Today, Nashville-based musician Hannah Cole announces her debut album Switchbacks with the down-on-her-luck single "MMA." Switchbacks, which is out in September via Tight Knit, follows 2024's Glisten EP and 2023's Big Bite EP. Cole reconnected with frequent collaborator Josef Kuhn, recording the album in their home studio between 2024 and 2025, playing nearly every instrument themselves. Switchbacks was also mixed by Sonny Diperri (American Football, Wisp, Julie).
"MMA" is rooted in sandpaper guitars and cement-heavy drums. The song has a grittiness that recalls '90s shoegaze, while Cole's vocals are on the brighter side. At times, her soft delivery reminds me of Soccer Mommy. The lyrics are blood-stained and title-hungry, with reference to MMA fighting's gruesomeness. The song is also inspired by Joan Didion's Play It As It Lays, the grit of Las Vegas, and the griminess of the music industry. "Money in the slot machine/ Never had a chance so clean/ Never knowing when to leave," she sings during the chorus.
Listen to "MMA" below.
TRACKLIST:
01 "Switchbacks"
02 "MMA"
03 "Pitcher"
04 "Give"
05 "Mechanical Bull"
06 "Dancing"
07 "100 Bucks"
08 "Shooting Star"
09 "Mosquito Hawk"
10 "Every New Day"
Switchbacks is out 9/4 via Tight Knit. Pre-order it here.
