Hannah Jadagu: From Instagram DM to Indie Stardom

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In a story that sounds almost too good to be true, Hannah Jadagu went from a recent high school graduate to a signed artist with Sub Pop Records in a matter of weeks. It all started with a random DM on Instagram from Tony Kiewel, co-president of the legendary indie label. At first, Jadagu thought it was a scam, but a quick Google search confirmed that this was a legitimate opportunity.

Discovering Jadagu through her SoundCloud page, Kiewel expressed his love for her music and extended an invitation to talk. After realizing the authenticity of the offer, Jadagu, a now-20-year-old musician, eagerly signed with Sub Pop Records. However, as a college freshman at NYU, she had concerns about balancing her music career with her studies and scholarship. Luckily, everything fell into place.

Since signing with Sub Pop, Jadagu has been hard at work. She began working on her debut EP, “What Is Going On?” and even had the opportunity to open for Bartees Strange’s sold-out shows at Mercury Lounge. Last month, she released her highly anticipated debut LP, “Aperture.” Jadagu’s music defies genre boundaries, seamlessly blending R&B, dream pop, and even touches of grunge-inspired sounds. Her unique songwriting style draws comparisons to the likes of SZA and a young Liz Phair.

While her debut EP was self-recorded using GarageBand, Jadagu teamed up with French producer Max Robert Baby for “Aperture.” The album was recorded at the historic Greasy Records in northern France, with Baby providing additional instrumentation. The result is a more expansive sound that transcends the lo-fi quality of her earlier work.

“Aperture” takes listeners on a journey through Jadagu’s roots and her experiences transitioning from her hometown in the Dallas suburbs to attending NYU. The album’s opening track, “Explanation,” sets a serene tone as Jadagu questions her faith during a low point in her life. “Admit It” follows with its effervescent R&B-synth pop sound, capturing Jadagu’s support for her older sister during challenging times. It’s a mature and introspective record that showcases Jadagu’s range as a songwriter.

Jadagu’s rise to fame has been fueled by her dedicated online following. With her self-produced beats and relatable lyrics, she quickly amassed millions of streams on platforms like SoundCloud and Spotify. Her success online translated to sold-out live performances, with fans eagerly attending her album release show at Brooklyn’s Baby’s All Right.

Onstage, Jadagu’s soft-spoken and shy demeanor transforms into that of a confident performer. Her elementary school choir and drum line background shine through as she captivates the audience. During her shows, she leads the crowd in singalongs and even ventures into the midst of the audience, creating an electric connection.

For Jadagu, seeing her fans in the crowd is a heartwarming experience. It confirms that her music resonates with people beyond the numbers on streaming platforms. Despite initially expecting only her friends to show up, she was pleasantly surprised to see unfamiliar faces who had been listening to her music since her earlier releases.

Looking ahead, Jadagu hopes to make her mom proud by successfully balancing her college education with her music career. Her dedication to both aspects of her life showcases her determination and passion. As she continues to make waves in the indie music scene, one thing is certain – Hannah Jadagu is a rising star to watch.

In the grand scheme of things, she may be just getting started, but with her talent, authenticity, and dedicated fanbase, there’s no doubt that Jadagu is on the path to even greater success. Whether she’s performing on stage or studying for exams, she’s making her mark and proving that dreams really can come true.