ALL EMOTION, LIKE RIVERS TO AN OCEAN. Pop-folk songstress's forthcoming album, Abalone Sky, will release on April 25 with an album release show at The Stones Throw on April 26. The project's latest single, "Grief," dropped on March 14. (Album cover photo by Martin Wheeler, styling by Sarah Jean Shervin.)

After over five years of reflection and refinement, a beloved local songstress is ready to unleash her new album.

Hannah Hebl, stage name Hemma, is a celebrated pastoral country and folk rock musician who has made a name for herself through vulnerable lyrics and signature haunting melodies. Hemma's forthcoming album Abalone Sky is set to release April 25, serving as the culmination of five-plus years of work.

“These songs grew from my experience during isolation,” she said. “What you’re hearing on this record is my dealing with addiction, loneliness, new love and navigating the pandemic while feeling homesick and longing for my family who was farther away than ever. It’s a diverse set of songs, but they all point toward a feeling home and finding who I am in that journey.”

I've thrown the agenda of capturing perfection out the window. I'm just not interested in it because in pursuing that, you miss out on the vulnerability and memorable moments that come with just being authentic to who you are.

HANNAH HEBL

MUSICALLY KNOWN AS HEMMA

Hemma’s sound features a unique blend of traditionally earthy sounds, like acoustic guitars and drums, and blends them with modern cosmic sounds, like synthesizers. And while Hemma keeps herself on the current cutting edge through this blend, she doesn’t want her music to come across as overproduced or obsessed with perfection. Instead, it’s about capturing moments, which is one of the reasons she chose to track Abalone Sky live in the studio.

“I’ve thrown the agenda of capturing perfection out the window,” Hebl said. “I’m just not interested in it because in pursuing that, you miss out on the vulnerability and memorable moments that come with just being authentic to who you are. You just have to trust yourself and be thankful for what comes out of you during your performances.”

The latest single off Abalone Sky, “Grief,” was recorded in Eau Claire – with support from frequent collaborators Sean Carey (production, backing vocals), Brian Joseph (engineering, production), Ben Lester (keys), Courtney Hartman (fiddle), Hilary James (cello), and Jeremy Boettcher (bass) – and officially dropped on March 14 with a music video. The single takes a look at the complexity of loss and the ways we can replace grief with love itself. That is the essence of Hemma’s music: taking moments in life that could bring us down and transforming them into things that bring us back up again.

Left to right: Courtney Hartman, Ben Lester, Jeremy Boettcher, Hemma, and Sean Carey (front). (Photo by Samantha Jean Cohen)

Abalone Sky by Hemma will be available everywhere you listen to music on April 25. Hemma will perform in Eau Claire for her release show on April 26 at The Stones Throw (304 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire). Tickets are available online. For more information, visit hemmasong.com.