Hannah Acfield, like many of us, faced a few epiphanies during the ‘lost years’ of Covid. But in direct opposition to the physicality of being locked down, Hannah rediscovered a freedom and revitalised sense of purpose through a total change in artistic direction. The late 2021 release of her debut solo LP No Light Without Shade, was her blossoming. The album saw Hannah move beyond the folk sounds that had defined her early career (in duo The Acfields), and into the warmth and passion of soul music, a genre that drew out the best of her stunning vocals and allowed her to also explore new styles of song-writing.
The response from media and fans alike was strong, with The Australian declaring the album a “triumph of talent” and of her vocals said “… an instrument of breathtaking dexterity that soars and swoops in equal measure” while I Heart Songwriting Club called the album a “masterpiece.” The Courier Mail compared her to Linda Ronstadt, describing her voice as “extraordinary,” while City Hub declared that “Acfield owns soul”.
Radio got behind the album as well – with airplay on Double and Triple J, nationally syndicated CBAA programs Dirt Music, BluesBeat and Aussie Music Weekly and great support from other community radio stations including Melbourne’s PBS FM, Triple R, Joy 94.9 and Southern FM, Sydney’s Eastside Radio, 2RRR and 2SER and Brisbane’s 4ZZZ to name just a few.
2022, and with live music restrictions hopefully now a thing of the past, Hannah Acfield is delighted to finally be able to perform the songs from No Light Without Shade to music fans as widely as possible. Her record translates beautifully into the live arena, with Acfield a seasoned, warm and engaging performer, able to both charm and captivate audiences with her wonderful voice and beautifully crafted songs.
This is, for Hannah Acfield, a new phase of her musical life, the importance of which cannot be underestimated; this album sets her prodigious talents free. Catch Hannah perform throughout June and July on the No Light Without Shade tour.
NO LIGHT WITHOUT SHADE TOUR DATES
Fri June 10 The Palais Hepburn Springs Tix & info
Sat June 11 Old Church on the Hill Bendigo Tix & info
Sun June 12 Wandi Pub Wandililgong Free, from 2pm
Sun June 19 The Wheatsheaf Adelaide Free, from 4pm
Wed June 29 Ararat Live Ararat (full band) Tix & info
Sat July 2 Smith’s Alternative Canberra Tix & info
Sun July 3 Petersham Bowlo Sydney Tix & info
Sun July 10 The Bridge Hotel Castlemaine Free, from 3pm
Sat July 16 Junk Bar Brisbane Tix & info
Sat July 30 The Toff Melbourne (full band) Tix & info
