Hannah McConnell is a Wicklow-based musician blending Folk, Indie-pop, and Rock into raw, emotionally charged soundscapes. Known for her poignant, heartfelt lyrics and captivating storytelling, Hannah’s music draws listeners into an intimate world where joy and heartbreak intertwine. Following the release of her debut single "Crocodile Tears" in June 2023, McConnell quickly became a rising voice on Dublin’s music scene. She has headlined renowned venues including Workman's and the Grand Social, performed at Whelan's Ones to Watch, supported artists like Calum Agnew, and Peter Richardson. In 2024, she released "The Letter", an upbeat yet bittersweet track that juxtaposes lively melodies with tender lyrical truths, blending vulnerability with memorable songwriting.
Hannah's newest single, “Topshelf”, was released on May 9 2025. The track was ‘written in a moment of desperation’. It captures the exhaustion of bleeding yourself dry for someone who only showed up when it suited them. It was a love that takes and takes, and one she kept forgiving. “Topshelf” in essence, represents the slow realisation that sometimes love demands too much.
‘Topshelf’ is a slow-burning ballad that draws you in with its raw vulnerability and quiet strength. Layers of guitar lines float through the song, gradually building into a swell of heartache that feels almost overwhelming. These haunting, soaring textures were the final touches added in the studio, a moment that was so intense, the first time Hannah heard them it brought her to tears. A steady, understated drum beat anchors the track, allowing her aching vocals and harmonies soar above. Every element of the track works together to create a space that feels weightless, but heavy with emotion.
Nothing / Sad N Stuff – Lizzy McAlpine
Lizzy McAlpine’s 2020 album ‘Give Me A Minute’ was probably the most significant influence I’ve had to date. This track, in particular, was one I listened to on repeat when I first started writing my own music. It was something about the rawness of her vocals, combined with the emotion of the lyrics, that stuck with me.
Orange Show Speedway – Lizzy McAlpine
I had to include a second Lizzy song; she’s been the one artist I’ve listened to consistently over the last 5 years. When this song was released, it became an immediate favourite of mine. I sat down to learn it on guitar, and it was in open D tuning. It was the first time I had experimented with open tunings, and it would not be the last. The majority of the songs I write now are in this tuning, or a variation of it. I think an open tuning allows you to lean into the emotions of a song, and it provides a beautiful backdrop for the stories I like to tell through my music.
Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell
I first heard Joni’s iconic track in ‘Love Actually’, the classic Christmas movie. That
unforgettable scene where Emma Thompson breaks down in her bedroom and pulls herself back together would not have stayed with me the way it did if it weren’t accompanied by ‘Both Sides Now’. That song introduced me to Joni Mitchell, who has since become a staple in my music collection. Her lyrics are poetry, capturing the complexities of life with honesty and grace. Joni takes incredibly personal subjects and makes them universal, and I try to bring some of that to my music.
I’d Have to Think About It – Leith Ross
Leith Ross was another artist I listened to repeatedly when I first started writing in
2021. Their honesty in their writing and the softness in how they express their emotions make their songs feel like whispered confessions. This song feels like they are sitting right next to you in the room; it feels like home. Their approach to lyric writing has had a profound impact on mine; their simple honesty taught me that vulnerability is often your greatest strength when writing.
People Always Change – Tiny Habits
This track is one that influenced my track ‘The Letter’ massively. It’s one of those
songs where the lyrics are heartbreakingly detailed, but the music itself makes you want to dance. This contrast fascinated me. I have a habit now of writing songs that sound really fun and energetic, but when you really listen to what I’m singing about, it could end up in tears.
Ketchum ID – boygenius
Ketchum ID is a song I still love to sing with my two backing vocalists, and dear friends Keeva and Isobel. It’s full of stunning harmonies sung by Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker, who each have influenced my music in their own right. But the three of them together are out of this world. Their blend has influenced how the three of us sing together, how we weave our voices and layer harmonies. It taught me that sometimes the simplest set-up of just a guitar and three voices can draw a room in. Those harmonies have become a core part of my music, bringing depth that I can’t imagine the songs without.
Change – Big Thief
Change was the first song by Big Thief that I had ever heard, and it was the one that started my obsession with them and Adrianne Lenker. The folk nature of this song has inspired my approach to arranging some of my songs, allowing the lyrics and melody to shine through. The raw beauty of the acoustic guitar and vocals, combined, will forever be my favourite, and is something I’ve carried into my music.
A Better Time to Meet – Adrianne Lenker, Buck Meek
Like I said, I’m obsessed with Adrianne Lenker, so she had to get an honourable mention. ‘A Better Time to Meet’, her duet with Buck Meek, is a perfect example of why. It’s a simple, heartfelt song where the soft guitar complements the story being told. Adrianne’s vocals are entirely free of any effects and sound absolutely perfect. Any imperfections only add to the song's weight. Listening to it has influenced how I approach my live performances and recordings.
Used To Be Friends – Searows
I discovered Searows just when I needed to. I was at a really low point, and his songs felt like a lifeline. ‘Used To Be Friends’ hit me the hardest. The ambient guitars and the dreamy, floaty vibe create this bittersweet feeling; it puts a pit in my stomach in the best way. And then the lyrics on top of that pretty much destroyed me. Searows has this way of tugging at your heartstrings, pulling you apart and piecing you back together all at once, and his ability to do that is what made his music so important to me.
Love Letter From The Sea To The Shore – Delaney Bailey
I often come back to Delaney Bailey. This song holds a sense of nostalgia, even on first listen. As you can probably tell, lyrics are most important to me, and I try to create a musical bed for them to lay in and allow them to be front and centre. This song does that beautifully, with the soft guitar melody and gentle piano intertwining to lift up the lyrics.