Q&A: The Soulful Voice Behind ‘Parentheses’ Clara Hannigan Makes Her Visual Debut
BENEATH THE VIBRANT PULSE OF NEW YORK CITY’S MUSIC SCENE — lies a raw, authentic voice that refuses to be boxed in by genre or expectation. Emerging singer-songwriter Clara Hannigan has been quietly building a reputation as one of the most captivating voices in the music industry. Originally from the serene landscapes of Maine, she is rapidly becoming a name synonymous with soulful exploration and heartfelt lyricism. Her journey into music, marked by early influences from jazz and piano legends, has blossomed into a rich tapestry of sound that deftly weaves together the essence of jazz, soul, and contemporary pop.
Now, with the release of her highly anticipated debut music video for her latest single, “Parentheses,” Hannigan is poised to take center stage, sharing her soulful sound and genre-blending artistry with an even wider audience. The release of its highly anticipated music video marks a significant milestone in her career, showcasing the depth, intentionality, and genre-blending prowess that have become her signature. As Hannigan continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, one thing remains clear: she is an artist unafraid to push boundaries, and her journey is just beginning.
From a young age, early life was steeped in music, as she was drawn to the piano, immersing herself in the works of jazz and blues legends such as James Booker, Ray Charles, and Fats Waller. These early influences laid the foundation for her musical journey, which would later be enriched by the soulful sounds of iconic singers such as Amy Winehouse, Erykah Badu, Billie Holiday, SZA, and Janis Joplin. Through this rich tapestry of influences, Hannigan developed a unique sound that seamlessly blends the nostalgic warmth of jazz with the modern edge of contemporary pop and soul; her music is a reflection of her deep-seated belief in the power of authenticity.
Four years ago, she traded the quiet of her hometown for the bustling streets of New York City — a vibrant hub for artists of all kinds — a move that would prove pivotal in shaping her artistic identity. This move marked a pivotal moment in her journey, as she fully committed to pursuing her passion for music. Immersing herself in the city's dynamic music scene, began writing and releasing singles that showcased her evolving artistry. Her music, characterized by its raw emotion and authenticity, quickly resonated with listeners, creating a deep connection that has become a hallmark of her work. In the city that never sleeps, Hannigan found not only her voice but also a thriving community of musicians who have helped her hone her craft and propel her into the spotlight.
One of her early successes came in 2019 when she collaborated with a friend on the track “Euphoria and Nosebleeds.” What started as a creative experiment turned into a viral sensation, amassing nearly 1.2M streams on Spotify. The unexpected success of this song was a turning point for Hannigan, solidifying her commitment to her music career and propelling her into the spotlight.
Overtime, Hannigan has not only honed her craft but also forged connections with other artists and industry professionals. She has performed at some of the city's most renowned venues, including Rockwood Music Hall, The Sultan Room, and Littlefield, where her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence have captivated audiences.
Hannigan’s ability to blend genres and infuse her music with authenticity has set her apart in a crowded industry. She refuses to be confined to one style, instead drawing from a wide range of influences to create a sound that is uniquely her own. This versatility is evident in her latest single, “Parentheses,” which marks a significant milestone in her career.
With “Parentheses,” Hannigan not only delivers a poignant and introspective song but also ventures into the world of visual storytelling with the release of her first music video. The video is expected to capture the depth and intentionality that fans have come to expect from her music, offering a visual narrative that complements the song's emotional core.
The release of the “Parentheses” music video is more than just a new chapter in s career — it's a statement of her artistic vision and a testament to her belief in the power of authenticity. As she continues to explore different genres and push the boundaries of her sound, is establishing herself as a dynamic and versatile artist within the music industry.
As fanbase continues to grow, so does the anticipation for what she will do next. Her journey from the quiet corners of Maine to the bustling streets of New York City is a story of passion, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to her craft. With her debut music video now released, is undoubtedly a name to watch as she continues to make her mark on the music scene.
In a world where the music industry often prizes trends over substance, Hannigan’s dedication to authenticity and genre-blending innovation sets her apart. As she steps further into the spotlight, there's no doubt that her soulful voice and compelling storytelling will continue to captivate audiences, not just in New York, but around the world.
Continue reading below to find out more about Hannigan, her musical influences, the importance of songwriting, and upcoming projects she has in the works.
LUNA: “Parentheses” is your latest single and music video. Can you walk us through the inspiration behind this project and what story you wanted to tell with it?
HANNIGAN: We definitely wanted the story for the music video to reflect the song's message, which is the realization you've grown past someone who is re-entering your life (who once had a hold on your emotions/was toxic). We started the video out at the performance and worked backwards — backstage, we wanted it to show what happened right before going onstage, and the process of transforming a bad moment with a person from the past into art. At the beginning of the video, I was "trying something new" with the audience and debuting a new song. At the end of the video, it shows that I had written lyrics to a new song (“Parentheses”), and I finally had the courage to perform it — symbolizing that I stood up for myself, and while I may still be going through it, I'm going to persevere. We wanted to show that there is a sense of empowerment when moving on from someone or something — just because it brought you down in the past or weakens your resolve, it doesn't mean that will always be the case. At some point, you realize your worth little by little.
LUNA: Your sound has been described as a blend of soul, pop, and old-school jazz. How do these genres influence your songwriting process, and how do you maintain a balance between them?
HANNIGAN: I think there are multiple artists who have really influenced me, and they all tend to be from different genres. I tend to look for how someone makes art and how they showcase themselves as a human being — whether that be through songwriting, production, or vocality. These genres also influence me differently — I tend to gravitate toward a lot of jazz and soul musically, and I tend to gravitate toward songwriting on the pop end. I usually end up going for a jazzier sound, but I want people to understand and relate to my songs in the way they would relate to any other pop song.
LUNA: You’ve made a name for yourself in New York City’s music scene over the last four years. How has the city shaped your artistry, and what challenges have you faced breaking into such a competitive environment?
: I think almost anyone who has been to New York knows how electric this city is. I think that it's really easy to stay motivated here — you're constantly surrounded by people who are hustling to make their dreams come true, and it inspires me to continue working towards mine. However, that also means there's a pretty high standard when it comes to performing here. You need to make sure that you're putting on a good show, because if you don't, venues can easily find another artist who is hungry for the opportunity.
LUNA: Your earlier track, “Euphoria and Nosebleeds,” unexpectedly garnered nearly 1.2M Spotify streams. How did that sudden attention impact your career, and what did you learn from that experience?
HANNIGAN: It was totally unexpected! I wrote that song at a very low point and to see it garner that much attention was really eye-opening. I felt so alone in my experience when I wrote that song, however, a lot of people listened and reached out to me, telling me their stories when they felt the same way. It was really impactful — what I felt is what others all over the world were feeling, and I no longer felt alone.
LUNA: Growing up surrounded by jazz legends, how did their music influence your own artistic development? Do you have any specific memories or lessons that stand out from that time?
HANNIGAN: My dad is a piano player, so a lot of memories are from growing up and listening to those musicians. My dad would point out subtle things in their music that would probably inspire how detail-oriented I am about my music today. Whether it was a style, tone of voice, or the message of the song, I think those sounds remind me of growing up and turning into the artist I am today.
LUNA: You’ve collaborated with various artists and performed at iconic venues like Rockwood Music Hall and The Sultan Room. What have been some of the most memorable moments in these collaborations and performances?
HANNIGAN: I remember one of the first concerts I went to was at Rockwood, and I specifically remember looking at the person onstage and longing to be in their shoes. Just a few years later, I was there — that was a pretty surreal experience.
LUNA: Authenticity seems to be a core value in your music. How do you stay true to yourself and your artistic vision, especially in an industry that often pushes for conformity?
HANNIGAN: I think that it's easy to get lost in the business aspect of this industry — what makes money, what drives profit, etc. Authenticity is one of the first things to get sacrificed and I understand why. However, authenticity is the anchor. It's what keeps your art, art. People can tell what is real and what is manufactured. If I'm not expressing from a genuine place, then I might as well not express at all.
LUNA: Your music has evolved from pop anthems to deeper storytelling. Can you talk about that evolution and what prompted the shift towards more emotionally gritty content?
HANNIGAN: I honestly haven't really thought about that! I guess it's just how I'm moving through life. When I first started making music, I think I was in a more reactive state of mind. Now, I'm more reflective, and I understand nuance in different situations. I think both states of mind are completely normal and valid, but as I change, I guess my music changes as well.
LUNA: The music video for “Parentheses” seems to blur the line between song and visual storytelling. How involved were you in the creative direction of the video, and how do you see music videos as an extension of your music?
HANNIGAN: I was really involved — I worked with an amazing team of people, and the director and I really worked together to create something we were proud of. I think the music video is another tool to tell a story — some people don't really analyze lyrics, so the music video can help people understand what I'm trying to say by creating that visual.
LUNA: With your blend of genres and intentional storytelling, what do you hope your listeners take away from your music, and how do you envision your sound evolving in the future?
HANNIGAN: I want listeners to take away whatever they take away. I want them to hear my stories and then relate it to their own lives. Sometimes when we feel the most alone, it's nice to hear a song that reminds us we are all part of the human experience — when some stranger across the world is going through the same thing, it shows we're more connected than we think. My sound is probably going to go through many renaissances depending on where I am in my life. I have a pretty wide range of music that I listen to, so while I may have songs with different styles, I will always write music from the heart — my listeners can count on that.
