A very welcome European invasion has come to the UK in the form of Hannah, the multi talented pianist, singer and songwriter from Estonia. She is the most successful female entertainer in her home country, with her blend of ballads and classic pop dominating the charts and winning multiple awards.

Already causing a stir throughout mainland Europe, her upcoming debut UK album, Everything is Changing (released 9 June 2008), is a collection of powerful self-penned and beautifully crafted songs produced by Grammy Award nominee James McMillan and mixed by Grammy Award winner Brad Gilderman. Her first single, ‘You and I’, was released on 5 May and is accompanied by a video directed by Rob O’Connor, whose creativity has previously enhanced the work of Blur, George Michael and Ted Baker. The ‘making of’ video was filmed by MTV.

Intrigued, we caught up with Hannah to find out more.

So tell us about the new album, Everything is Changing.
Everything is Changing is my debut international album. It is a 12-track release with all songs produced by James McMillan and composed by myself. There is also one bonus track, which is a special acoustic version of one of the songs. The album was recorded in the UK with James and mixed in LA by Brad Gilderman, who has mixed multi-platinum albums for artists including Ronan Keating and Destiny’s Child. It was a great honour to work with him. Getting the album to sound exactly how I wanted it to was a lot of hard work, but I am so happy with the final result and really hope you’ll like it too!

Are there any particular tracks that hold a special significance for you?
Each one of my songs holds a special significance for me. Songwriters and composers draw from their own experiences and that’s why every song has a special significance to them and to their listeners. The lead track of my album is particularly close to my heart - the funny thing is, as I’m getting a bit older myself, the meaning has also grown and even changed a bit for me. If you listen to the lyrics of 'Everything is Changing' and think about, for example, the issue of global warming - something very close to my heart – you’ll hear the song differently.

I think that my music is something that carries different meanings for people; everyone just has to think about their own situation. If I can connect with my fans in this very intimate way, then I can’t ask for anything more as that is the ultimate fulfillment as a songwriter.

"I’m not a songwriter who writes songs in the hope of scoring a 'hit' - I only write when I’m inspired; when the words and feelings flow."

How would your describe your music?  
I would describe my music as being full of feeling and heartfelt emotion. I think that it’s important for music to makes you think and reflect.

I’m not a songwriter who writes songs in the hope of scoring a 'hit' - I only write when I’m inspired; when the words and feelings flow. Really, the best way to describe my music is 'sincere'.

So how did it all begin for you? Had you always wanted to be a singer?
I started singing at a very early age, joining the Estonian TV children's choir at the age of six. I also stared music school and piano lessons at the same time. My childhood was all about music and I wrote my first song at the age of 13. I live for my music; it is everything to me. So far, I have released six best-selling albums in Estonia and am really enjoying my first foray into the international market.

I’ve been overwhelmed by the glowing reception I have received and am eternally grateful to all my fans - new and old - for supporting me all the way. So, success hasn’t come overnight – I have been working hard towards this goal all my life and you have to put in the time to make your dreams come true.

Are there any particular artists that you would name as influences?
I am influenced by all genres of music and writing. I like to hear feeling in songs. Lately, I've been listening to Alicia Keys, Jon Randall and Lenny Kravitz.

When did you start writing songs?
I started writing songs at the age of 13 - my first song even won an award in a song contest in Estonia and I’m pretty sure that this win gave me great encouragement to continue writing songs.

How do you enjoy performing?
I love performing; I actually feel that this is the best part of being a musician. I love connecting with an audience. It is something that’s hard to describe; the power and energy that you get from performing is so unique. When you see the reaction from people and how you can really touch somebody’s soul - it is just beautiful!

How do you usually prepare for a show? Do you have any special routines to warm up your voice?
Yes, I have my special routines to prepare myself for a show. It is very personal moment when you focus and promise yourself that you’ll give it your all to make it the perfect show.

You sang the Estonian and English national anthems at the Euro 2008 Qualifier between England and Estonia in front of an audience of 90,000 and a TV audience of millions; how did that feel?
It was a massive honour to perform the anthems for such lovely countries and in front of such a large audience. It felt totally amazing! I was so happy to have had the chance to sing at Wembley.

"My style is very classic, but I also love to lay on the glamour."

You’re the Ambassador for Tourism 2008 by Visit Estonia – what does this mean to you?
It is a joy to have the chance to introduce people to Estonia. I feel very privileged to represent my country and take my title very seriously.

Estonia is a beautiful country - it’s quite unusual to find the variety in landscapes, flora, seasons and weather within just a few dozen kilometres. That said, if you visit Estonia, you’d find plenty of space and tranquility. Everything you see while traveling around in Estonia is inseparably linked to our history. Since the 13th century we have been invaded and ruled by Germans, Danes, Swedes, Poles and Russians, and whilst we are very proud of our recent independence, each one of them left behind something good.

In 1991, Estonians regained their independence in the course of the 'Singing Revolution' and returned to their rightful place in Europe and the world. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a medieval Hanseatic town with the most unique old-town, with great restaurants and beautiful views. Tallinn will be the European Capital of Culture 2011.

Have you travelled much to the UK before?
I have travelled to the UK often. I consider it one of my favourite places in the world. I have visited pretty much every city in UK during two radio tours and I find the UK’s countryside so beautiful! At the same time, I enjoy London’s busy life. I really enjoy my time in the UK and I love to perform here - the audiences are just lovely.

How would you describe your personal style?
I’ve been always very honest with everything I do or anything I say and I think that’s what my music is about also. I love to see people have emotions and I do love to see only good on people. I think the positive thinking and seeing good sides on others is the most important in life.

My style is very classic, but I also love to lay on the glamour - especially when I'm at my villa in Cannes. My favourite designers are Roberto Cavalli and Dolce & Gabanna. I am working closely with a great new designer, Charles Svingholm, whose designs have been championed by Sienna Miller. He actually created a beautiful style of shirt and named it after me, 'The Hannah', which was a huge honour. Charles started out as an assistant to John Galliano and set up his own label three years ago.

I also have a wonderful stylist, Marina Olivati, who has been in the fashion business for many years, not only as a stylist but as a fashion and beauty editor, working on some of the top fashion magazines in Milan. Marina has also worked on fashion shoots for Dior, Lancome and Givenchy. Whilst I very much have my own style, it's always interesting to see what beautiful clothes she has for me when we meet

What else would you like to say?
I’d just like to say that I hope that my new album is accepted well in the UK; I have been working very hard to promote it. My fans' opinion is the most important thing to me. There’s not a single feeling better than touching a person's heart with something that comes from inside you - with your music.

Find out more at www.hannahsite.com and look out for our review of Everything is Changing next week.

Hannah's debut UK single, 'You and I', was released on 5 May 2008 on Snow Dog Records. Her album, Everything is Changing, comes out on 9 June 2008.

Check out the video to Hannah's debut UK single below!