King Hannah

Name, where are you from?
Hannah Merrick, North Wales.
Craig Whittle, Liverpool.

Describe your style in three words?
H: Comfortable, comfortable, comfortable.
C: Practical, practical, practical.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
We were both blown away the first time we went to see Courtney Barnett in Manchester. She just controlled the stage and had the crowd in the palm of her hand, and she’s one of the best guitarists we have ever seen.

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
There are so many bands! Let’s go with Yo La Tengo and Smog, in some sweaty '90s underground basement somewhere.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
C: When I was younger I was definitely influenced by the whole Beat Generation of writers, the Kerouacs and Kygers, who all taught me to look at the world as this place that was open to everyone if you wanted it enough.
H: I'm hugely influenced by the '90s DIY subculture, in particular, fashion, music and culture magazines that pushed boundaries such as The Face and Dazed & Confused. I love every single thing about them, from their controversial photoshoots, unheard of talent, independent approach and attitude. Photographers shot artists for who they were, in their natural habitat, and I love them for that. So many of my artistic choices today stem from this time.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
That's a tough one! Maybe George Harrison, it would be great to talk to a Beatle and he’s the best, most loveliest one. Would love to have a cup of tea and eat some shortbread with him. Plus he’s really handsome.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
Maybe The Lexington in London. That was our first-ever sold out show, and will always be special to us for that reason. It had the perfect balance of being a big room but also feeling intimate. The crowd were up against the stage, it was mad!

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Vic Chesnutt. He had such a difficult life but made the most raw, honest and beautiful music. He is one of the best songwriters ever.

King Hannah recently released their debut LP 'I'm Not Sorry, I Was Just Being Me' on City Slang. Listen, purchase or stream it via kinghannah.lnk.to/ImNotSorry.