Cairns-born and Brisbane-based Hannah Karydas, in many ways, mirrors the often-repeated trajectory that many young singer/songwriters take – is gifted an acoustic guitar at a very young age, begins writing songs when their teen-influences begin to wear thin and drawing a lot of inspiration from their parents’ record collection.
What many of these don’t have, however, is the unique vision and drive Karydas possesses.
Still only 18, Karydas is essentially an old soul with a remarkable outlook on the ever-changing face of the music industry. She has already travelled the world, played all over the UK, and contributed vocals to US trip-hop outfit DJ Unwind. She has also attracted the attention of some fine industry luminaries such as Ian Haug (Powderfinger) and Robin Waters (The Boat People) to assist her in honing her own sound for her debut ‘experiments’.
The accolades have quickly piled up, impressive for such a young performer yet to have an official release – she’s played Fretfest, Woodford Folk Festival and London’s Spice of Life, a room once frequented by a young Cat Stevens. She has been acknowledged in British media as one of the best and brightest – she went so far as to fake an English accent to receive airplay on BBC Radio Oxford, easily an insight to the unconventional sass she naturally exudes.
Growing up in far North Queensland then moving to the city has enhanced Hannah’s growth as both a thoughtful lyricist and innovative musician. Her parents were integral in introducing her to a healthy diet of the greats – Springsteen, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Carole King and Mazzy Star. Even now as a wide-eyed teenager, Karydas’ top five albums reads like a list of the absolute finest records to ever be produced by singer/songwriters around the globe. However, the artist has two feet firmly planted in the present and an eye definitely on the future.
And what does the future hold? Well, she’s currently working on a debut release with Robin Waters, the first result of which is a stunning track called Scrutinize, one she also created a self-made video for, going miles to show the breadth of talent in Hannah Karydas. Rest assured and watch this space – there is much more where that came from.
Hannah is one of a stellar line-up at this weekend’s Wood Fired Sounds, the first such event for the year at the Treehouse on Belongil – other artists include: Tori Lee, Ash Bell, Heartworn Highway and Jaywalker who will spin tunes until late.
Warm your cockles and other places from 3pm at the Treehouse – Byron Bay.
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