Wellington Music: Feature Interview - Hannah Virk
We interview Pōneke based artist Hannah Virk about her music & new album 'Pocket Clocks'.
Who are you? Tell us a bit about your music
I am an emerging indie-pop artist based in Wellington, New Zealand. I have recently discovered a passion for writing, recording and producing my own music, after getting a guitar and letting my creativity bloom. I grew up in the Dunedin musical community, but had never given much thought to experimenting with music myself except for the occasional ukulele song. I now record my own songs using keyboard, guitar, ukulele and electronic production and released my debut album Upstairs/Downstairs in 2024. My music has been described as unique and quirky and is full of interesting twists and turns.
When/where was the new album recorded?
Pocket Clocks was released on 10th August 2025 and is my second album and was recorded partly at home, which is where I set the songs up and record the instruments and partly at the Waitohi HIVE studio. I used the studio mostly for my vocal recordings and also for some of the instruments that I don’t have at home, including the electric guitar!
Who produced/engineered the album? How did the tracks come together in the studio, or at home?
It is 100% written, produced, mixed and mastered by me. I usually start with my lyrics, then find the chords, then get to recording once I have worked out how I want the song to sound and any synths I want to use.
Are there any overall themes within the songs/album?
The theme is time and the different aspects of time. The songs on the album contrast different aspects of time - being the spontaneity of a split second (Glens) and the way that time passes by (Slowly Biting Youth). Other songs are based on past experiences, including Musos Club, which recalls my teenage days and Necklace from a Friend, a catchy pop song about hopes for a romance that could have been.
The sounds used in the song also reflect the theme, you can hear many ticking beats throughout the album and even clock chimes in the closing song and title track Direct Credit. It is worth a listen to see what you can find!
Were you going for a different sound/approach on this album?
This album has a more indie/alternative and lo-fi style compared to my first album 'Upstairs/Downstairs', but continues with the intricate lyrics and sounds of my first album.
To quote a review from the 13th floor:
“This is a project that dwells on rhythm, duration, and delay. It is filled with ticking clocks, digital loops, childhood recollections, missed connections, algorithms, and the fading human traces in an increasingly digital world”
I like to experiment with different sounds and styles, so every song and album is truly unique.
Is there a particular single/track that you feel captures the essence of the album?
The lead single Can’t Outpace the Algorithm is at the heart of the album and explores the ideas of online performance, algorithmic validation, and losing your beat to the machine. It is an electronic production made entirely with my production software, emphasising the technological focus of this album. The single showcases my recording and producing skills, blending different beats to delve into the complexities of new technologies.
Where is the best place people can follow you & find your music?
You can find my music on all major streaming platforms. You can follow me on Instagram or Facebook to hear the latest updates about releases and shows. All the links are here: https://linktr.ee/hannahvirk
I look forward to connecting with you there!
Are you working on a video/videos for any of the songs? Are you doing any gigs or promotion for its release?
I will be celebrating the release of 'Pocket Clocks' at a release show at the Undercurrent, Bookstore and Music Venue, Wellington Sunday November 2nd at 1pm. This is an exclusive opportunity to hear the debut live acoustic performances of songs from 'Pocket Clocks'. Tickets are on the door! There is also a music video in the works, so watch this space.
Bandcamp