Meet
Hannah Anderson, your next girl crush originally hailing from Houston, Texas and currently residing in Los Angeles. She's a singer under the name "
Sister", composer, artist and model with an eclectic and unique sense of style that exudes self-confidence – so much so that we often find ourselves looking to her Instagram for inspiration. Aside from being something of a fashion icon, Hannah's music is delicate, thoughtful and honest. So naturally, we were very excited to be able to ask Hannah a few questions about her music, how it has changed her life, what her creative process looks like, and what we can expect from her in the near future.
Who is Hannah Anderson?
Hannah is a kind and generous person, she's is very sensitive, she LOVES love.
How are Hannah Anderson and Sister different? How are they the same?
They are one and the same. I wanted to have the name Sister to expand from just being Hannah. My brother came up with the name Sister and at first, I wasn’t into it, then like a year later I was like.. Wow. I’m Sister. It feels like me, I am a middle child, the peacekeeper, and wanted to have this name that felt very unifying.
What does sustainability mean to you?
Sustainability is more than just Eco-friendly shopping, clothing, recycling, etc. I've has been learning that it’s about how you’re living, how you’re treating your body, the space you’re living in, the people around you. Giving yourself the most optimal way of living and taking care of yourself. This way of life doesn’t happen overnight, it’s all a process.
When did you know you wanted to be a musician and how has music changed your life?
I always loved singing, but it wasn’t until I was 15 or 16, when I started learning the guitar and writing music that I knew. I realized that it was more than just sounding really nice, I could tell my story, I could share myself in a deeper way. That to me was very liberating. It’s helped me in becoming more open and vulnerable.
How would you describe your personal style, and are you still experimenting with it or have you already established your style?
I would say my style is established in experimenting. I don’t like to set boundaries around what I would or wouldn’t wear, I like to stay open, but I also know what I like and sometimes tend to gravitate to what’s easy and what I’m already comfortable with.
What have been some of the greatest lessons you have learned since beginning your music career?
That it’s okay to fail. This has not been an easy lesson and I’m sure it’s one that will never end.
Can you share one of your favourite lyrics that you’ve written?
“I’m trying to find some solace but I’m wasting my time.” (from Fading Fast). It’s the idea of looking for something to the point where it drives you so crazy, then you stop looking for it, and you find it.
Where are your favourite places to shop or eat in Los Angeles?
I mainly shop at secondhand. I don’t discriminate against any thrift shops. I will go to the Salvation Army, Goodwill, any hole in the wall thrift shop, estate sales. It’s always like a treasure hunt! My favorite places to eat would be Pho Thai Town and Little Dom’s. I recently had Elena’s Greek Armenian in Glendale and it’s so delicious!! They have the best falafel plate.
If you had to recommend one place that readers should travel to, which would it be, and why?
I’ve been to London quite a few times, I really like it there. I would recommend that - it can be very charming. I’m originally from Houston, Texas, and I always recommend people visit there. The food is great, the people are nice, and it just feels good.
What does a typical day in the life look like for you?
Every day is different for me. I’d like to get into a nice routine, but haven’t quite achieved this yet. I usually start with a big cup of water, then too many cups of coffee, and then I just see where the day takes me. It's the worst way to take on a day because I don't feel that I get very much done. Somedays I make myself a nice set schedule though and that's always helpful.
As a musician and artist, there’s a sense that you need to be in a constant state of production and always showing new work. How do you keep yourself grounded?
There is that sense and especially with social media, it can feel like you have to just crank out work. But I say the best work is the work you take your time with unless of course, your style is working really quickly. I think it helps to not get in my head so much about what I’m doing. It also helps to disregard what other people are doing during the creative process, in the sense of not doing something because others are doing it, ignoring trends, etc. Putting my phone away or in a different room while I work also helps immensely.
What are you working on right now & what are you looking forward to in the near future?
I’m currently working on new music! I have a few songs finished and I’ll be recording them in the next few months. So I’m very much looking forward to that! I’ve been creating a lot more recently and I feel more me than I have in a long time, so I'm also looking forward to continuing this and keeping the momentum flowing for myself.
What does your creative process usually look like?
It always varies. Sometimes I can just sit down and write a song start to finish, sometimes I will sit and think I may never write a song again and wonder how I ever did it. I always make voice memos of melody ideas and lyric ideas then I’ll go through them and sometimes one of them will spark another idea. I like brainstorming lyrics and melody ideas when I’m driving.
Who or what are some of the influences you draw on in your music?
I always draw from the human condition. Emotions, interactions, love, tragedy, etc.
What is something you never leave the house without?
Chapstick. My favourite is Dr. Bronners Peppermint chapstick. Nothing works better.
We love your playful approach to clothing; what are some of the favorite pieces in your closet and why?
Thank you! I’ve been in Portland for the summer and the vintage here is so incredible! I’ve added a lot of bold floral pieces from the 1950s-1970s to my wardrobe. I’m excited to play around with these new looks and style them up. I have a beautiful denim coat from Elizabeth and James that has these bold semi-flared, cuffed sleeves that I really love.
What kind of silhouettes are you drawn to when putting together a look?
I was really drawn to boxy and bold shapes for a long time, but lately, I’ve loved really feminine and delicate shapes.
What item of clothing makes you feel most yourself?
I love vintage tees.
Who's a woman you admire?
My mom.
Your idea of happiness?
Peace of mind.
If not a musician, what would you be?
Possibly a psychologist, anthropologist, or chef. I’ve always been very interested in the human mind and why people do what they do. But I also love food and love cooking.
What is your present state of mind?
Content.
What is the strangest thing you believed in as a child?
I watched a movie about the rapture (The coming of Christ in the end times) when I was around 8 or 9, that night a huge storm hit and my house got flooded, I was sure that I was left behind and the rapture had happened. A horrible moment for me.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee.
What do you do in your free time?
Yoga, eat, watch movies.
@urfavesister
