THURSDAY, 24TH JULY 2025

Hanne Jøstensen connects hemispheres with self-produced single 'The Lighthouse'

Wellington songwriter Hanne Jøstensen shares The Lighthouse, a deeply personal, self-produced single that ties her Norwegian heritage to her life in Aotearoa. It’s the lead track from her upcoming EP and a meditation on legacy, connection, and home.

Opening with six lines sung in Norwegian over a single cello note, the song transports listeners to the island of Sula, where her grandfather once kept the lighthouse. It then shifts into English, guided by delicate piano, expressive strings, and a rich arrangement performed by a standout group of musicians including Jane Dalley (cello), Jim Walmsley (guitar), and Andreas Lepper (percussion).

Recorded and mixed by Lee Prebble at The Surgery, and mastered by Josh Llewellyn, the track reflects Jøstensen’s commitment to real instruments and human connection. “I wanted to keep that sense of honesty in the recording - of people playing together, telling a story,” she says.

The song has already resonated globally, with Jøstensen’s island community in Norway celebrating its release, and new audiences discovering her work through streaming platforms.

The Lighthouse is available now, with a new EP on the way later this year.