Hannah Ashcroft releases new EP 'Start Again'

Auckland's Hanna Ashcroft (formerly known as Hannah Grace) has re-emerged earlier this year after a long break from music to show off her lush take on R&B with "Everywhere". Today, she unveils her debut EP Start Again.

"I released my first body of work when I was much younger and so life was different and the way I saw life was different. Then I went down a folk journey which I discovered wasn’t me pretty quick, but it’s taken a long time for me to find my voice, and if I’m being honest my self."

The EP features 3 original tracks and 3 stripped back versions with delicate production by Andreas Arianto. It was recorded over 6 weeks in Bali as Hanna explains, "We recorded the track in a friends bedroom in Bali which was actually really comforting. It felt like home so had no pressure. It was already set up with recording equipment so it all worked out really well. It gave us the space to take our time with the recording, to experiment, and also gave me a really supportive environment to express and create. I am really grateful for the whole experience."

The EP showcases Hanna's soulful vocals as she tackles themes of breakups, travel, fragility and strength while drawing influence from the likes of Otis Redding, Joyra Smith and Charlotte Cardin. 

"The recording process was an emotional rollarcoaster. I guess because I was sort of healing through the experience while creating it. Some days I felt strong, some days sad, some days angry. I also reworked the lyrics quite a bit so it was nice having the space to just play and not be too restricted with time." 

Listen to ‘Start Again’ here: