Following the excellence of single “Carry On,” Rising Norwegian electro-pop artist Hanne Leland returns with an emotional follow-up single, “Stay.”

After impressing on her infectious, upbeat, and uplifting record “Carry On” back in February 2018, rising Norwegian electro-pop artist Hanne Leland returns with another hot single, “Stay,” which she co-produced with Jim Eliot.  How impressive is it that Leland is working with Eliot?

Well, he has a pretty big hit on his resume, producing the awesome Ellie Goulding record, “Anything Could Happen”. From the start, it’s clear that“Stay” is starkly different from “Carry On.” As awesome as “Carry On” is, the fact that “Stay” represents contrast exhibits Leland’s range and versatility as an artist. A ballad about the fear losing a loved one (“I know you are stronger / Hold on a little longer / And I’ll hold on to you as hard as I can”), Leland provides some additional background:

“I wrote ‘Stay’ on my piano at home last year. I brought it to a couple of different producers, but none of them were catching the vibe I wanted for the production, until I presented it to Jim (Eliot), and he started working his magic on it. The recording process was really emotional as the song is very personal to me, and I feel like you can really hear the raw emotion coming through in the song.”

Indeed, Hanne Leland captures “raw emotion” on “Stay.” In fact, that’s one thing that “Stay” has in common with “Carry On,” even though both songs ‘pack a mean punch’ by different means.  Leland generally delivers smoother, yet expressive vocals, fitting for the slower pace and more emotional vibe of this record.  While she may not consistently cut and slice with her biting, piercing instrument as on the spryer “Carry On,” she ‘brings it on home’ – on an even loftier level – on the dynamic, gargantuan choruses. The lyrics are simple, but effective: “I just want you to stay, stay, stay.”

Final Thoughts

If for some reason you haven’t added Hanne Leland to your playlist, it’s time to add this talented riser to the rotation. NOW! “Stay” is just another compelling reason to do so.  Leland delivers stellar vocals, showcasing both her kinder, gentler side as well as that biting, raw emotional powerhouse.  Thankfully, Leland let Jim Eliot do his magic on the production – it’s exceptional.

Hanne Leland • Stay – Single • Siwu Music • Release: 5.31.18

Photo Credit: Mariann Vik, Siwu Music