Becca Hannah reclaims her voice with new single ‘Empathy’

Soulful singer-songwriter Becca Hannah is finding strength in vulnerability with her latest release, "Empathy." The track, out now alongside a live studio visual, explores the fine line between compassion and self-preservation as the Los Angeles-based artist prepares to release her debut album "Tonight in My Dreams" early next year.

Built around Hannah’s rich, velvety vocals and a stirring horn arrangement by George Pereli, “Empathy” reflects on how caring deeply for others can blur personal boundaries.

“I’ve had this habit of internalizing other people’s opinions and values so deeply that I’ve lost a sense of where I’ve stood as an individual,” Hannah said. “With this song, I’m reclaiming my power, identity, and individuality.”

Recorded live at seven-time GRAMMY-winner Jim Scott’s Plyrz Studio in Valencia, California, the track captures the warmth and rawness of Hannah’s evolving sound. The accompanying studio video showcases her commanding presence and synergy with her nine-piece ensemble, providing an intimate glimpse into the creative process behind her lush, jazz-infused arrangements.

Due out January 23, “Tonight in My Dreams” blends soul, R&B, and jazz influences, drawing inspiration from Amy Winehouse, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Erykah Badu.

The ten-track project delves into love, growth, loss, and self-acceptance, offering what Hannah calls “a sense of community and acknowledgment of our humanness.”

Following her smooth single “Caramel,” praised by Atwood Magazine as “the perfect jazzy single paradise for pinning over a crush,” “Empathy” marks a more introspective turn. Both songs showcase Hannah’s soulful tone and her ability to fuse classic sensibilities with modern production.

Hannah, originally from Boston, has performed from coast to coast and was named a 2025 Tiny Desk Contest finalist.

After relocating to Los Angeles, she teamed up with longtime collaborator Tristan Jantz to co-write and co-produce her debut record. Together, they’ve built a sound that’s both timeless and contemporary—anchored in jazz and soul, but pulsing with the creative spirit of the new LA scene.