Boston Lights Up with Hannah Wicklund’s Rock and Roll Arrival

Hannah Wicklund made a powerful arrival into Boston on Friday, March 1. Exuding strong feminine energy, the singer has come to redefine rock and roll for the current generation. Originating from Hilton Head, South Carolina, she started her band, The Stepping Stones, after just six months of learning the guitar at a young age. At 18, mirroring industry giants, she made the move to Nashville, securing her first agent and launching into a touring career. Currently on her “Hell in the Hallway” world tour, Hannah presented to her fans a setlist that meticulously narrates her musical journey. 

At 7PM Brighton Music Hall warmly welcomed eager fans through its open doors. Opening the night, Julie Rhodes took command of the stage with her robust vocals and a Grace Potter-inspired musical style. The Boston Native skillfully stirred the crowd, building anticipation and energy for the main act yet to unfold.

In a pink gown adorned with intricate flowers, tiara elegantly placed, and wielding a pink electric guitar, Hannah Wicklund stepped onto the stage amid roars of admiration from her loyal fans. Her band followed suit as she launched into the night with a sweeping instrumental prelude, setting the scene for her performance of “Hell in the Hallway.”

The soulful introduction ignited a wave of fan movement, from head-banging to the rhythm, to a synchronized sway that persisted throughout the night. The venue emanated an intimate environment, with the singer channeling profound emotion into each song, evident in her expressive movements harmonizing with the music. Hannah Wicklund’s voice commands the stage, effortlessly hitting every note and occasionally letting a raspy undertone escape, accentuating her distinctive style that occupies the room with undeniable presence.

Her voice captivated even more during the solo part of her set, just her and the guitar stealing the spotlight. Songs “Songbird Sing” and “Shadow Boxes and Porcelain Faces” stood out as high points in her poignant solo-ballad performance. The latter song is typically a collaborative piece originally played with her band, The Stepping Stones. 

The majority of the night’s setlist featured songs from Hannah’s latest album, The Prize. She openly revealed how this album served as a crucial healing catalyst in her personal journey. Hannah recounted her early years, where she embraced ballet, dressed herself in pink, and fully immersed in her feminine energy—a facet she sensed fading with age as societal expectations pushed her towards a more masculine and demanding persona for respect. She expressed that this album served as a encounter with her womanhood. 

In a genuine storyteller fashion, a trait evident in her lyricism, Hannah shared the behind-the-scenes tale of creating some of her songs. Take “Lost Love” for instance: born during a writing workshop on a cruise that oddly coincided with a wrestling team’s presence. She humorously reflected on the irony of first listening to the song while sandwiched between three large wrestlers. 

As the evening neared its end, Hannah serenaded the crowd with “Mamma Said,” infusing a touch of nostalgic psychedelia with her adept use of the talk box and electric guitar. Despite signaling an encore, she playfully skipped it, opting instead to treat the audience to the final duo: the well-loved “Strawberry Moon” and “Bomb Through the Breeze.” The crowd, familiar with these fan favorites, joined in with enthusiasm. Closing her set with unwavering rock and roll energy, Hannah left everything on the stage, creating a memorable conclusion to the night.

In the realm of contemporary music, Hannah Wicklund stands out with a distinctive flair, infusing a fresh and captivating energy into the prevailing genres of our era. From her unique style and sharp wit, to her exceptional vocals and mastery of the guitar, Hannah truly embodies the essence of a Rock and Roll Princess. She effortlessly ticks all the boxes, embodying the qualities one seeks in a favorite artist. 

Hannah Wicklund Online: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok | Spotify | Apple Music

PHOTO GALLERY BY: Maria Mata

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