Interview with Hannah Schzde

Hannah Schzde (“Sheez-dae”) is a singer/songwriter and violinist born and raised in Mexico City. Rhythmic and complex, her melodic style reflects her love of dance.

Hannah draws the majority of her musical inspiration from her roots and culture, leaning heavily onto percussive rhythms, “protestor spirit” and colorful visual metaphors that blur lines between reality and imagination.

Hannah is no stranger to the stage, as she’s performed as violinist for different ensembles and bands at prestigious Boston venues such as The Middle East, Sally O’Briens, Once, The Canopy Room, Makeshift Boston, Oberon, and The Sinclair.

When Hannah isn’t performing, she’s teaching. “In the last few years I have discovered my love for teaching and my abilities as an educator. As a person who struggled a lot in the classroom, I strongly believe that no student should be left behind. I put a lot of focus on working with each of my student’s individual strengths and abilities and I cater to their specific necessities and learning skills,” Hannah says. Another hobby of hers is growing and taking care of plants. She runs an urban gardening Instagram blog called Create Life Not Trash where she shares tips on everyday eco-friendly practices and garden updates.

Getting to know Hannah

Do you sing in the shower? What songs?

I sing in the shower pretty much every single time. I can usually be heard jamming to “No Me Queda Más” by Selena, “Rain On Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, “My Shot” from Lin Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” and “Planetary (GO!)” by My Chemical Romance, or to whichever song I’m obsessed with at the moment.

What was the last thing you dressed up as for fancy dress?

The fanciest attire I’ve worn lately is the 2-piece sequin outfit I wore at the photo shoot for my new single “Shine”.

What makes you nostalgic?

There are a few particular things that make me extremely nostalgic: Mexican food and the music by The Beatles and The Carpenters.

What do you think the greatest invention has been?

Definitely music in all its forms. Music is not only a key aspect of pretty much every culture and tradition, but it is also a means for healing and social change. Music doesn’t only propel neurological connections and emotional development, but it also reconnects human beings with their most organic self and with their soul.

Do you have any lucky items, objects, or traditions?

I do! A few traditions I have are part of my Mexican heritage, for example setting up a Día de Muertos altar, but some others are just traditions that my family made up through the years, for example, every holiday season we listen to specific records such as “The White Album” by The Beatles and “Songs of Joy and Peace” by Yo-Yo Ma. However, over time I’ve also created my own rituals and traditions such as wearing a certain perfume for an important performance or event or taking a moment to set my current goals and intentions while “recharging my crystals” during a full moon.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

I describe my music as eclectic indie-pop because it draws elements from different genres such as pop, EDM, latin, folk, concert music and some indie/alt rock.

What led you to become a music artist and what advice can you give to others aspiring to make a hit?

I think it was just natural and inevitable that I would choose music as my career since I grew up surrounded by music and studying different forms of performing arts from ballet, hula, and modern dance to piano and violin performance. I was the kind of kid who would throw bedroom performances in front of the mirror, dreaming that one day I would perform on stage for a big crowd, which is something I’ve already had the opportunity to do a few times. Even though my path as a solo artist is just beginning to take flight, a piece of advice that I would like to give to anyone pursuing a musical career is to always listen to your heart. Your intuition will tell you where to go and what to do to reach your goals. If there is something you want to do or be a part of, follow that call and don’t allow any obstacles to stop you or distract you from your goal.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

Something I would love to change about the music industry is the age stigma that comes with it, especially for female artists. Talent, dedication and passion are ageless and there shouldn’t be a time or age limit by which an artist should achieve certain milestones. Every individual artist has its own unique pace and path to follow and life is just too long to set a “sell by” age.

What sets your music apart? What is unique, or at least uncommon?

I think what sets my music apart is that it cannot be put inside any specific box, which is also a reflection of my personal identity. My music makes you wonder if it is supposed to be pop, salsa, or perhaps something you might hear at an underground music club. I like to pick the characteristic elements of my favorite genres, recreate them in my own way, and mix them together to create a sound that invites the listener to dance and enjoy but also ponder about the message behind the lyrics.

Who are your main musical influences?

My influences are as diverse as the genres I mix together in my music. When talking about latin rhythms I would say my main influences are Selena, Celia Cruz, Bacilos and Mexican rock bands such as Panteon Rococo and Los De Abajo. My pop influences include Lady Gaga, Arianna Grande, Hozier, ABBA, The Carpenters and Cher. Some of my more alternative influences are goth violinist Emilie Autumn, indie-rock bands Mother Mother and Fleet Foxes, and some pop punk and post-hardcore bands such as My Chemical Romance, The Used and Circa Survive. If you listen closely to my music you might hear different elements inspired by these and more bands and artists.

Are you planning any videos for your music?

Yes! Currently, I’m editing the music video for my latest single “Shine” which I had the opportunity to film outdoors in Tampa, Florida, back in February.

When you create music, what is your personal purpose or goal?

When I create music my personal goal is to provide a means of catharsis not only for myself but also for the listener by communicating my thoughts and feelings in a way that the audience can also feel identified.

Where was your current project recorded?

My latest single “Shine”, as well as my previous single “Will Let You Go”, were both recorded at my home studio setup which I was able to put together and improve during the COVID-19 lockdown.