the republic’s Best Female Artist award on two occasions. Now the stakes are raised again and Hannah is in impressive company. The singer, writer and pianist has been composing and recording with some of the most in-demand sidemen in the business. The roll call includes Steve Robson, co-writer of Take That’s ‘Shine’, James Morrison’s ‘Undiscovered’ and ‘The Pieces Don’t Fit Anymore’, among others; Steve Booker, Grant Black, who wrote Liberty X’s ‘Song 4 Lovers’ and songs for Holly Valance, Peter Grant et al; and Peter-John Vettese, whose quarter-century-plus in the business includes credits with everyone from Annie Lennox to Carly Simon and Gary Barlow to Robin Gibb.

"This has been the greatest thing of all," said Hannah of working with such a cast of hitmakers. "They’re so talented and have so much to give. I was very afraid at the beginning. When I went to the studio with Steve Booker, it was my first collaboration ever. Before that I’d only written music by myself — even the family were never around. I was afraid that maybe nothing would come, maybe we wouldn’t be inspired, but it was so easy, and he was so friendly."

Hannah also intends to return to the live stage after a hugely successful UK tour late last year as special guest of Jason Donovan. That was a special treat. "I got to know British audiences," says Hannah, "which was a great opportunity because all the audiences are so different in other parts of the World. It was really warm and welcoming for me, I was so surprised and touched."

Born in 1981, Hannah was always marked out for a career in the business, joining Tallinn’s distinguished Children’s Music Studio (Lasteekraani Muusikastuudio) at three, and then the Estonian Radio Singing Studio at five. She joined the Tallinn Music School at seven and then the Estonian National TV Choir. With those years of rich experience under her belt as a vocalist and pianist, perhaps it was no surprise when she entered the Estonian Children’s Song Competition and won it, with her own composition, at a mere 13. By 16, Hannah was ready to leave the choir and start a career in music that ran alongside her media and advertising studies at university. Before long, she was reaping commercial rewards and plenty of awards too, including Best Dance Hit of 2001 at the Estonian Musical Awards with ‘Blinded’ which also went to number one in the US in 2002. She also achieved a hat-trick of victories over the years at the Estonian Golden Record Awards: Best Female Artist in both 2003 and 2005, and Best Album, also in 2005. Small wonder, then, that as such a great representative of the country’s cultural vibrancy, Hannah was named Estonia’s official Ambassador For Tourism. She lives in London these days, but visits home often.

"I’m very proud to come from Estonia. It’s beautiful, but quite undiscovered, and I’m looking forward to introducing people to the stunning countryside, the wonderfully rejuvenating health spas, the islands, the nature and our incredible history."

There’s also her work with IFAW, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, and is a dedicated fundraiser for children’s charities. But right now, Hannah’s sights are set squarely on one of the most exciting challenges of her career and she is ready to captivate the UK market with a fantastic track.

For more information on Hannah please contact Kate Chaundy of Quite Great Publicity on 01223 410000 or kate@quitegreat.co.uk