Hannah May: Salt Lake's Newest Manic-Pixie-Dream Artist
Hannah May, Salt Lake City’s very own ‘Ophelia’, describes her otherworldly electronic music as “danceable depression”. This native Utahn is new to the local music scene, but her vocals and dream pop production signals talent. Along with her uptempo sound, Hannah writes emotionally unapologetic and dark lyrics, creating a wonderful juxtaposition in sound. Her music is reminiscent of The Smiths and Kate Bush.
During her childhood, Hannah played the cello, but her nasty inner critic caused her to abandon music. Hannah went on to struggle with depression and stopped playing instruments altogether. Then two years ago, she decided to pick up the guitar and music became a positive emotional outlet. Hannah notes that writing music solely on the guitar has been disheartening, but learning music production allows her to navigate the songwriting process quicker. Along with her guitar and computer, Hannah translates depression, sexuality, and femininity into an entrancing musical experience.
Currently, this dream-pop darling has two upbeat, but ghostly songs on her SoundCloud; ‘sinking fast’ and ‘like a lover’. ‘sinking fast’ plays along with Hannah’s stage name, ‘Ophelia’. Historically, Ophelia was the drowned maiden from Shakespeare's Hamlet, but now holds a place in pop culture. While upbeat, ‘sinking fast’ portrays a darker sound along with somber lyrics. Contrasting ‘sinking fast’, ‘like a lover’ offers a much more cheery sound, but retains that dark feeling as it’s lyrics parallel Leslie Gore’s song, ‘It’s my party’.
Although Hannah has only two songs out, she is anticipating her first EP release this coming September. With her transparency towards emotional aching and complications of human sexuality, Ophelia is a Salt Lake artist worth keeping an eye on.
