Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Hannah Weir - Lyrics, guitar, and vocals

 

How long have you been making music?

I've been singing since I could talk! My dad was a worship pastor at a church, and music runs in the family. I've been surrounded by music all of my life, and have always been drawn to it. I taught myself guitar when I was 15, and picked up piano soon after that, just so I had something to do with my hands, because I felt so awkward singing alone. I began performing under my own name about 3 years ago, and a year later, began my project, Formerly Bodies. So, I've been involved with and making music for a bit of a while haha

 

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and how do you think these topics will change over time?

I write all of the songs, with some guitar help from my friend, Lyric Chambers. My goal in Formerly Bodies is to be vulnerable with people so I can show them love from pain. The central theme behind my lyrics are things I've gone through, my prayers, dreams, and injustices in the world that I want to speak out about. My most recents songs, The Distance and The Swallowing (not released yet, but I'm playing them live), are about depression and anxiety, and how trapped we get in that stuff. The goal in writing songs that are honest is so that people aren't so scared to admit that they're not perfect, and we all need help- we all need love (that means each other).

I think over time, I'll see myself coming under more healing of my heart and continue to be able to love people better from those hurt places, in the way I think we're all worthy of. My hope is that these songs will continue to develop in very real ways, so people in desperate places can listen and be changed by it.

 

What artists are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

SO MANY ARTISTS! The world is full of so many beautiful people! But, if I were to try to condense the list of artists that have directly influenced my music and life, it would be this:

Now, Now

Comrades

Lights

Vagabonds

Underoath

My Epic

Steffany Gretzinger

Copeland

Silent Planet

As Cities Burn

 

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start making music?

Take Hold Fest in Grand Rapids, MI, 2015. I  had always wanted to do music, but felt uninspired before this festival happened. I had music boiling in me for a while at that point, but had never liked anything I was writing. I had the opportunity to go to the FREE weekend festival, and saw so many incredible artists making it happen. After that festival, I immediately wrote about 10 songs, and somehow loved every single one of them, and just started making my way.

(Shoutout to Take Hold Fest, it's free, and always will be, and it's happening this November 10th-12th)

 

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, fun pre-show rituals etc …

I don't have any exercises or fun rituals, because I get SUPER nervous before every single show. The only way I can prepare myself before getting on stage is thinking through every single song I'll sing, the point behind them, and what on earth I'll say between songs. I'm a wreck before stage. Lord help me. Hahaha

 

What is your favorite tour story?

So far, my favorite tour story is from the tour I'm currently on with Comrades, Tigerwine, and Deathbreaker. We stopped in Colorado Springs, CO for a couple of days, and the first day we were there, we went to Pulpit Rock at sunset. I'm super afraid of climbing up and down things, and falling down. This was my first time ever hiking anything, and somehow I was able to climb up all the crazy rocks (with the help of friends' hands and arms). While I was afraid of every step I took, I can honestly say, sitting on the edge of a huge rock, staring at massive mountains and watching the sunset, was the most beautiful sight I've ever seen in my life. Getting to adventure in all of these scary places (at least scary in my head) has been life-changing.

 

If you could tour with any artists, past or present, who would they be and why?

I want to do a support tour with Silent Planet and Now, Now. THAT would make my life. Both bands have such an incredible sound, and I really look up to the way they write and have mastered their own beautiful sound. Both bands bring me so much joy. I believe they have a lot to give to the world, and that I could learn so much from them about life and the music world.(Also, Garrett Russell is the most Jesus I've seen in a person, and I look up to him so much. Love you, friend.)

 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I'm beyond thankful for the people I have in my life. Thank you to every person who has ever come to a show, listened to a song, or a second of one, or even existed around me. I wouldn't be able to do any of this without you.

None of my music would ever be possible, nor could I muster up enough courage, all on my own. I have people surrounding me everywhere I go, encouraging me, and pushing me further in toward what I want in life, regardless of knowing how I'm feeling that day. You are not meant to do this alone. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable with people. Dig deep, get into the scary parts of your life, and be real with people. Go exist with people. Don't try to be anything or anyone but yourself.

You are worthy. Your existence is not for nothing. You deserve the kind of love that loves you beyond what you're going through, and what you think you deserve. Always look for things to be thankful for, and keep your chin up.

And when life kicks your butt, walk with a bruise until it's healed, and then just keep on going.

Lastly, and most importantly, nothing will ever be possible for me without the grace of Jesus in my life. All is from Him, and all is for Him. Aaaaand that's all!

 

Joy, joy, joy,

   -Hannah