Hanrahan is not a hipster

Recently a new type of character has come to be recognized and well known- the hipster. You all know him, he listens to vinyl, he usually has a beard or a moustache. The most notable trait of the hipster is the fact that he supposedly takes little to no effort to be anything but mainstream.

Lucas Hanrahan is not a hipster. His pants are rolled up, his guitar is on his back, he considers growing facial hair but he is too busy being emotionally involved in every moment in life that he is unable to be effortless.

Yes at a glimpse he does withhold a somewhat hipster-ish style, if you will. I am sure he digs the sound of records, he walks everywhere- coffee or green tea in hand, plaid shirt over a plain tank, the beginnings of a sleeve tattooed on his left arm but don’t be fooled by the Toms on his feet.

Hanrahan started playing guitar when he was twelve-years-old, making it ten years this Christmas. He plays for a human connection and he listens to experience the lives of others.

“I play music because it’s not only a form of expression but as equally important, it’s a form of communication. When I learn songs by other artists their words carry a message but the emotions they communicate have a whole other level of connection,” explained Hanrahan. “You can be in a completely different situation then the artist, but you know that exact same feeling.”

Obviously music can be an outlet for most artists- a mean to get away and find expression, but Hanrahan takes it to another level.

“I believe you gain some understanding and reassurance in your own feelings when you’re able to empathize well with someone, even if it’s just through a song,” he continued. “Then when I write my own music, I get to decide exactly how it is I feel and what I think. It’s my best way of sorting through my thoughts. Plus playing guitar is really fun and I’m sad when I don’t get to play.”

Although he primarily focuses on the guitar, the 21-year-old musician is attempting to discipline himself enough to play piano. He has dabbled the drums, bass, ukulele and banjo but if it came down to it, Hanrahan feels as if he could attempt any instrument.

“If you leave me long enough with any instrument I can normally catch on enough to make something that sounds good. Basically my love for music is broken down to my love of sound, I will play anything on any instrument and as long as it sounding cool, then I’m having fun.”
Hanrahan is currently working on his craft and focuses on improving himself. He plays the occasional show solo but lately has been supporting other artists, as well as spending time in the studio.

His biggest influences are not the classic rock band or the underground solo artist, but rather people from his own personal encounters. “I find that if I talk to any person for long enough and pick their brain just enough I can take away some sort of inspiration. I think through sympathizing with others you get to learn and experience so many different things outside of your own regular life,” said Hanrahan. “Hearing people’s thoughts and learning how to relate helps you think from completely different angles. It really is my friends and family who are my biggest influences.”

The Ontario born musician can be found downtown St. John’s busking randomly. “I like playing all the time everywhere. I just don’t make a big deal out of it or advertise any of the shows I play because right now I am playing for myself. When I am more confident and proud of my ability then I will start playing for other people. I only ever feel as good as my worst performance,” explained Hanrahan.

Under the pseudonym Wyatt Boulevard, Hanrahan writes music as a means of self-evaluation and development. “I really try to write about the things that matter to me. My music is a reflection of myself and this character I am striving to be, so along with that comes songs about self-searching  and confessing my flaws as well as questioning the things around me and asking what it means to me,” he said.

For a roller coaster ride of emotion check out some of Hanrahan’s original pieces here: