Improviser Turned American Folk Musician
Hannah Shermis is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, choir leader and composer based in Gothenburg. She studied the Bachelor's Programme in Improvisation at the Academy of Music and Drama and finished her studies in 2016.
Alumni portrait of Hannah Shermis
What have you been doing since you graduated?
I freelance as a musician and have several bands. Even though I studied jazz at a folkhögskola and the Bachelor’s Programme in improvisation at the Academy of Music and Drama, I changed direction after graduation. Nowadays, I don't do jazz or improvisation. I am a folk musician and play American folk music – mostly Americana and country. Since graduating I have both freelanced and had a few different assignments at the Academy of Music and Drama. I have been a music teacher and choir leader but mainly focused on trying to freelance with the bands that I manage. Those are mainly the folk duo Eldstorm and the country trio My Dear Companion. I also do a few different projects on the side, both with other musicians and solo.
What are some of the accomplishments you’re most proud of in your career thus far?
I'm proud of my band's achievements and the fact that we've managed to keep a collaboration going, felt inspired and been able to write music even though the freelance world can be quite tough. I'm also proud of the albums we've released, where a lot of love and tinkering with the music has resulted in something beautiful.
There's no point in making music half-heartedly.
What are the most challenging aspects of your current job?
It can be quite a struggle to freelance and at times it has not worked out financially for me. In those situations, you have to try to find motivation for why you are doing it and maybe take other jobs that are not as inspiring. At certain times of the year, it's harder to get gigs and contracts, which are often the dark months after Christmas.
How has your experience at the Academy of Music and Drama prepared you for what you are doing today?
In many different ways, one part is the network and other musicians that I met at the academy and later started bands with. It was an important stepping stone for me as we were encouraged to explore our own artistry and creativity. It was something so central and that I think is very important. Even though I may not have explored it fully back then, I took it with me and used it later in my professional life.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone studying and pursuing a career in music, what would it be?
There's no point in making music half-heartedly. If music is something you want to do, you should do it your way because it will be easier to find collaborations, the right situations, people and places where you can thrive – where you can contribute and develop. Life is too short, so don't compromise.
Do you have any exciting upcoming jobs or projects that you are looking forward to this autumn?
My Dear Companion has just had a release concert at Stora Teatern in Gothenburg since we recently released our second album. Our next gig is at Gävle Konserthus on the thirteenth of March 2025. In addition to that, I lead – together with members from the same band – Gothenburg's country choir and we rehearse every other week. There are quite a high number of applicants for the spots we have available and I have noticed that people are excited to sing American folk music – which is great!
Interview by Vendela Holmberg.
