We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hannah Bowers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Despite music being the biggest piece of my heart and identity, my most meaningful project isn’t a musical work – it’s the creative community I’ve created. For the longest time, all my goals and aspirations revolved around my personal successes as a musician – writing hit songs, making millions of dollars, winning a Grammy, being interviewed on some big mainstream talkshow (probably Ellen). In the pursuit of these dreams (none of which have fully realized, I might add), I realized that something was missing. Something awakened in me that told me these achievements were not what would make me successful, it was my impact. After releasing my album, “Not One Thing”, in 2021, I put all my energy into a new project – a company I called PAL. It gets its name from my 3 greatest values: Positivity, Authenticity, and Love. In my creative journey I learned that achievements mean nothing unless you got there through living by your values every single day. In the 2 years since I started PAL, I created a community of creatives all around the world who are committed to supporting each other’s personal and professional success. I’ve witnessed members of the community overcome their fears, build meaningful friendships, find confidence, create authentically, and express their greatest truths. I am so proud of each and every song I’ve released, but PAL is hands down the most meaningful project I have ever created.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been a singer-songwriter my whole life, and began releasing and performing my music at 16 years old. I was raised in a very musical household by 2 radio DJ parents and I began writing and practicing music at 8 years old – pursuing this as a career was never a question, but a certainty. Since I moved to LA 10 years ago I have continued performing, writing, recording and collaborating with dozens of other musicians and have built a catalog of over 50 songs, some of which have made their way into various TV shows and award-winning independent films. After establishing myself musically, I received several certifications in emotional intelligence and began a coaching practice to support creatives in their careers and wellbeing. In 2021, I created my own company, PAL, to support the growth of creatives through community. PAL hosts virtual and live events, shares resources and opportunities for artists of all kinds, provides coaching services, and has its own podcast. My approach to my artistry as well as my coaching is unique in that it prioritizes authenticity. I believe that success is individual to everyone, and they can find it in being completely true to themselves – their values, their strengths, their passions. Learning that lesson for myself and sharing it with others is what I am most proud of, and I want everyone in the world to know that they are capable of finding success and happiness without sacrificing their wellbeing and integrity.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

We need to support independent artists and the growth of young creatives. It takes a lot of time and energy to “make it”, and without the proper support most artists give up on their dreams. Not all artists need to be famous money-making machines – they benefit from the freedom to express themselves, and the world benefits from their creativity. We need events, community spaces, playlists, radio and other artistic hubs to share work from independent artists. Art can change the world because of the artists who are brave enough to share their voices, and a society that is aware enough to listen. We need to bridge the gap between artists and art-lovers, because currently too many middle men are getting in the way. When a society only can hear the voices of the art that’s being promoted by people with enough power and money to promote it, art becomes a watered-down commodity that aspiring artists lose their authentic voices in the attempt to create in order to be heard. That is not a thriving creative ecosystem. This is why any community or organization that prioritizes spotlighting independent artists directly to audiences need to be prioritized and supported as much as possible. That is an ecosystem in which creativity flows beautifully and sustainably.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to spread positivity, authenticity and love in all that I do. In doing this, I am living true to my values. When we see examples of people living by their own values rather than conforming to what they think they have to be in order to be successful, we can create a happier world. Because when we see what is possible, we construct our beliefs around it, and ultimately create a life derived from our beliefs. If what we are seeing is art, then, it most definitely can change the world. In positivity I am giving my pain compassion, inspiring others to do the same. In authenticity I am intentionally creating the life that I want, empowering others to do the same. And in love I am making the most of every day, reminding others to do the same. I no longer am striving for a hit single or a Grammy, even though that would be great! I am living a life guided by my mission, and in doing so I can experience success every single day, not just when I’ve achieved something. No matter what I create – an album, a community, a podcast episode, a YouTube video – I am spreading positivity, authenticity and love with it, and that’s all that matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hannahbowers.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehannahbowers/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-bowers-244205b1/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehannahbowers
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehannahbowers

Image Credits
Katie Cole Amanda Verdadero Mary Rose Bernal Jake Bonham