Crushable Questionnaire: Donora Lead Singer Casey Hanner

If you’re not familiar with Donora, chances are you will be soon. The Pittsburgh garage band is gaining momentum — and fans — and its catchy tunes like “I Think I Like You” and “The Chorus” are bound to cheer up any rainy day. Part of their upbeat vibe is due to singer Casey Hanner’s bubbly voice and, after we asked her to fill out our Crushable Questionnaire we learned she’s not just an indie rock singer, she’s also an aspiring engineer (!). She also likes pajamas and going to the zoo.

1. What’s your backstory?

Well, I grew up in a house full of music. My dad makes his living as a songwriter, musician, and producer. He had a studio in our basement growing up, which was right under my bedroom. So I can sleep through anything. I started playing guitar and writing songs when I was about 14. I went to college at the University of Delaware for civil engineering. And on my breaks, my brother and I started playing music together. We’ve been a band with our bass player for about 4 years now. I’m finishing up grad school right now in transportation engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. In fact I defend my thesis on Wednesday! Was that too much information?

2. Everyone has a “thing.” What’s yours?

I am completely obsessed with 16th century European monarchs right now. Alison Wier has a bunch of biographies that I highly recommend.

3. Everyone also has a karaoke song. Name yours (and don’t be shy).

“Material Girl!” Although last time I sang karaoke, I did “Summer Nights” as a duet, and that went over pretty well

4. Who are your biggest influences?

I’d like to think I’m influenced by every person and thing I encounter. I’m not sure who has had the biggest impact, though.

5. What is it you most dislike?

Question 4. Haha. I also dislike poor grammar

6. Whose job would you like to steal?

Lady Gaga’s back-up singers

7. What was your best date?

The Pittsburgh Zoo! We got to sit in on an “animal encounter” and pet a sting ray. The company wasn’t bad, either.

8. What was your worst?

This guy and I liked each other, but we were shy. So we planned to hang out under the ruse of playing music together. My brother didn’t realize we liked each other though, and wanted to jam with us. So he ended up staying all night and totally crashed our date!

9. When I wake up in the middle of the night its because I’ve had a nightmare that I’m ___ .

In school, about to take a test, and I haven’t studied.

10. I feel my best when I’m wearing ___ .

My pajamas

11. Please settle the debate: New York or LA?

Well I’ve never actually been to LA, so I don’t know if I can answer fairly. If we’re basing it solely on the East Coast/West Coast hip hop feud, I’d have to go with NY.

12. What’s on your playlist at this very moment?

Billy Idol. Dr Dog. Phoenix. Lady Gaga.

13. What are you watching on TV?

The investigation discovery channel. It just plays true crime stories all day long. I’m also a big fan of that Tori and Dean show.

14. If you alone held the power to pick a boyfriend for Jennifer Aniston, who would you pick?

Joey. Or maybe a pro-surfer. I could see that working out.

15. Given the chance, would you rather hang out with George Clooney or Robert Downey Jr.?

Robert Downey Jr. for sure

16. If you were a character on any movie or TV show, past or present, who would you be?

I think I am that little girl from Mrs. Doubtfire

17. What is your drug of choice?

Caffeine

18. What’s the last thing you think about before falling asleep at night?

I love my bed and sleep so much.