FEATURE:
Spotlight
PHOTO CREDIT: Von Robinson
that we need to follow next year, there are definitely sparks of excitement. Artists that you should be looking at. One such artist is Hana Giraldo. I am going to spend time with her and her music. Bring in a few interviews. Some great insights from this year. I am starting out with an interview from Loop Mag. Rather than it specifically being about the music, I was interested in this piece as we get a look into her personal life and activism. An artist who wants to be a very positive influence in the world:
“After sitting in the makeup chair, Giraldo straps on a silver minidress and large hoop earrings that are reminiscent of a time when people went to clubs (you know, before every nightlife venue in Los Angeles closed to slow the spread of COVID-19). She tells stories about pre-pandemic nights out, like when she and her boyfriend, Kyle Massey, who starred on Disney Channel’s “Cory in the House,” met Justin Bieber.
“He’s a really good guy, he’s really sweet,” she says. “I think it was Kyle’s birthday, and I remember being in the club, and him just coming in and there were like, 80 security guards. … I just remember I’d never seen so much security. It’s nice too when you meet someone like that and they’re so humble.”
“Staying humble is my biggest thing because I hate it when people will act like they’re the shit”
Giraldo prides herself on similar attributes. “Staying humble is my biggest thing because I hate it when people will act like they’re the shit,” she says. “…Growing up with famous parents, I’ve always had a smaller ego because they taught me to be like that.”
Although she was raised in the spotlight—born a decade after her mother released classic hits like “Love Is A Battlefield” and “We Belong”—Giraldo wasn’t immune to things like bullying. When Giraldo was about 9 years old, her family moved from their Malibu home to Hana, Hawaii, an island she was named after, where she was constantly picked on. What she didn’t realize at the time was that the harsh words used by her peers were grooming her for a career in content creation.
“I don’t ever really dig too deep into the comment section, just because I’ve heard it all,” she says. “You tell me what’s bad about me, I’ve heard it all. It doesn’t really affect me how it would affect another person.”
When Giraldo’s family moved back to Los Angeles three years later, she remembers traveling with her mom on tour and having to find ways to entertain herself. Since this was before the smartphone era, she’d make videos using a Macbook Pro.
“I wouldn’t have anybody to hang out with, or I’d have my babysitters, so I’d have them dress up and I would shoot a video,” she says.
While these early skits weren’t Giraldo’s best work, she says today her highest performing videos are often the ones for which she has the lowest budgets and puts in the least amount of effort. “It’s very strange; it’s like the more you think about it, the more you get in your head,” she explains. “People just like to see what’s authentic, and what’s really going on”.
Another interview with Loop Mag, I was interested reading what Hana Giraldo had to say about her childhood. We get a glimpse into her past and future. How she unwinds and where she likes to hang. Also, what it is like being the daughter of a major artist who has so many fans around the world. It must have been an exciting and artist household to grow up in:
“Hana Giraldo, daughter of pop queen Pat Benatar and songwriter and guitarist Neil Giraldo, is not to be trifled with. A victim of bullying herself, this fashion forward social media star says, “I thank God every day for putting me through that. Now I have the thickest skin in America! Just try to stop me…There’s not one thing that someone could say to me that would make me give up.” Hana began her social media career by styling Vine stars when she unknowingly moved into the Vine house on Hollywood and Vine in West Hollywood. Soon after, Hana was asked to be in these influencers’ videos and it’s been up, up, up since then, with currently over 500,000 followers on Instagram.
What was it like growing up with Pat Benatar as your mother?
HG: I guess my upbringing was different from the way most kids grow up. I learned the business very young. I traveled a lot. It was a blessing but it was normal for me. I didn’t know anything other than going to your mom’s shows every day or living on a tour bus.
In one of your videos, I heard you say that you were more of an introvert growing up.
HG: I grew up in Malibu until the fifth grade when we moved to Maui, Hawaii. I was badly bullied there. I didn’t want to make things harder on my family so I just didn’t say anything and I just stuck it out. I was always super nice, super happy, loved life. But I was badly bullied and I was alone. I always wanted to hide in my room. Being bullied takes a lot out of you. I internalized a lot. Before I was bullied, I was very outgoing. I really did have a positive mindset. I thank god everything day for putting me through that… now I have the thickest skin in America! Just try to stop me.
You traveled a lot growing up. Do you still travel quite a bit? Where do you like to go? Anywhere you haven’t been that you would like to visit?
HG: I’ve been everywhere, except for Africa, Tokyo and Dubai. I want to go to Dubai. I love New York, Paris, Italy… I love the Cayman Islands and anywhere tropical. But I know the ambassador of the Cayman Islands so when I go there I’m with like Cayman Island royalty! On my 21st birthday, I got driven home from a Lil John concert by the ambassador of the Cayman Islands…Yeah my life’s a movie!
Does nightlife play a big roll in how you socialize?
HG: I’m very selective with who I choose to let in my life at this point. I started going out at a young age. I would go out with my sister when I was 16 or 18 years old. I went out to clubs so young. I still go out occasionally. Although, I don’t drink so it’s not fun being around really drunk people when you’re not drunk. The reason I go out is to network. I know all of the clubs in Los Angeles and all of the club owners. I am definitely involved in the nightlife scene.
What are your favorite clubs to go to?
HG: I love Delilah. I like Good Times at Davey Waynes. I like places where I can actually have a conversation and connect with people without screaming to get people’s attention over techno music. Growing up with famous parents I was always backstage so in crowded places, I am a little uncomfortable.
How does fashion play a role in your life?
HG: Fashion for me is everything. I can make something super cheap look expensive by accessorizing it correctly or putting it with the right jacket. I like to mix high-end brands with fast fashion. I love Balenciaga, Gucci, YSL, House of CB for a cheaper brand, but vintage is my shit. I don’t want to be seen in the same outfit as someone else. I would rather go to a vintage store and find something cool that is older. I make half of the stuff I wear. I will get vintage stuff and transform it into my own thing. My favorite store is Wasteland.
How would your fans describe you? What do you think they like about you?
HG: They would probably describe me as humble. I like to keep my fans in the loop. I never forget about them. I make it a big part of my journey to include them. The interaction between my fans and me has brought me where I am today. They would say I’m genuine, funny, fashionable, loyal, and a little crazy. My thoughts on genuineness are simply that it’s one thing to act like you’re the most successful person in the world. But in reality, the most successful person doesn’t have to act like the most successful person in the world.
So many young girls idolize Instagram stars and I just want my fans to realize that I’m not perfect. I don’t look like I do in my professional photo shoots all the time. I want people to go embrace who they are. First, find out who you are and work with it. I will never look like a Victoria’s Secret model. I’m not 5’10” but I’m okay with it because I’m me. With Facetune and all these crazy apps, kids are looking at this and thinking other people are perfect. It’s not healthy.
You are an advocate for victims of bullying. What are some of the things you are doing to help awareness of this issue? I think a lot of people think bullying is just something that happens to children. Do you think adults can be bullied?
HG: Absolutely. Now with Instagram and the Internet, it’s a whole other beast. It can happen to anyone. I went through a traumatizing bullying experience and had all these targets on me on this tiny island. Now I feel like I can help people. Fans will reach out to me and I will respond and that will make their day. My ultimate goal is to spread awareness. This issue is often swept under the rug. Bullying kills people and it needs to be stopped. I’ve been making videos about it lately.
Is there anything you’d like to tell your followers?
HG: Follow your dreams. Don’t let people stop you. Be positive and be whomever you want, you can achieve if you believe in yourself and your work enough. I’m always here. I answer DMs! There’s not one thing that someone could say to me that would make me give up”.
Prior to rounding things off, I want to highlight parts of an interview with XS Noise. A remarkable artist who I think will make some big steps next year and perform around the world, I do hope that Hana Giraldo gets to come to the U.K. at some point. She is someone I am new to but am compelled to follow:
“They say talent often runs in the family, for Hana Giraldo, that has undoubtedly proven to be true. As the daughter of iconic musicians Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Hana has carved her path in the music world, earning herself millions of followers on social media and heaps of praise from fans and media outlets alike.
Her latest single “Reputation” plays like an anthem of self-acceptance and understanding, while showcasing how much she has developed and grown as an artist, and as an individual. Here, she shares what she hopes listeners take from the track, reveals how much and how her parents influence both her music and her life and looks ahead to the future and what she’d like her artistic legacy to be.
Tell me about your new single, “Reputation.” Is there a particular idea or story behind it?
“Reputation” is a playful, introspective look at how people perceive me and the labels they assign to me without really knowing who I am. It’s my way of giving listeners a deeper glimpse into my true self on my own terms. I like to take risks, and I believe that’s essential for an artist to thrive – not just by being authentic but by being unapologetically true to themselves. This song is a tongue-in-cheek way of doing that. I’m showing a side to my fans they haven’t seen before. It’s about taking control of my story and embracing who I am.
Your music blends several genres and styles, including rock, pop, and dance. Which artists and bands have most inspired you?
My biggest musical influences are my mom and dad, along with Rihanna and Lady Gaga. But it’s not just their music that inspires me – it’s what they stand for. They’ve all made significant marks through their artistry, standing up for women and empowering others to do the same. Their ability to blend genres while staying true to their message has deeply influenced how I approach my music. I aim to be as successful as my idols, and I truly hope the world sees that in my work, too.
Did either of your parents give you any advice when you decided to follow in their footsteps and carve out your path in the business?
When I decided to follow a path in music, my parents’ advice was both empowering and realistic. They always encouraged me to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly, reminding me that anything is possible if I stay committed. They’ve been a constant source of support, reinforcing the idea that I should never give up, no matter the challenges. They taught me that in this industry, there will always be people who love what you do and others who don’t – that’s just part of the journey. This perspective has helped me develop resilience and confidence, knowing their unwavering belief in me. They’ve always been there, not just as parents but as mentors. They encourage me to trust in my voice and to push forward because I can achieve anything with passion and determination.
How much of an honour for you to be chosen to cover Madonna’s “Burning Up” for International Women’s Month on Cover Nation?
Oh my gosh, I was absolutely floored when I got the opportunity to cover a Madonna song, especially for something as significant as International Women’s Month!! Madonna has always been one of my favourite artists and a huge inspiration to me. Her ability to blend theatrical music with powerful performances is something I find absolutely fascinating. As someone who loves performing, it was an incredible honor to pay tribute to an artist who has been my idol for so long. This opportunity meant the world to me.
You also co-wrote the song “LA Here I Come” from the film Dance Rivals. How did that experience come about, and is songwriting for film something you’d like to do more of?
Yeah, this was actually the first song I ever scored for a movie, and I owe a huge thanks to Andrew Lane and Kyle Massey for giving me that opportunity. They put me in a room that was totally new to me, but I love challenges and exploring new creative avenues so it was an exciting experience. I’m really honoured to have been a part of it, and it was such a fun exercise in expanding my skills. I’m definitely eager to do more in the future. Lady Gaga has always been one of my biggest influences – she’s a powerhouse as a singer, actress, and someone who scores films. If I’m on a path even remotely similar to hers, I’m all for it. Yes, I would be honoured to do more!
You’re also an ambassador for Boo 2 Bullying. Is bullying you’ve experienced yourself, and how important to you is it that you can use your platform and audience to support charities and organisations that stand up against it?
Yes, I was bullied for years, so becoming an ambassador for Boo 2 Bullying is incredibly meaningful to me. Using my platform to support charities and organizations that stand up against bullying is something I’m deeply passionate about. I’ve always wanted to help others, and whether it’s through my music, my voice, or my actions, I’m committed to making a difference. I know firsthand how tough it can be, and if I can use my experiences to help others navigate those difficult times, then I’m fulfilling a mission that’s very close to my heart.
Finally, you’re a considerable newcomer to the industry, so this might be a hard question for you to answer, but what’s your long-term goal as an artist? What do you want to have achieved years – perhaps decades – from now when you look back on your career? What do you want your artistic legacy to stand for and to say?
As an artist, my long-term goal is to create work that resonates deeply with people and stands the test of time. I want to be known for pushing boundaries and staying true to my vision, even when it’s challenging or unconventional. Decades from now, when I look back on my career, I hope to see a body of work that not only entertained but also inspired others to be bold, authentic, and unapologetically themselves. I want my artistic legacy to reflect a commitment to excellence, integrity, and the courage to take risks. Ultimately, I hope my journey will encourage future generations of artists to trust their instincts, stay passionate, and never be afraid to evolve”.
Next year is going to offer up a lot of wonderful artists to look out for. Those making their first moves. If you do not know about Hana Giraldo, go and follow her on social media. A really promising artist with a great sound, I do genuinely think next year is going to be a massive one for Giraldo. An artist who has a growing and loving fanbase. She is someone that you need to…
HAVE on your radar.
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Follow Hana Giraldo
