Orlando is known for attracting famous artists from the Bad Bunny to the Rolling Stones, but a closer look at the city’s beautiful music scene reveals a diverse array of local bands and musicians who create vibrant sonic tapestry.
Hannah Stokes is one of the recognizable names in Orlando’s local music scene. The 26-year-old singer-songwriter began writing music at the age of 12 and is preparing to release his debut full-length album.
The title track to “Right Where I Belbing” is scheduled to be released on June 13th. Stokes will play her album release party at Tuffy’s Music Box in Sanford, with her band joining, and in addition to supporting artists Megan Roxane Shea and Morgan Joyce Hart. The full album is scheduled to be released this summer and will showcase Stokes’ signature style, blending jazz, folk, soul and R&B music.
After portraying early songwriting inspiration from the first album of alternative rock artists and Taylor Swift, Stokes pursued music more seriously at Valencia and Rollins Colleges. For the past five years, Stokes has made a living as a full-time musician.
Ahead of her upcoming album release, Orlando Sentinel sat with Stokes at EasyLuck Coffee & Bodega in the Milk District to discuss her musical nurturing and career.
This interview has been compiled for length and clarity.
How did you begin your music journey?
Stokes: My dad had a guitar at home. He was my first introduction to music and I always loved listening to music. When I became interested in instruments, there was already a guitar there. I began to learn guitar by looking at the chord dictionary and trying to understand it. I started teaching piano myself, but when I was 12 I tried guitar again. I started teaching myself on YouTube and the Ultimate Guitar and began to learn my favourite songs. It prompted me to write my own song.
When did you write your first song?
Stokes: I remember writing my first song on piano. It was an instrumental piece and was called “Butterfly Wings.” I was probably 11 or 12 years old and said, “Yeah, this is a slap. Yeah, this is great.” And then, funny enough, Taylor Swift’s first record encouraged me to write songs on the guitar along with the lyrics. So I wrote the title track for the first EP that came out when I was 16.
What did it take to build a full-time career from the early days of songwriting?
Stokes: It was mainly just meeting people who wanted to help me. I worked at Fanspot for six years and worked at 4 Rivers. I wanted to stop. One of my friends had the opportunity for me and asked, “Why don’t you teach me music lessons?” That summer I met a lot of musicians who needed a singer. So I started playing with more bands. I met a guitar player I work with now, and we played up to five times a week, doing random gigs and more. It really changed everything. I have gotten a lot of help from the people around me, have given me some hints, have taught me something, and have connected me with the right people.
What did it take to write and put together this full-length album?
Stokes: The oldest song on this record is probably the third song I’ve ever written in my life. The latest song I finished about two weeks ago. These are songs I’ve been playing since I was 17 and I couldn’t record what I wrote in the past few years. It’s cool to have myself and my sounds, and the types of songs I write. It’s important to keep it as pure as possible, as this is my first full-length album.
As an artist, you have to believe in yourself more than anyone else. It’s difficult with everything you face every day. You deal with rejection and deal with confidence in seeking things. It’s really mentally and emotionally tough. Having people who believe in me has really changed my life. Writing songs and arrange them for the band is one thing, but pushing them into headphones is completely different.
What themes do you see on this record?
Stokes: It’s about being able to navigate working, growing, living and interacting with people. It is about understanding love, purpose and identity. That’s not something you just understand. The theme is mature, and the sound is mature as it is 26 years old instead of 16.
What people are most effective in ensuring your music reaches people?
Stokes: Meeting people in person is the most impactful, effective and satisfying way to do it. I feel like I’m really connected to someone. This is the ultimate goal of either of these. I’m not only trying to sell my music, I can become a billionaire and make money. That’s how I can connect with people around things I care about. Ultimately, I’d like to tour a bit or open for a larger artist who’s already on tours the East Coast.
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If you’re going
Hannah Stokes Band’s “Right Where I Belbing” album release starts at 8pm on June 13th at 200 Myrtle Ave. in Sanford, with tickets at 7pm at $21.74 online for general admission. More information: Tuffysmusicbox.com
