Interview with Hope Easton
Hope Easton is a Jazz musician.
Why did you want to be a professional musician?
I started playing cello when I was young 7 and as I progressed it was just where my life was heading. I was a gymnast at the same time and wanted to go to the Olymp[ics, but there was not the support I needed and at 11 I had to make a decision between the two. I figured I could play cello when I was 80 and not do gymnastics. I also grew up for the most part with my stepfather who was a clarinetist in the Cleveland Orchestra and saw someone who was in music as a career and also a cellist at that time, it was something I played in as a kid. I never wanted to be in an orchestra as a job though, I didn't want to wear black. I also played solos with the orchestras, and that was one of my goals as a young classical cellist.
What inspires your music?
Life inspires my music, and the many things I experience I write about. It can be relationships, people, the stars (I am an avid astrologer.).
What things get you in the mood to write songs, or do lyrics come spontaneously?
I think just experiencing things that happen to me, emotionally and intellectually. It is my outlet to express myself. All the feelings and thoughts and experiences mixed into one. Lyrics and songs are always interesting. Lyrics can come at any time, not necessarily when I'm sitting at an instrument just playing around to see if some tune comes out. I have had lyrics come to me right as I am falling asleep and I always make myself get up and write them down, because they won't be there in the morning. Sometimes, when you are lucky, they come at the same time, the words (lyrics) and the music. That is always wonderful!
How do you want your music to affect people?
If I touch people emotionally or make them contemplate what I'm saying that would be ideal. At the same time I just want people to enjoy the music and make them feel, make them dance(that is really a favorite response), make love, enjoy listening in the car on a road trip.....
Sound is very powerful and I know for myself. For most pop tunes, I have no idea what the lyrics are, and many times I end up making up my own.
Do you test out your songs before releasing them? How do you do this?
Well, sometimes I play them for friends, when I am undecided about releasing the song.
Like my last song that I released, "Savor", I had wanted to make a video, so I was holding off. I ended up playing it for a Cantor friend of mine, and he said this would sound great with your brother playing electric guitar. (he has played on a few of my tunes). So I reached out to my brother, and he did and for me it made the song 100% better! Or should I say 1000%? So it is a balance to let go and release the music. In this case, I decided against a video, too costly, and added electric guitar, which became a win-win.
How do you prepare for a gig?
I practice and practice and practice. I have to play and sing and work with the microphone and decide the music I want to play. I write on 3 instruments, even though recently I have only been performing on cello and piano, I need to get my first songstress instrument the guitar back on track! And if I hire a band, we need to rehearse!
What is your favorite song that you've written?
I really love the song All This Love and House of Hope. House of Hope was my first produced song, so it is timeless and obviously dear to my heart. All This Love, which is also a video (Im dancing too), I wrote after my Dad passed away, and he wasn't in my life but he was the love of my life. A strange conundrum.
Has there been a reaction to one of your songs that you've been surprised by?
I have had people tell me they have some favorites. On one site, I have Small Monster (which is about corona virus...), which is super funky. Written together with one of my colleagues, Leo Chelyapov; It has Bass clarinet and clarinet, so lots of wind instruments and someone told me they have it nonstop play!
I have had another person tell me their favorite song is Bright as A Star, even if I have new songs, they are stuck on that one. I guess that is how musicians become popular. One song will hit enough people that it becomes their favorite. I.e. radio play, and mass marketing would be very helpful! :)
What are some ways that you promote yourself?
Self-promotion is mostly where I am right now, which I think is very difficult for artists. It is always better to be supported and promoted by someone else! I use social media sites; except for TikTok that I heard is great for musicians but is too psychotic for me. I book shows, which I am currently looking for a booking manager and continue to create more content, record more songs!
What would you say has been the biggest challenge of your career?
To continue writing and believing in myself. And never giving up. Because when the income and sometimes even the response to the output is in the red, one asks oneself why do I continue writing and recording and performing. My answer so far is that I cannot help myself. It is me.
What have been your favorite places to tour?
I have toured America a few times and just being in different small towns is fun and new. I really look forward to getting on other continents, where I think what I do would be well received!
Are there advantages to being an independent musician?
One, being your own boss, and of course creating your own music!
So, I guess that makes two advantages.