I hate covers. I hate them with everything I have. It takes a LOT for me to like a cover. It’s partly the reason why I wish something truly awful would happen to X-Factor. I’m not even sorry about that at all. I want it to never ever happen again. It’s killing music. Fucking killing it, and not in a good way.

Rant out of the way, I’ll begin.

Hana Piranha. Not only is this an amazing name; but she’s got a brilliant voice. I like big voices like Siouxsie Sioux, Imogen Heap, Kate Bush, PJ Harvey. You know, the ones that can actually sing and don’t have to dick about in order for you to fall in love and listen to them. The ones that influence real talent. This does tie in with my brief rant about covers.

Hana has covered some songs that are up on her YouTube channel. I’ve sat and gone through most of them. I fell in love with first listen. It didn’t feel like I was listening to a cover; it felt like I was listening to her own song. Thing is, if you’re going to cover a song- you’ve GOT to make it your own, add your own style to it- but at the same time pay tribute to the original. It’s why I will always favour Cat Power covering songs- especially ones by Bob Dylan. She does it in such a beautiful way, and you know she is connecting with the song. If you seem emotional removed from it- don’t do it. Simple as.

This cover of Nine Inch Nails is just fucking, it’s a work of art. It’s got an innocent twist on such a demonic song. It’s just so good.

Leaving the covers alone for a bit, her own material is even better. She has this feel to her music that reminds me of very early PJ Harvey. Something John Peel would be proud to play in his show if he was still here, and I bloody well wish he was. Music died when he died. However, we’ve got artists like Hana who are doing something different. She has this grand voice- in a way that isn’t overpowering. She doesn’t sound like a cat in pain, she can actually hold the notes- unlike some singers. I’m not a name dropper. I just think she’s fucking brilliant. I have no idea why I feel the need to swear. Sometimes, something is so good- you just have to slip out a few swears don’t you.

If you love music that comes from the heart, is loud, dark and a wee bit devilish- you’re going to love Hana Piranha.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BA8WRVhXuM&feature=related

I also love that their album is going to be called Day Release 😉