Veronika Hanl is an award-winning Austrian composer and producer specialising in film, games and television.
Coming from a background in classical music, she studied composition, music and sound production for media at the University of Applied Sciences in Salzburg and worked for a number of high-profile professionals in the music industry in Vienna. Since moving to London, she has been an assistant to RTS Craft Award winning Composer Dru Masters, on several TV series, as well as working with award-winning Composer Walter Mair on films and feature documentaries. She has scored award winning and nominated films which have showcased internationally, including the short, ‘Unter Toten – Among The Dead’ which won an award in the Category Best Soundtrack and Best Drama at the SoCal Clips Indie Film Fest in L.A., as well as Best Short at the Manchester Film Festival and at the Toronto International Film Awards. One of her latest works was writing additional music under award winning composer Isobel Waller-Bridge for the Apple TV series ‘Roar’, starring Nicole Kidman and Alison Brie.
Who inspired you to make music?
Definitely my dad! He plays the flute and used to play in orchestras and Big Bands during his teenage years and his twenties during his medical studies. I was always drawn to music, and my dad playing the flute around the house made me even more curious about learning instruments, how to read sheet music etc., and eventually to write and produce music myself. My parents have been super supportive when it comes to my music endeavours, so I am very grateful for that.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
A positive side is that it seems like everything is possible, and you can reach and communicate with your audience instantly. The market works differently now and with Apps like TikTok popping up, it’s changing constantly. The downside is tough that it’s super hard to get your music heard in this massive pool of digital music. There is so much music out there and streaming platforms don’t make it necessarily very easy to get your music heard. The trick is I think to make it work for yourself and adapt to it constantly, so it can work in your favour when you put something out there.
Have you got a ritual of sorts when making music?
Not really, I either just start on an idea as it’s already playing in my head or I play around with chords on the piano and add some textures, layers etc to it and build it up from there. Over the recent years I have learned to give myself regular breaks when creating music. It refreshes the ears and coming back to an idea after a couple of minutes break sparks even more ideas to add to the music.
How would you describe your music?
Alternativ & Acoustic, Atmospheric & Filmic, Soundtrack-like & dreamy.
What’s next for you?
There are a lot of exciting projects and business ideas on the horizon right now. I don’t want to give away too much yet, but it’s definitely a very creative, productive and collaborative time in my career, and I get approached a lot by work possibilities, which opens up new and exciting possibilities.
What are your top two favorite songs of all time? Why those songs?
Such a difficult question!! I would say Songs I can always listen to are:
Mahalia Jackson – Silent Night: first of all, her voice is just incredible! And her interpretation of this universal song is just absolutely stunning. But also, it reminds me of my grandma back home. Every year when I travel back to Austria for Christmas me and her would listen to that Song 100 times on full volume. Her voice just gets you in such a christmassy mood and I simply love Christmas and spending time with the whole family.
Second one: Whitney Houston – I will always love you. I am so drawn to vocals and her voice is just from another planet. Also, it’s a lovely arranged song with so much emotion in it, I could listen to it everyday.
What was the last series you watched on TV?
Topboy
What do you think the greatest invention has been?
Electricity
Do you have any lucky items, objects, or traditions?
I’ve got some rings I wear every day, they are family items from my grandma and mum, and I got them to wear for good luck.
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
Probably if all my hard work is worth it in the end – you just never know where life takes you!
If you had to describe yourself as a flavour, what would it be?
With this question I immediately think of food! I would say Malaga Ice Cream Flavour would be the best description for me. Made with rum, raisins & sweet wine – it’s perfect for a hot summer evening, as its sweet but has a kick and edge to it – very much like me 🙂
Veronika shares the music video for her captivating track ‘Dancing in Nylon‘, out now.
Featuring vocals from singer, songwriter, dancer and collaborator Julia Romana, ‘Dancing in Nylon’ exudes sensuality from the very first note. Reminiscent of a hopeful dream sequence, Veronika’s euphoric instrumentals paired with Julia’s sultry voice makes for a truly heavenly slice of left-field alt-pop. Written during lockdown, Veronika’s aim was to create something that people could dance to. The music video also stars and is choreographed by dance coach and choreographer Jenny Stones.
‘https://www.veronikahanl.com/
