Phiippa Hanna Chats About Her Move to the US, Leona Lewis & "Speed of Light"

By Timothy Yap Jun 27, 2016 08:14 AM EDT

Philippa Hanna has just released her 5th studio project Speed of Light. The production blends the pop and electronic sound of Taylor Swift and CHVRCHES, swerving away from the previous country releases. After lead single Even Now topped the iTunes Christian & Gospel chart, expectation has built up with 2nd single Arrow getting well earned spins by Richard Madeley on BBC Radio 2 and on The Mark Forrest Show.

The project was recorded in Nashville with producer Kyle Lee and features a duet with Kevin Max, one third of the multi-million selling act DC Talk.

The album was funded in part by Philippa's fans through Rocket Fuel, a crowdfunding site she helped to launch in 2014, whilst her trips to Nashville have been aided by support from BPI and UK Trade & Investment through the Music For Export Growth Scheme.

Q: Philippa, thank for your time. You have just finished a tour with Leona Lewis, how was it? What were some of the highlights for you?

Leona is a great singer and a lovely person. It was great to play to her fans and get to know her a little. She has a very cute dog named Lily.

Q: You are moving to the US from the UK in the summer. Wow! That's a huge step. Is this permanent? Why the move?

We're actually putting back the move due to demand here in the UK and Europe which is great. But the wheels are in motion for the move and we're excited. It'll be semi-permanent.

Q: Let's talk abot your new album "Speed of Light." Why did you name it "Speed of Light"?

Speed of Light is the title track. It's about not being able to outrun true love. Ultimately it will always find you.

Q: Tell us more about your new single "Arrow." What's the song about? And why are you excited it?

The song is about identity and purpose. Its about finding who you are in God and flying with it! We're all built for amazing purposes. Built like no one else. When we find what we're made for it catapults us forward.

Q: I believe you got to duet with DC Talk's Kevin Max on one song. How did you get to work with him? What was it like working with him?

He's awesome! Amazing singer and great guy. I like him because he's not afraid to be different.

Q: What are some lessons about faith and God you would like your listeners to grasp after listening to "Speed of Light"?

He's always good and always right. Sometimes things don't go our way. But if we trust Him he has something better for us than what he allows to be taken away.