From Bob Dylan and Trampled by Turtles to The Cactus Blossoms, Minnesota’s music scene has no shortage of great folk artists. And Hemma, the stage moniker of Hannah Hebl, is no exception.
Splitting her time between the Twin Cities and Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Hemma’s discography has a distinctive Midwestern charm. It has the soul of someone who clearly grew up around music, and she did—Hemma spent much of her childhood performing with her family’s band, The Hebl Family Singers, where she learned her way around recording studios and dabbled in songwriting, guitar, and piano.
Inspired by artists like Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, Hemma embarked on her solo folk-pop career over a decade ago. In the years since, her signature sound and lyrical prowess have cemented her role in the Americana, jazz, and folk scenes of the Midwest.
“Lullabies” is the first single from Hemma’s forthcoming album “Abalone Sky,” set for release in early 2025. “This song is an anthem, very much inspired by the simplicity of a Tom Petty tune,” says Hemma in a statement. The track reflects on the idea of loneliness, framing lullabies as tools for connection and spirituality.
Directed by fellow Eau Claire natives Erik and Sarah Elstran, the song’s accompanying music video is an ethereal ode to Hemma’s years at summer camp, using imagery of herself twirling through weeping willows and her band performing in nature. “Lullabies” is available to stream online, and you can watch an exclusive premiere of the official music video above.
Want to hear “Abalone Sky” in its entirety, before it comes out? Hemma will be playing an album preview show with her full band at Icehouse in Minneapolis Dec. 7, and tickets are available now.