Hans Williams Discovers 'More Than One Way Home' in Emotive Debut EP
Photo: Hank Miller
Rising singer-songwriter Hans Williams finds solace in the freedom of creation in his debut EP, More Than One Way Home. With a deeply personal approach to songwriting, he delves into themes of vulnerability and the pursuit of belonging. The five-track collection invites listeners on a transformative musical odyssey, navigating the complexities of life with honesty, grace, and unwavering passion.
"I wrote and recorded More Than One Way Home between Vermont, Georgia, and New Orleans over the past year and a half," shares Williams. "Creating this small project has helped me lean into the unfamiliarity of my future while reconciling with my past. It's for anyone who's feared they won't ever find the same sense of belonging they once felt in their hometown. For anyone who's ever felt paralyzed by self-doubt. Or anyone who has lost touch with themselves somewhere along the way."
EP opener "Greywater" starts with Williams' warm, bellowing vocals, singing, "You've come a long way," ushering in layers of intricate guitar picking, lulling strumming, and haunting harmonies. The song then bursts with life on the chorus, with understated percussion patterns joining the textural mix and Williams' impassioned delivery taking center stage. He belts over the immersive production, "Don't you wash it down the drain / No need to let go of everything / Oh just to change."
"Skin" is a poignant reflection on self-doubt and hypercriticism and a gentle reminder to embrace life's beauty amidst mental turbulence. He keeps his songwriting undeniably authentic by using rhythmic guitar patterns, groovy drum breaks, and melodic vocals. In the heartwrenching chorus, he croons, "Under my skin, where you hide / Tearing me apart one piece at a time / Walk in the shadow of my own pride," making it immediately apparent that the Vermont native is speaking on sincere emotions from the heart.
"More Than One Way Home" is a brilliant finale to such a vulnerable body of work. Like the record's opener, the track begins with Williams and his guitar at the helm. In the verses, he describes his hometown as a place where "fear is unbothered" and "water runs easy" over the sound of soothing guitar strums. Once the chorus kicks in, Williams' raspy vocals soar as he asserts, "It feels good to be alone / Good to be afraid / Good to not know what's coming your way."
Following the arrival of the EP, Williams will be hitting the road for his debut headline 26-date North American 'More Than One Way Home' tour. Kicking off on March 15, the tour starts in New Orleans—where Hans currently lives—before making its way across North America, stopping in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville, as well as his home state of Vermont. With 26 dates, the 'More Than One Way Home' tour will culminate on May 4 in New Orleans at Jazz Fest. The singer-songwriter was also announced as a performer at the Hinterland Festival in Iowa on August 3, where he will be sharing the stage with Noah Kahan, Hozier, Lizzy McAlpine, Vampire Weekend, and many more.
Listen to More Than One Way Home below:
