Hannah Read is an award-winning fiddle and guitar player, songwriter, singer and composer based in Northern California. She grew up in Scotland and regularly  performs, records and tours in a variety of genres on both sides of the Atlantic. 

“One of the finest singers of our day” - MOJO MAGAZINE

Involved in a wide range of projects, Hannah is currently working with scientists at Edinburgh University and Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh (The Fungi Sessions), with Appalachian old-time clawhammer banjo player Michael Starkey (Cross The Rolling Water). In 2025 Hannah will be releasing new music and touring in North America with Julien Baker (Boygenius) and TORRES (see tour dates). 

“A memorable partnership between science and music” (The Scotsman)

Hannah was part of BBC Folk Award winning Songs of Separation:  a 10-piece female British folk supergroup. The album was recorded on the Isle of Eigg where Hannah spent much of her childhood. This remote island off the west coast of Scotland has a rich musical heritage and nurtured Hannah’s love of landscape and nature. 

“Joyous, thought-provoking, passionate, stirring, charming and beauteous” (The Guardian ****)

Collaborating with other musicians, being playful and creative is where Hannah thrives. She has worked with many notable musicians including bluegrass luminary Tony Trischka, Lucy Dacus, Sarah Jarosz, Karine Polwart, Mipso, Sam Reider & The Human Hands, Cassandra Jenkins, Lola Kirke, Jacksonport, Nora Brown, Jefferson Hamer, Rowan Rheingans, The Fretless and Tim Eriksen. 

Her debut solo album Way out I’ll Wander (Hudson Records) is a musical fusion of influences combining her Scottish roots and 15 years spent in the musical scene in New York and the Northeast of the US. 

“Deserving crossover status…nine gorgeous originals” - The Guardian 

Hannah is a passionate teacher and has taught at music camps and courses throughout North America, Europe and the UK. Her infectious animating principles of curiosity and adventure runs through all of her work, and she continues to interweave these varied musical experiences from Scotland to California and back again.