Photo Credit: Jen Squires
- Artist Name: Lynne Hanson
- Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
What project(s) are you currently working on?
I’m in the process of launching my latest album “Just Words,” which is out February 7th. We’ve got tour dates planned for 2020 which will be taking me across North America and to Europe.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
I’ve been in love with words for as long as I can remember and always wanted to be a writer. I started playing music professionally in 2000 as a side person in my boyfriend’s band. I did that for about five years, touring in Canada and really taking care of all the business. I had just started writing my own songs when we split up, so that kind of launched my “solo” career as well as about three albums’-worth of heartbreak songs.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
If I weren’t a full-time musician I’d be a zookeeper. Preferably at a zoo with giant pandas. In fact, my dream job outside of music would be to be a panda nanny. If any of your readers have connections, I’d really like to hang out with baby pandas for a day.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
I don’t have a ton of downtime, so when I do I like to completely zone out. Which usually involves watching some kind of sports. NFL, NBA, tennis. Anything that involves humans attempting to out duel other humans at some organized game with a ball.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
Phoebe Waller-Bridge. I secretly want to be a stand-up comedian and have so much respect for people who can make other people laugh. I binge-viewed every season of “Fleabag” as soon as it was released, so I would love to have dinner as I’m guessing it would be incredibly entertaining to hang out. For a crush that would be less about the talking, I’d have to say Chris Hemsworth.
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
I’m Canadian, so of course I have a favourite NHL team. Which would be the Montreal Canadians. Or whoever the Boston Bruins are playing against (sorry Bruins fans). I’m less picky with the NFL, though I do own an Indianapolis Colts t-shirt.
What is the last movie that you watched?
“The Aftermath.” I fly a lot, so I watched it on the plane. I liked the film but was a little disappointed with the ending as I thought she … oh wait, I better not spoil it for your readers in case they haven’t seen it yet.
What is the last album you listened to?
Patty Griffin’s latest self-titled album. She’s one of my songwriting heroes and probably had the biggest impact on my writing style of anyone I’ve listened to. There’s something magical about the way she weaves lyrics and melodies together that I can never get enough of.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That’s a tough question. If I had to pick just one it would have to be “Written In Chalk” by Buddy and Julie Miller. I was given a copy of that album by a DJ in Holland, and I think I wore it out because I listened to it so much. I love an album that plays like a great set list. There’s such great variety, and the songwriting is epic. I also think Julie Miller singing “Don’t Say Goodbye” is the saddest song I’ve ever heard.
What is the greatest country song of all time?
Well I’m a sucker for a good murder ballad, so I’m going to go with “Long Black Veil” by Lefty Frizzell. It has a wronged lover, heartbreak, and miscarriage of justice. The perfect trifecta for a country song.
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
I love Austin. It’s got such a great music scene, but to me it still has a small town feel that makes me feel really at home whenever I’m there. Plus, I had my first ever brisket taco in Austin, which just may be the best thing I’ve ever eaten at 2am.
What is your favorite meal?
I’m a big fan of the all-day-breakfast. Which isn’t all that fancy, I know. So I’m going to change my answer to all things curry, as long as I have at least two hours before I have to sing.
Who is your dream duet partner?
Jason Isbell. I just have so much respect for him as a songwriter. I love a great groove and melody, but I think words sometimes get overlooked these days. I think he’s really making the art of the lyric relevant again so he would definitely be my dream duet partner.
Who would you like to go on tour with?
Jason Isbell, for the reasons above. So if his management is reading this, I’m available.
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
At the end of the day I hope my songs are around after I’m long gone. As a songwriter, the greatest compliment is when someone else covers a song you’ve written. So while it’s great to be able to make a living in this life, I’d love to leave this one having left behind songs that were relevant enough to live on.