She’s sweet, young and charming, an aspiring country music artist who has found her place in a demanding Nashville recording studio.
Meet Hannah Michelle Weeks, an energetic, talented teen from small-town Washington who hopes to make it big on the national stage. (Everett concert info)
Music moves her. She hopes her love ballads and happy-go-lucky ditties will move others, both young and old.
“This is definitely something I’ve always wanted to do since I was 5,” said Weeks, who launched her fledgling career by opening up two shows in Auburn last May for Darius Rucker of “Hootie & the Blowfish” fame. “I’ve always wanted to sing and entertain.
“If I can make a small difference in someone’s life with my music, I will be happy,” Weeks said. “I love performing so much. When I walk on stage, it is where I am supposed to be.”
Weeks will be forever grateful for her start in Auburn, and hopes to return for future appearances. Until then, the 16-year-old from Stanwood will be busy making music and touring behind the guidance of her co-managers – Tim Johnson, a longtime and heralded Nashville songwriter, and her devoted mother, Liz, a computer consultant with a penchant for detail.
“She’s actually my ‘mom-mager,” Week said with a smile. “But it’s been great. I could not do this without my family. They are so supportive. I could not ask for a better family.”
The personal sacrifices have been great, but the family is determined to set and follow a healthy career course for the artist.
“We decided that this was her deal,” Liz said. “If she wanted to do this, she had to be committed. She couldn’t pick out the parts she didn’t want to do.
“But the good thing is this is something she always wanted to do, and that’s made it easier on me,” Liz added.
Weeks always has enjoyed singing, playing and writing music. She grew up on gospel and country music, but her musical tastes stretch from classical to country, rock to rap, and everything in between.
Weeks was encouraged to pursue her talents by an influential elementary school teacher. She was further inspired after reading Dolly Parton’s biography.
She soon was jotting down lyrics and strumming the guitar.
She began playing with a full band two years ago and touring state venues.
The trip was only beginning.
Since opening for Rucker in Auburn, Weeks recently opened for country star Kenny Chesney at Canada’s Mountain Fest in front of 40,000-plus fans.
“I was really nervous, but it was an amazing experience,” Weeks said. “I know this is what I was born and blessed to do.”
Weeks’ songs come from the heart and from everyday experiences. Her debut album, “Life’s A Drama,” contains tracks of fun and love songs, including “Good Hair Day,” “Wild Pony” and “I Broke Up With You First.” Weeks collaborated with Johnson and some of the top songwriters in Music City on the album, which officially will be released Aug. 29 but is <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/hannahmichelle" title="'Life's a Drama'
Hannah Michelle Weeks”>now available online.
“Everything is about reality,” Weeks said of the lyrics. “And people can relate to my music.”
Weeks understands she has caught some breaks along the way.
The fact she has secured a published deal and has been invited back to Nashville for more recording duty are testimonial to her talent and perseverance.
More promising projects are on the way, surrounded by good writers.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have met some great people,” Weeks said. “I’ve learned so much from so many people. It’s been an awesome learning experience.”
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Hannah Michelle Weeks
• Next performance: 8 p.m., Saturday, at Club Broadway, 1611 Everett Ave., Everett. All-age concert.
• Special guests: Goldy McJohn, formerly of Steppenwolf; KMPS 94.1 DJ Flo and the Fabulous Flotones; and Michael O’Neill.
• Tickets: $25, includes free CD with purchase.
• Info: 253-468-6069 or 425-327-1648, or www.hannahweeks.com.
