Hannah Honeycutt is Floating Above

Published by Sonder House, a Woodstock, New York-based indie label, Hannah Honeycutt brings us a tender, acoustic ballad with her single “Above.” Do not be fooled by the minimalism of the production; this songwriting gem offers beautiful poetry, high altitude vocals, and a stripped-down, ethereal feel that places you right in the room of the performance.

Lyrically and melodically, the song soars to a place so free and elevated that one can hardly imagine what it would feel like to “fall in love with the grass again” by the time the chorus hits. The significance of the various birds referenced in Honeycutt’s last verse quietly appear to be far more intentional than poetic convenience; the dove brings peace (to end the war in the preceding verse), a goose flies high above obstacles and adverse topography, and the loon – most important of all perhaps – migrates alone with the hope of reconnecting with its mate, sending its lonely song ringing out in “echoes” across the water while “waiting, hoping there’s more than floating”.

Honeycutt’s vocal performance is striking. Throughout the song she displays tight vocal precision with a close, airy delivery, before suddenly gliding up to an F5 in the chorus with astonishing ease. Her fingerstyle guitar playing is rich and subtle, driving a steady rhythm without ever stealing space. The integration of effortless piano alongside the guitar is remarkably intuitive. All of this takes place in a true-to-life musical setting as fingertips audibly pull gently against guitar strings and the action of the upright piano punches ever so slightly on the top of arpeggios. The cumulative effect of these thoughtful, authentic moments builds a palpable sense of anticipation. This is a song that deserves your best headphones. 

“Above” is the leadoff single from a full length album that Hannah Honeycutt and Sonder House will be releasing soon.