Hannah Trager
Hannah Trager is a singer/songwriter from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The 23 year old released her debut single “Scary Parts of Me” on August 2nd. With the help of Nashville-based artist Caro, Trager introduces a strong debut single. Honest and personal, “Scary Parts of Me” showcases Trager’s vulnerability through a distinctive pop record.
“It stemmed from this self realization that I have a tendency to not want to be vulnerable. I hide stuff way down deep, so I wanted to write about it. Like, maybe if I threw a melody on top of what I was feeling, it’d be easier to talk about and admit. Aaaaand, it was,” says Trager.
Now relocated in Nashville, Hannah Trager will be revealing more music very soon.
“Scary Parts of Me” is now available on major streaming platforms.
Photo credit: Cece Dawson
Introduce yourself - where are you from?
I’m Hannah Trager, I’m 23 years old, and I’m from Fort Wayne, IN. I graduated from Belmont University in 2018 with a degree in Commercial Music. I’ve been living in Nashville for almost 3 years now - writing as much as I can and pursuing music.
What's your story?
I’ve been singing since before I could talk. I grew up in a musical family, so I’ve always loved music and singing and playing instruments. My first instrument was the mandolin, but when I realized I wanted to sing and write songs and perform, I taught myself guitar. Every day after school I’d sit at the computer and watch youtube tutorials. The hobby turned into a passion and then turned into a dream - you get it.
Could you describe us your childhood a little bit?
I have three other siblings: older brother, older sister, me, and my younger sister. My mom wanted us all to play an instrument so she made us pick out an instrument from a music magazine - my first was a mandolin. But I was always more focused on singing instead of an instrument. I loved singing, harmonizing, singing along to the radio - all of it.
If you could say something to younger self, what would you say?
Believe in yourself - you can do it - trust me, it’s not that scary - there are no rules.
How would you describe yourself today?
Truly, I like to ask other people to describe me. It’s more fun that way! But if I had to do it, I’d say... Witty, creative, loud, independent, fun.
Do you remember your early musical memories?
I’ve been singing since before I could talk. Every time I heard a girl on the radio, watched a music video, went to a concert, etc., I knew I wanted to do that. Wanted to BE that. I used to make videos pretending my ‘fans’ had requested a cover for me to do. “When I Grow Up” by the Pussycat Dolls, to be exact. Hilarious stuff, truly. I hope no one ever sees it.
When did you start singing?
I first sang when I was 8 years old at my brother’s baptism. I was scared out of my mind - throwing up before I got on the stage and everything. I was so nervous - but after I did it, I loved it. I wanted more. The more and more I performed, the less nervous I got. I lead worship at my high school youth group, sang in church, sang in talent shows, auditioned for singing TV shows, and then auditioned to be in Belmont’s Commercial Voice program.
When did you know you had to become an artist and release your original music?
I think I’ve always wanted to be an artist. But the releasing music part... I was always so nervous about it. Nervous that I didn’t have anything to say, nervous that what I DID have to say wouldn’t be interesting.... stupid nervousness. When I wrote “Scary Parts Of Me”, I wasn’t nervous anymore. I knew I had to put it out. It was me, it felt like me, and I knew it. I wanted to share that.
"Scary Parts of Me" is your debut single. How does it feel like to release your first single ever?
It feels surreal. To be able to search my own name on Spotify/iTunes/etc and have something come up is just the coolest feeling. Seeing people add it to their playlists, reach out and tell me they love the song, all of it. It’s so fun and cool and rewarding and awesome. I’m not over it.
What's the story behind "Scary Parts of Me"?
It stemmed from this self realization that I have a tendency to not want to be vulnerable. I hide stuff way down deep, so I wanted to write about it. Like, maybe if I threw a melody on top of what I was feeling, it’d be easier to talk about and admit. Aaaaand, it was!
Could you describe us the songwriting/production process? When did you start writing this song?
I started writing this song and only had the chorus. The rest of it was all stuck up in my head. I took the idea to Caro and she sprinkled her magic on it and boom - we made “Scary Parts Of Me”.
How was it like to work with Caro on this single?
Caro is amazinggggg! She wrote the song with me, produced it, and mixed it. C’mon triple threat!
Click on the artwork to stream “Scary Parts of Me”
When did you realize "Scary Parts of Me" had to be your first single?
It was one of the first songs that really felt like ME. I think every artist has that moment when a song is done that’s like.... oh yeah. That’s MY song. The song is honest and real and I’m proud of it. I knew I wanted that to be my first song with my name attached to it.
What do you like the most about this song?
It’s real. I didn’t have to try hard to write it - it felt natural - because it was. And even after listening to it a billion times I still love it. It’s something that I would listen to even if I didn’t write it, and that’s kind of a cool feeling.
What is your goal for this first single?
I don’t know that I had any huge goals for this single other than to let myself feel truly proud of it. Like.... I wrote a song. It’s honest. And I love it. Be proud of that! Let it be what it’s meant to be. Let the people hear it who are meant to hear it.
What message do you want to convey through this song?
It’s okay to be scared to be vulnerable. Aaaaand it’s even better to admit it. It’s healthy!
How does Nashville impact your creativity?
Nashville is flooded with creativity. When I first moved here it was intimidating, and now it’s inspiring. Everyone here has such a willing spirit to collaborate and make art and just help! I love it here.
As an artist, what do you want to accomplish?
I want people to feel known when they listen to songs that I wrote. I want to be authentic, genuine… I want people to be inspired! I want that moment where I turn the mic towards the crowd and they all sing back the words for different reasons. That’s gonna be magic.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Love, patience, kindness, gentle hearts, listening ears.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
There are nooooo rules.
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