Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Malek Hanna, which discusses his new single, “Which Way To Go.”
About Malek Hanna:
Pop singer/songwriter Malek Hanna debuts his infectious new single, “Which Way To Go,” on September 12, 2023. The Lebanese American artist, hailing from Brooklyn, New York, began his career in the church as the youngest lead soloist. Throughout the years, he’s performed on many stages, including for the Pope at the Vatican, the National Anthem for the LA Lakers, and on The Voice — Arabia. His stint on The Voice provided the exposure needed to launch his music career, and the multi-cultural music showcase, Mélange, focused on highlighting other independent artists. The “Which Way To Go” music video, directed by Monique Impagliazzo and starring TikTok star Devon Weetly, was selected for the Philadelphia’s Women Film Festival and will release alongside the single.
On his new song, “Which Way To Go,” Hanna explores the power of taking the road less traveled. Written and arranged alongside Jeff Stolper, the elusive track examines the courage it takes to stand in your own power and follow your heart despite outside forces trying to dissuade you. Powerhouse vocals and a pristine falsetto propel the piano-driven melody, a calm and collected ebb and flow of emotions that enrapture and entice. From the synthy undertones to a budding saxophone solo, the music builds to an incredible finish that leaves a lasting impression. On “Which Way To Go,” Hanna continues to solidify his reputation as an impeccable vocalist and magnetic performer.
Review Fix:How did you get started in music?
Malek Hanna: Music was always a part of my identity. It was my protection, my super power that I can use to shield myself.
I got started in music at a young age in the church. At about 13 years old, I was selected to be the soloist in my high school choir in NYC, which then lead to being cast in a bunch of highschool theatrical productions. I was then classically trained in opera and then decided to merge musical elements to create more of a pop-soul type of sound.
Review Fix:How does your heritage play a role in your vocal performances?
Hanna: My heritage and it’s middle eastern origins are peppered throughout my music, its instrumentation and certain vocal inflections. I also have a song in my album, entitled, “Ya Jamaya,” a duet with Latin grammy winner, Paulina Aguirre, where we both sing a part of the song in Arabic.
Review Fix:What Inspired your new single “Which Way To Go”?
Hanna: “Which Way to Go” was inspired by the need to create something that is authentic and universal. It was co-written by music partner, Jeff Stolper, and myself. We wanted to create a song that can be relevant while also illustrating the crossroads in my personal life; the road less traveled and why we do the things we do. The decision one makes in life, whether to, “follow your heart,” as the lyric says or live a more conventional life that is expected of you.
Review Fix:What are your goals for this track?
Hanna: The goal for this track is to have it resonate with listeners. It is meant to inspire and encourage those too, “look deep inside,” as the lyric says, and to never give up on your dreams. This track will be a part of the album, “On the Right Track.”
Review Fix:The video looks amazing! Who produced it? What was the process like?
Hanna: Thank you so much! I produced the music video but as is with any type of production, it was a collaborative effort. The process was exciting and fun to create with a talented and like minded cast and crew. The process consisted of a series of production meetings which initially started with an idea, which then lead to an articulated concept which transformed into a defined storyline with characters, conflict, and a plot. The work then began with location scouting, locking in venues, casting, wardrobe, scheduling etc. My team was dynamite; Monique Impagliazzo as my director, Justin Knodel as the DP, along with the rest of the phenomenal cast and crew. I could not have done it without them!
Review Fix:Who are some of your guilty pleasure performers? Like what artists do you listen to on a rainy day?
Hanna: This is a good question, I have an eclectic selection; some artists I’ll listen to on a rainy day would be classic artists like Brian McKnight, Lena Horne, Nina Simone, Luther Vandross. I’ll mix in some Sinatra, Air Supply, George Michael, Stevie Wonder and Tupac, depends on my mood. Guilty pleasures I’d say can range from Bieber to Journey to David Guetta.
Review Fix:How does Brooklyn find its way into your work?
Hanna: You can take the boy out of Brooklyn but you can never take Brooklyn out of the boy. My music is always intended to effect listeners on a visceral level. Most of the themes and messages are emblematic of the Brooklyn Way…to “Spread Love,” as coined by the legendary Biggie Smalls. This is a central theme in my music and being a Brooklynite encourages me to live with love and be bold in my creative choices.
Review Fix:How connected are you to the themes in the video?
Hanna: The themes in the music video is literally my story with some creative license. Growing in a moderately conservative 1st generation Arab American household, there was a lot of pressure and expectation to be and live a conventional life as a doctor or lawyer. At a certain point in my life, I had to trust my inner voice and take the road less traveled, which made all the difference in the world. In the music video, that pressure was illustrated in the choice I had to make with the diner and whether or not I would take over the “family business.” In the video, I am at a crossroads; I have to decide “which way to go,” do I “listen to my heart” and pursue a career as a musical artist or do I do as I was told, and take over the business? In the end, as the lyrics say, “it’s the only way to go,” that being, to “believe in yourself,” and choose the road less traveled which then leads to having a successful music career as reflected in the end of the music video.
Review Fix:What’s next for you?
Hanna: After the release of this single, Which Way to Go, I have another exciting and fun spirited song entitled, We Can’t Stop, that will be released along with its music video within the next few months. I will simultaneously be completing my album, “On the Right Track,” scheduled to be released in 2024, and excited for more upcoming gigs and events, dates to be determined! Next month, I’m recording a soundtrack that will be featured in an upcoming Christmas film, “Saint Nick,” released during the holidays. You can also check me out on the silver screen in a slate of feature films that are scheduled to be released next year!
Review Fix:Where can people go to find out more about you?
Hanna: People can keep up with what I’m doing on my social media platforms and check me out on a few streaming platforms where you may find me acting and singing!
https://www.instagram.com/malek.hanna/
Review Fix:Anything else you’d like to add?
Hanna: I’d like to express my appreciation and love to those who live unapologetically. Thank you for not letting fear dictate your life.
Please continue to stand for what you believe in, “listen to your heart,” for without you, positive global change and healing will not be possible. Thank you for listening to my music and allowing me to use this medium to hopefully connect, inspire, love and bring joy! When in doubt, always remember…love is always the answer.
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