Hope Waidley
Interview conducted on January 06, 2021
By Dan Locke
The Michigan-born folk-pop songstress, Hope, can be both soft-spoken, murmuring quiet lyrics with her acoustic guitar — and she can roar like the thunder, allowing her distinct voice to soar on top of instrumental melodies. Beginning her musical journey in her freshman dorm room at Michigan’s Grand Valley State University when she released her debut EP, Hope, back in 2017.
Diving into the music game, Hope brings her sunshine personality and angelic voice to fans through her music. In the ‘Born Again’ video, Hope sings of past sorrows, future endeavors and joys as she travels through the winding roads across the country.
You are from Grass Lake, MI. what was your upbringing like?
My upbringing was the best I could have ever asked for. I grew up with an amazing family: my sister, my mom, and my dad. They are all my best friends. My home was my safe place, it was the only place where I felt fully understood in a world that misunderstands. We lived in the country and I spent most of my time playing in the woods, riding my bike around backroads, ice skating on swamps in the winter, spending hours in my canoe in the woods on the water, and exploring abandoned places.
How did you discover music?
Both of my parents loved listening to music so I grew up around it. The first artist I ever got into was Johnny Cash. We often listened to country radio when I was younger.
You are self-taught singer, lyricist, and guitarist from the age of six. How did you start to write music?
I started to write songs when I was six and had no idea how it happened. It felt like a gift from God because of how it helped me feel better. Writing songs became my outlet, my release, and there was no structure to it really.
What makes a good songwriter?
That’s a good question… one that is honest and one that has a lot to say.
What was the first song you learned to play?
The first song I ever learned how to play on guitar was Jolene by Dolly Parton!
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
Oh goodness… the title of the first song I ever wrote was called Billy Bob Joe Bob Steve. I recorded on my cassette tape player when I was six. It’s gotta be in my basement somewhere haha haha
Describe your music
I’ve always had a difficult time describing my music. It’s crosses a lot of different genres it seems such as rock, country, pop, folk, and so on. My writing is raw and straight from my heart. When I play in front of people, it feels like my words come out like blood coming out of a wound.
Tell me about your version of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Happy Xmas (War is Over)? Why did you decide to do that song?
The words of Happy Xmas (War is Over) stuck out to me so much because of this past year. 2020 was sacrificial for everyone and a very painful year, and Happy Xmas has a very hopeful attitude. I think that’s what we all need right now. Healing from the past year and hope for the next one.
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