Hannah Scott - Absence Of Doubt (2024) Hi-Res

Suffolk-born, London based contemporary Folk singer Hannah Scott is set to captivate the music world once again with the release of her new album Absence of Doubt on October 25th. This is her third studio album and her first release since her acclaimed 2023 EP Ancient Lights.

The album marks a new chapter in Hannah's career; co-produced with acclaimed engineer/producer Adrian Hall (known for his work with Tori Amos and Anna Calvi), it features an impressive line-up of musicians, including Geoff Holroyde (Feeder) on drums, Matt Aston (Lucy Spraggan) on bass and guitarist George Boomsma (Katherine Priddy). Hannah recorded the piano parts at home on her upright Yamaha U3, whilst the vocals were recorded in her wardrobe! Speaking about the new album, Hannah explains, “The album encapsulates the very best and very worst of human emotions, including love, parenthood, and grief. Despite everything, the songs embody a yearning for life, even in its darkest moments.”

Born in Suffolk and raised by an artist mother and an eccentric entertainer father (who raised a family of five by teaching people to play cards), with music going back three generations to her songwriting great-grandmother, creativity was always destined to be an integral part of Hannah’s life. At the age of four, her father bought her a second hand piano for £70 from a friend in the pub and she didn’t look back, falling in love with listening and playing classical music and then picking up the guitar in her early teens as the influence of her peers and more contemporary music took hold.

The best stories elicit profound personal reactions and in the 15 years she has been writing and performing, Hannah has become a consummate storyteller. Her music is shaped by human stories, with family, in all its chaos and glory, sitting at the heart of her work. Her lyrics are powerful, poignant, and passionate, and her voice feels strangely familiar, though you can't quite pinpoint why.

Absence Of Doubt explores a diverse array of themes rooted in highly personal yet universal experiences. The album delves into the nature of love, the challenges and acceptance of life's hardships, the celebration of ageing, the complex dynamics of family relationships and dealing with loss of a close family member. It also touches on the joy of finding new love and defying traditional gender and familial roles. Each track creates a rich tapestry of human emotion and connection. 'Love You Like I Did' expresses love for her step-children, emphasising that love transcends biological ties; 'San Francisco' is a tribute to her late father's favourite city, capturing his final visit there; whilst 'Lines' challenges negative perceptions of ageing, celebrating growing older as a gift.

Hannah’s career is decorated with notable milestones that underscore her talent and dedication. Her song "No Gravity" was featured on the hit TV series Grey's Anatomy, and she has graced the airwaves with plays across the BBC and a live session on BBC Radio 2’s Dermot O'Leary show. Hannah has also shared the stage with folk icons such as Seth Lakeman, Cara Dillon, and Fairport Convention, and has performed at esteemed festivals including Cambridge, Sidmouth, and Manchester Folk. Whether performing in grand venues or intimate settings, Hannah cherishes the direct connection with her audience, valuing the heartfelt exchanges that follow her performances.

Absence Of Doubt is a testament to Hannah Scott's evolution as an artist. The album’s intricate melodies and eloquent lyrics are sure to secure her place as one of contemporary folk’s most compelling voices.