Interview- Jennifer Hope

Emerging from the spectrum of a dynamic individuality comes Jennifer Hope, an American, solo recording Artist. Her music can be described as a varied and original mixture of musical landscapes that create an ambiance of Alternative Pop music. Her unique sounds of expression also intertwine elements of the Gothic and Ethereal genres. The result has invoked an interest in a wide and diversified audience.-www.jenniferhope.com

GC: What is the name of your band and who are the current members?

Jennifer Hope, solo artist.

GC: What is your live show like?

Theatrical and dramatic with modern free form dancers telling the story of the songs.

GC: How do you go about writing songs?

I usually start with an inspiration in the form of an idea, a thought, an event that leads a feeling that I want to write about. I write lyrics first, then the melody, then the chords...and then I start hearing other layers/parts. I always go to this quiet, free place in my mind that a lot of times feels more subconscious.

GC: Pick one of your latest songs and talk about everything from writing it, meanings, the challenges of recording it?

Well, my latest song was a cover so I did not write, Moon Baby. But to really do a cover I read the song lyrics and sort of go to this meditation type place in my mind to know and feel the song and what it means to me. Then I start singing it different ways and "hear" how I would want the song arranged. Sometimes I hear that as just a general vibe, other times I'll hear specific instruments/parts. With Moon Baby I heard several specific parts. From there I work it out technically voice wise. Then I go into the studio and record it...which involves building the whole track with Tommy Reeves. The only challenge with this song in particular was in the beginning...listening to the GodSmack version of this song made me feel very much outside of this song like I wasn't a part of it. But I got past that when I took the lyrics line by line and sort of emotionally analyzed them. To me this song expresses feeling such a deep spiritual and love connection to someone that even though they are no longer close to your life you still feel them like they are in thinking and fantasy. Being in a frozen in time and situation type state, not yet able to move on and feeling like you never fully will.

GC: What is your latest news with the band?

I just recorded "Moon Baby," for Cleopatra Records/Tributized. Gothsmack a Gothic acustic Tribute to Godsmack was just released late in October 2004. I also recorded a cover of Berlins "No More Words," for the POW Record label in Italy. Their compilation of 80's songs, "80 Skeletons in the Closet," is scheduled for release March 2005. Now I am getting ready to record "Something I Can Never Have," for Cleopatra's compilation of acoustic NIN songs.

GC: Where do you hope to be in 5 years with your band?

In a partnership with a successful label recording and releasing more music on a very consistent basis! Also, playing more live shows for bigger audiences...and anything else the journey leads me to.

GC: What would be the top 3 reasons for listening to your music?

I think if you asked 10 different people you would get 30 different answers. In my opinion it would be to listen to something a little different but that is also not too far off of the "songwriting structure map". For lyrics that could be a little more interesting than stating things in the obvious such as - I love you, I miss you, etc. ;) And to experience the vibe and feelings in my songs that might help free your mind of everyday worries, tasks, etc. to explore other thoughts, ideas, fantasies, etc.

GC: What is most important to you in your band?

That my music keeps progressing in both the technical and emotional/artistic ways.

GC: What was the hardest song to write and why?

Actually the new ones I'm currently working on because I am going out of my familiar/what I have been doing to express other less expressed (to others outside of myself) aspects.

GC: What music do you currently listen to, and why?

Rock & Ethereal. Sometimes I have more energy and want something to accompany that - Rock. Besides I've always liked a lot of Rock music. And the Ethereal types of music for when I am more mellow or if there is too much going on around me and I need to kind of remove myself. It's also good for freeing myself in many ways.

GC: How do you keep changing your music from album to album or plan to change it?

I don't really PLAN but right now I am feeling the need to have more edge in my new songs. Also more variety in moods and tempos.

GC: What kind of recording environment do you have?

I go into the studio with Tommy. It's nothing too huge or fancy...it's laid back and comfortable.

GC: What is the hardest thing about being in a band for this genre?

Ethereal is limiting as far as bigger opportunities and money to take a career to the next level. I would say it's difficult to need to express music, thoughts, feelings and art on a level deeper than a larger number of people like to experience. Then again, it would be even more difficult to have to compromise oneself and be more on the surface for the masses.

GC: What is most rewarding when it comes to your band?

Knowing I made it all possible/have done everything myself instead of doing nothing like a lot of other musicians I know/have known...because no one was there to help from the get go.

GC: What are you looking forward to most right now as a band?

Getitng my new CD done/out!

GC: Compilation experiences good or bad and why?

Being on the Unquiet Grave Vol. One was good. It lead to radio play and a lot of contacts who discovered me on that compilation. The Edgar Allan Poe compilation doesn't seem to be good or bad. The various cover song compilations have been mixed but more good than bad for sure. Although I would much prefer to have original songs on compilations over doing covers.

GC: How did you end up in the dark underground scene?

I just started writing what I was feeling/hearing without "trying" to be this or that style. The result was what people called Ethereal, Gothic, Dark Wave, Alternative Pop and that's where the market ended up being.