Hannah Harlacher Haunts with Heart in “Ghost”

In a visually stunning video, the indie folk songstress explores themes of growth and self-reclamation.

by Glenn Alderson

Photo by Raunie Mae Baker

Indie folk singer-songwriter Hannah Harlacher has been crafting soulful, introspective music from her Vancouver base since 2020. Known for her lyrical honesty and rich storytelling, Harlacher’s songs navigate themes of transience, introspection, and the beauty in melancholy. Her latest video single, “Ghost,” arrives today with a fitting Halloween premiere, drawing listeners into a haunting yet empowering self-reflection.

As she describes, “Ghost” is a rallying cry for personal growth, born out of a period of stagnancy and a yearning for deeper roots. The video, filmed in an eccentric, floral-filled home near Tsawwassen and nearby woods, captures this journey of transformation with beautifully eerie visuals.

Directed by Daphne Creative, Harlacher embraced her “ghostly” side, adding a visceral layer to the song’s theme of shedding an old self. Produced by Jonathan Anderson, who brought the track’s emotional depth to life with a range of layered instrumentation, “Ghost” demonstrates Harlacher’s evolution toward a more alt, indie folk-rock sound.

As she continues to perform in Vancouver’s vibrant music scene with a new EP on t3he calendar for next year, Harlacher is proving to be voice to watch, blending lyrical vulnerability with a warm yet powerful sound. We caught up with her to find out more about her new track and asked her some hard hitting questions about her favourite Halloween candy while we were at it. 

Can you introduce yourself for those unfamiliar with your work?
Hi! I’m Hannah Harlacher, a Vancouver-based singer-songwriter. I’ve been releasing music since 2020, mostly sad songs with an indie folk-rock twist, and I’m looking forward to playing some cozy live shows very soon.

When did you start playing music? Was songwriting natural for you?
I’ve been singing since I first watched Disney movies and later explored musical theatre. A few years ago, I started learning guitar, which really helped develop my songwriting. I’m a lyrics-first writer, and often-times I’ll hear a melody as I’m writing or when re-visiting the lyrics. For the full composition, I lean on my talented friends for support.

 

 

Tell us about “Ghost.” Would you call it a reclamation anthem of sorts?
That’s an interesting way to put it, and I think pretty spot on. I am more of a transient and I wrote “Ghost” when I was really feeling that emptiness in having a lack of roots, and also a bit of stagnancy in general. I think it became a message to myself to wake up, and that who I was at that moment and what I was, isn’t enough for me anymore. It’s a means of encouragement to show up for myself and to be more of myself.

You’re releasing “Ghost” on Halloween. Any special plans?
Since it’s a Halloween release, we’re adding some spooky visuals! I’ll be watching the music video drop, then heading to Mexico, where I’m hoping to catch Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca.

What’s your favorite Halloween candy?
I am a chocolate person over candy all the way! Tough to choose one though. I will say I am an American who loves Coffee Crisp! Next best would have to be Twix.

Do you find you use songwriting to cope with life’s experiences?
Definitely. Living, loving, and dying are all consuming and overwhelming, and music helps to understand it all. It makes it more approachable and palatable to feel it all and sit with it, and learn from it, and move forward. Sometimes I’ll start to just write about a place in time, but people and memories and experiences always reveal themselves.

Tell us about working with your new producer on this track.
Jonathan Anderson is an incredible producer and multi-instrumentalist. He understood my vision for “Ghost” completely, adding unique layers like guitars, organ, drums, and even loon sounds to convey the song’s tension and release.

Where did you film the video? Any memorable moments?
We filmed with Daphne Creative at Kenzie Korzan’s grandma’s beautifully decorated house near Tsawwassen. There’s a scene where I’m dragged through the dirt—it took a few takes and left me covered in it, but it worked!

What’s most important to you right now?
Spending time with supportive people, playing shows, collaborating with other artists, and finding time for myself to travel and recharge.

 

 

How has Vancouver shaped you as a songwriter?
Vancouver’s moody, introspective vibe is perfect for indie folk. The seasonal changes inspire creativity, and the natural beauty here influences my lyrics and adds a new dimension to my music.

What’s a typical day like for you in Vancouver?
I bike to my day job, set aside time to write, and spend weekends with my partner, catching up with friends, or seeing live music.

Any Vancouver artists you look up to?
I’m really inspired by Haley Blais and Sam Lynch, both incredible songwriters. I also love performing with Sunny from Sunny & The Dudes, who has been super supportive of my music.

Anything else we should know about you?
I’d love it if people could follow along on streaming platforms and come say hi at shows!

Any upcoming performances or releases?

I don’t have anything set as of now, but near plans in the future! Perhaps one more show before the end of the year and more regular shows in the new year! As for new music, more singles are coming soon and I plan to release an EP next year!