Indie Pop from Hanne Leland

Oslo-based singer-songwriter Hanne Leland has been making a significant impact in the pop music world during her decorated career of independence, determination and a constant desire to explore new areas of her creative vision. From early beginnings as a developing artist in Nashville to building a growing international pop identity, her journey has been informed by steadfast self-direction and creative flair. With millions of streams on Spotify and a global audience, Hanne’s path reflects an artist steadily expanding her output while staying firmly in control of her sound.

Autonomy has always been a vital pillar in how Hanne Leland has operated and instead of waiting for doors to open, she actively created opportunities for herself, developing project presentations and directly approaching companies to secure sponsorship. That proactive approach ultimately led her to Nashville, an exciting chapter in her development as an artist. There, she recorded her debut album Honest alongside high-level musicians, including members of Taylor Swift’s studio band and a producer connected to Reba McEntire.

Living in the city for three months, she performed at open mic nights in established country venues, absorbing the culture and developing her performance skills in real time throughout a period that helped shape her early style as a recording and performing artist. However, Nashville was never intended to define her sound permanently and after this period, Hanne Leland began to move away from country influences, gradually shifting towards pop. This transition felt natural, rising through collaborations with Swedish songwriters and producers who helped her set a more contemporary direction which led to a series of singles that marked a clear shift in her sound, lining up more closely with the artist she was becoming.

As her musical identity developed, so too did her live profile and Hanne Leland was handpicked as a special guest for All Saints’ comeback tour, performing across ten sold-out UK shows. Her momentum continued through the pandemic period, during which she wrote and produced two EPs before the release of her 2022 album The Art of Growing Up and by this point, she’d also tacked up over 17 million streams on Spotify and earned support slots with artists including Gavin James and Greyson Chance, alongside continued association with All Saints.

Now, she returns with her brand new single “Say It Once More,” a bright, synth-driven pop track cut with 80s-inspired aesthetic and energy. The song leans into a colourful, dancefloor-ready sound, blending nostalgic pop textures with a modern Scandinavian style revolving around pulsing synths and an instant sense of playful tone. “Say It Once More” sits in the overlap where classic pop influences meet contemporary sparkle, drawing comparisons that evoke Whitney Houston’s dancefloor presence alongside the appeal of Carly Rae Jepsen.

The track captures the feeling of knowingly falling for someone who may not be the right choice, yet choosing to lean into it regardless. Wrapped up in a shimmering pop arrangement, Hanne’s misty vocalisations set up the song before the crisp snap of drums usher in her stunning vocal leads while intricate guitar rhythms build up the energy. Gliding into a dazzling chorus packed full of infectious melodic songwriting, energising groove and bright instrumentation, “Say It Once More” lays down a magical musical moment that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Ultimately, “Say It Once More” channels the excitement of impulsive romance, where logic is temporarily abandoned in favour of feeling. With this release, Hanne Leland continues to shine as a charming pop artist with an original and utterly captivating musical offering. From Nashville to Scandinavian pop, her journey reflects an artist constantly reshaping her sound while always delivering music that’s engaging.

Commenting on her new single, she offers, “Say It Once More is about that person who has this hold over you. You know their words are empty, you know they’re bad news, but somehow you just want to hear them again. There’s something liberating about letting go and just enjoying the ride, even when you know exactly where it’s going. It’s edgy, it’s a little dangerous, and a lot of fun.”

Listen to Say It Once More below

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