The road to success is different for every artist.
For 27-year-old Hannah Georgas, continued support and tough love from her family allowed her to shoot into Canada’s spotlight.
It isn’t surprising Georgas has experienced musical success, as she had the good fortune to grow up in a musical family.
Her father, who died two years ago, was a professional blues/rock piano player.
“I saw how happy music made him,” says Georgas.  Witnessing his joy sparked her desire to pursue her own musical talents.
At the age of five, Georgas struck her first chord on the piano and by seven she was writing her own music.  But as any child would be, the young Georgas was reluctant to devote the time and energy needed to perfect her musical skills.
“My mother forced me to play,” says Georgas. “Looking back now I’m so glad she pushed me.”
Georgas’s parents were initially reluctant to support their daughter’s dreams of becoming a musician.  They were more concerned with her education than her talents.
“They were hesitant,” says Georgas. “They really pushed the importance of an education.”
Regardless of their concern Georgas’s parents always allowed plenty of leeway for their daughter to follow her musical aspirations. At 17, she along with Tim Oxford (drummer for the Arkells) formed the band Sister Satellite. Georgas soon gained real insight into becoming a serious artist.
“This was my first real band dynamic,” said Georgas.  “I knew right away this is what I love to do, what I wanted to do.”
Being surrounded by talented people also gave her the confidence and ability to stay inspired and master her craft.
In 2009, following the success of her first EP, The Beat Stuff, she was approached by Walmart to write an original song for their fall campaign.
To many in the industry, writing a jingle for a multi-national corporation would be selling out. But her family was supportive of this artistically risky, yet lucrative move. “It was an amazing way to expose my music to a different audience,” say Georgas.
Even with this solid support system, Georgas’s road to success has been the result of a lifetime of preparation, inspiration, hard work, and sheer talent.
Catch Georgas at the Gateway Saturday, Jan. 22.