They say talent often runs in the family, for Hana Giraldo, that has undoubtedly proven to be true. As the daughter of iconic musicians Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Hana has carved her path in the music world, earning herself millions of followers on social media and heaps of praise from fans and media outlets alike.
Her latest single “Reputation” plays like an anthem of self-acceptance and understanding, while showcasing how much she has developed and grown as an artist, and as an individual. Here, she shares what she hopes listeners take from the track, reveals how much and how her parents influence both her music and her life and looks ahead to the future and what she’d like her artistic legacy to be.
Tell me about your new single, “Reputation.” Is there a particular idea or story behind it?
“Reputation” is a playful, introspective look at how people perceive me and the labels they assign to me without really knowing who I am. It’s my way of giving listeners a deeper glimpse into my true self on my own terms. I like to take risks, and I believe that’s essential for an artist to thrive – not just by being authentic but by being unapologetically true to themselves. This song is a tongue-in-cheek way of doing that. I’m showing a side to my fans they haven’t seen before. It’s about taking control of my story and embracing who I am.
Why did you think the track was the right one to release as a follow-up to “Broke My Heart,” and what do you hope listeners and fans take from it?
I think artists should create authentically; this song felt right in the moment. As I continue to grow and evolve personally and artistically, I’m finding my footing and exploring new sides of myself. With this track, I wanted to show that I’m not just a bubblegum pop singer—there’s more depth and range to my artistry. I hope listeners can connect with and appreciate that.
Your music blends several genres and styles, including rock, pop, and dance. Which artists and bands have most inspired you?
My biggest musical influences are my mom and dad, along with Rihanna and Lady Gaga. But it’s not just their music that inspires me – it’s what they stand for. They’ve all made significant marks through their artistry, standing up for women and empowering others to do the same. Their ability to blend genres while staying true to their message has deeply influenced how I approach my music. I aim to be as successful as my idols, and I truly hope the world sees that in my work, too.
Did either of your parents give you any advice when you decided to follow in their footsteps and carve out your path in the business?
When I decided to follow a path in music, my parents’ advice was both empowering and realistic. They always encouraged me to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly, reminding me that anything is possible if I stay committed. They’ve been a constant source of support, reinforcing the idea that I should never give up, no matter the challenges. They taught me that in this industry, there will always be people who love what you do and others who don’t – that’s just part of the journey. This perspective has helped me develop resilience and confidence, knowing their unwavering belief in me. They’ve always been there, not just as parents but as mentors. They encourage me to trust in my voice and to push forward because I can achieve anything with passion and determination.
How much of an honour for you to be chosen to cover Madonna’s “Burning Up” for International Women’s Month on Cover Nation?
Oh my gosh, I was absolutely floored when I got the opportunity to cover a Madonna song, especially for something as significant as International Women’s Month!! Madonna has always been one of my favourite artists and a huge inspiration to me. Her ability to blend theatrical music with powerful performances is something I find absolutely fascinating. As someone who loves performing, it was an incredible honor to pay tribute to an artist who has been my idol for so long. This opportunity meant the world to me.
You also co-wrote the song “LA Here I Come” from the film Dance Rivals. How did that experience come about, and is songwriting for film something you’d like to do more of?
Yeah, this was actually the first song I ever scored for a movie, and I owe a huge thanks to Andrew Lane and Kyle Massey for giving me that opportunity. They put me in a room that was totally new to me, but I love challenges and exploring new creative avenues so it was an exciting experience. I’m really honoured to have been a part of it, and it was such a fun exercise in expanding my skills. I’m definitely eager to do more in the future. Lady Gaga has always been one of my biggest influences – she’s a powerhouse as a singer, actress, and someone who scores films. If I’m on a path even remotely similar to hers, I’m all for it. Yes, I would be honoured to do more!
Aside from music, you also act like a fashion designer and celeb stylist. How on earth do you juggle everything, and do you find that one aspect of your career often influences another?
I’ve always been a creative person, even from a young age, so balancing different aspects of my career feels like a natural extension of who I am. I’m incredibly passionate about each of these fields – whether it’s music, acting, or fashion – and they often feed into one another. The energy I put into designing or styling can inspire my music, and the emotions I explore through acting can influence my creative process in fashion. It’s all connected for me. While it can be a challenge to juggle everything, I’ve always thrived on having multiple creative outlets. It keeps me inspired and constantly evolving as an artist!
You’re also an ambassador for Boo 2 Bullying. Is bullying you’ve experienced yourself, and how important to you is it that you can use your platform and audience to support charities and organisations that stand up against it?
Yes, I was bullied for years, so becoming an ambassador for Boo 2 Bullying is incredibly meaningful to me. Using my platform to support charities and organizations that stand up against bullying is something I’m deeply passionate about. I’ve always wanted to help others, and whether it’s through my music, my voice, or my actions, I’m committed to making a difference. I know firsthand how tough it can be, and if I can use my experiences to help others navigate those difficult times, then I’m fulfilling a mission that’s very close to my heart.
You have a vast social media following, with over 1 million people keeping up to date with you on both Instagram and TikTok. How do you feel about the importance and impact of social media today, both personally and professionally?
Social media has become an incredibly powerful tool in today’s world, both personally and professionally. For me, it’s a way to connect directly with my audience, share my creative journey, and be authentic in a space where people can truly get to know me. It allows me to engage with fans in real-time, get feedback, and build a community around my music, fashion, and other passions. On a professional level, social media is invaluable for reaching a global audience and showcasing my work to people who might not have discovered it otherwise. However, I’m also aware of the challenges it presents, such as the pressure to constantly be ‘on’ and the impact it can have on mental health. I try to balance that by staying true to myself and using my platforms to spread positivity and support causes I believe in. Ultimately, I see social media as a powerful tool when used with intention and authenticity.
Finally, you’re a considerable newcomer to the industry, so this might be a hard question for you to answer, but what’s your long-term goal as an artist? What do you want to have achieved years – perhaps decades – from now when you look back on your career? What do you want your artistic legacy to stand for and to say?
As an artist, my long-term goal is to create work that resonates deeply with people and stands the test of time. I want to be known for pushing boundaries and staying true to my vision, even when it’s challenging or unconventional. Decades from now, when I look back on my career, I hope to see a body of work that not only entertained but also inspired others to be bold, authentic, and unapologetically themselves. I want my artistic legacy to reflect a commitment to excellence, integrity, and the courage to take risks. Ultimately, I hope my journey will encourage future generations of artists to trust their instincts, stay passionate, and never be afraid to evolve.
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