As we’re going to be covering the English Riviera Food and Music Festival, we wanted to chat to a few of the acts that will be entertaining the masses over the festival weekend, I saw that an act called Gecko and the Bee were playing on both the VIP and Main stages so naturally, I made a ‘bee’-line for her and got chatting.
Read on to learn how her stage name came about, musical influences and what you can expect from her live set(s).
You're called Hannah Kane but you perform under the name 'Gecko and the Bee', please tell me how this name came about?
One of my closest friends has always called me Gecko on account that I've got green eyes and can do a silly face which she thinks looks like a gecko. We used to drive a lot and one time there was a bee in the car and she pointed and giggled and said 'oh look it's gecko and the bee'. I thought about it that night and that it was it really! I didn't fancy using my own name as I wanted my music to be whatever I wanted it to be. ‘Gecko and the Bee’ could be (bee) literally anything!
Tell me about the style of music you perform....
Imagine a sunset and you hear soft, fun chilled music, that's what it feels like to me…. Indie folk with a smattering of rock in there. I play electric with some moody guitar sounds and sing - it's chilled but playful.
Who would you say has influenced you so far on your musical journey?
The queen herself is Joni Mitchell alongside my dad and I singing Elvis Costello and Primal Scream in the car. Adrienne Lenker from Big Thief, Zola Jesus, Stevie Nicks, Cocteau Twins and Sylvan Esso. Zola Jesus has this incredible album with strings and vocals on top and I love it so much, I remember listening to that and my mind being boggled. My favourite track is ‘Avalanche’ off that album.
Laura Marling has been a huge influence, my friend and I went to see her in 2022 and she was incredible and she inspires a lot of my guitar playing.
You're going to be playing on the VIP and the Main stage over the weekend, what can people expect?
Lots of giggles, very friendly and fun. I'm extra excited as my friend Marcus is also playing the guitar alongside me so it's going to be bigger than ever! I perform and write because it is the most exciting and fun thing for me. I used to get absolutely panic-stricken being on stage but then I remembered why I'm doing it all in the first place - I love it and it's fun. Bring it on!
As you're performing at the English Riviera Food & Music Festival, tell me about your FAVOURITE food?
I absolutely adore pie! Pie is so delicious, i had a few months where I couldn't stop thinking about it! I'm Gluten free and vegetarian so it's almost impossible to find a GF pies in restaurants so I had to teach myself how to make GF pastry which actually isn't too hard and I'm definitely not a cook.
Which of the other acts on the bill over the weekend are you most looking forward to watching?
I'm so hyped because I grew up listening to Razorlight, The Feeling, and UB40. Blaring their music from my brother’s iPod. Razorlight's song ‘Golden Touch’ was one of the first songs i learnt on guitar actually! I think I've been to see Scouting for Girls about 6 times when I was a teenager, even creating fan girl t-shirts which is hilarious to think about now. Life has come full circle and I am so excited to see these bands live again along with new ones that I haven't got the chance to check out yet.
You're hosting a dinner party, what will YOU be cooking for your guests? (starter, main and dessert please)
It would be a completely vegetarian and Gluten free meal. Shout out to the girls with stomach problems!
To start definitely some kind of gyoza with something saucy to dip them in….
Main - Ramen. With Rice noodles. Something soupy and delicious and full of flavour!
Dessert - My mum's a big baker and she's Swedish and she makes this Swedish banana ice cream with diam on top and it is honestly the best desert ever!
Talking of guests, who will you be inviting? (they can be dead or alive)
Debbie Harry. She's an icon and I'm sure she's got many a story to tell - also would want to see what outfit she turns up in.
Tayce. She's a drag queen and her and I have a mutual love for beans on toast. When she was on TV my friends and I would scream haha.
Mac Demarco. He gets up to all kinds of trouble with that cheeky smile, he'll probably bring a synth along to and we can all have a singsong.
Tell me about any new music, future gigs/festivals that you have lined up....
I'm recording at the moment and I will be releasing a single hopefully in August so look out for that. It’s been difficult during the winter to keep my motivation up but I'm back now the sun’s out. Marcus and I are playing a few cute house shows around East London leading up to the festival to get us ready for the big stage. Otherwise the last 6 - 8 months I've been gigging non stop so I'm having a little break before I pick things up again properly in June.
Keep up to date on my socials and sign up to the mailing list (link below)
Where is the best place to keep up to date with your musical happenings?
Here are my most active channels;
Mailing list link is HERE
We will be chatting to more acts that are performing at the festival, in the meantime, make sure you have bought TICKETS as you wouldn’t want it selling out before you got the chance!