It would take more than a pandemic to stop the world from celebrating International Women’s Day. Indeed, this year themes of equality and inclusivity were once again championed in countries all across the globe.
This is despite the fact that the world looked a lot different just 12 months ago – something that no one knows better than Hannah Featherstone. After all, this talented singer-songwriter played a very influential role when she performed on stage for International Women’s Day 2020 at the Zenith in Paris.
During a well-attended event, Featherstone sang and talked alongside other speakers and artists to promote their commitment to creating a more just, caring and responsible society. That same night, however, it was announced that due to the coronavirus outbreak concert halls were closing across France.
The music fell silent. Thankfully, it would continue in other ways, but for many artists the thrill of performing live was put on hold indefinitely.
This surely must have hit Featherstone hard, especially since she had previously expressed how liberating it is for her to be on stage. In an interview with All Access Music in 2017, she said: “I’m happiest when I feel a sense of complete ease and freedom on stage and in the studio.” She added: “Nothing really beats that.”
Featherstone might have to wait just a little longer for the chance to perform in front of a live crowd, but there’s nothing to stop people from enjoying her unique sound at home. Indeed, for many, it’s probably been the perfect medicine to get them through the tough times.
This will hopefully provide some comfort for the budding artist, who by all accounts has been consumed by music since she was just a child. Born in England but raised largely in France, Featherstone studied classical piano from an early age. It must’ve helped that she was brought up in a family of musicians and in an environment where her passion could be nurtured.
Things progressed quite naturally for Featherstone and by her teenage years she was involved in songwriting and composition. The fact that she could speak both English and French was only a positive. In an interview in 2017, she explained that being bilingual gave her more freedom when it came to putting pen to paper.
She told Music Musings and Such:
“I have a tendency to mix and match expressions from both languages. Although it could be seen as a hindrance to writing lyrics, I think it probably means I can play around with expressions and ideas a little more – by tapping into the other language.”
Featherstone’s first solo album arrived in 2011. It gave the world a great taste of what she could offer the music industry with an array of enchanting piano-led songs. This eclectic style has been celebrated ever since, with new music going on to feature sounds associated with jazz, soul and alternative pop.
In the years that followed Featherstone would go on to release further music, including the 2018 album Word Bound. It featured 12 alluring tracks, including songs such as As I Am, Milk and Honey, and What’s In A Name. There was more than enough for fans and critics to enjoy.
In particular, the single Solo has proven to be particularly popular. The music video on YouTube hasn’t just been watched thousands of times but is also passionately praised in the comments section. One viewer has written: “This is such a beautiful song! The melody, the beat, the voice.”
It appears that it’s Featherstone herself – just as much as her music – that really resonates with fans. Those who listen don’t seem to just be taken in by the songs, but also by the woman behind them. This, of course, must be very fulfilling for the artist. After all, she’s previously been rather open about how much of herself she puts into the song-writing process.
During an interview with Music Existence in 2017, she said: “I’m a firm believer in staying true to yourself and producing music that’s genuine. We’re all unique and I believe that the most successful artists are those who tap into their quirks and particularities.”
Featherstone clearly isn’t afraid to put herself out there. This was best seen when she appeared on the French version of The Voice in 2019. During the ‘blind audition’ she belted out a heart-stopping rendition of Feeling Good by Nina Simone. It was arguably one of the defining moments of the entire show. The video of this moment can be found on YouTube and has more than two million views!
During the audition, Featherstone looked in her element. She was clearly very comfortable and had a well-deserved faith in her abilities. This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, especially when you consider the extensive experience she has performing in front of crowds in places like France, Germany and the UK.
This includes numerous spots on festival lines-up. Over the years people have had the pleasure of watching her in action at events such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Bath International Music Festival.
These events will surely come calling once again – and there’s no doubt that Featherstone will jump at the chance to work her magic in front of fans. Until then, her music is still available to download and stream through numerous platforms. The artist is also active on several social media for people who want an alternative glimpse into her life.
In the meantime, she remains involved in a project called Sounds Like Women. Headed up by singer-songwriter Luiza Staniec, it works to fight issues most pressing to women across the world. It sees artists writing, recording and releasing songs inspired by real stories of women, with a focus on problems such as domestic abuse, racial bias and inequality. In this regard, it seems fitting to already look ahead to next year’s International Women’s Day. Featherstone has had such a prominent role on the occasion in the past and we can only expect she’ll help us all celebrate again when it swings back around in March 2022