Jennifer Hope

Most of the time when you grab a fresh piece of music, whether it’s from your favorite artist or a new one, it’s takes a listen or two to get into the groove and to grasp a feel for it. This was not the case when I popped in Jennifer Hope’s Velvet Fire into my CD player. I was instantly hooked by the opening cords of the opening track, Taker. A great guitar driven intro really grabs a hold of you but as soon as Jennifer’s vocal enters the picture, you know you’re in for a great journey.

Her beautiful voice reminds me very much of Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries and the music really sets itself apart from anything else out there with it’s edgy synthesizers underlining the tracks and it works out really well especially in the tunes Maze of Lies and Rapture.

Velvet Fire is a true gem that really focuses on the true talent of Jennifer Hope as her words shine across her powerful voice. No wonder it caught the eye and ear of the Mr. Edward Van Halen, who sponsored this project. Velvet Fire is comprised of 9 amazing Jennifer Hope-penned tunes and 1 breathtaking rendition of U2's With Or Without You and was produced by Warren Huart whose resume includes The Fray, Aerosmith and Eve 6.

Velvet Fire must be included in everyone’s collection and Jennifer Hope’s name is one you’ll be hearing about for a long time. Click here to visit Jennifer’s website to grab your very copy of Velvet Fire. - WAVY.com

“I had a huge amount of people write to me and send me tracks. Jennifer Hope stood out among the crowd because her approach was completely unique. I, of course, liked the fact that she's ‘rock’ but not at all generic, which is wonderful.” — Warren Huart, producer, "Velvet Fire"

Jennifer Hope’s bio describes her as “an enigma.” As a musician whose training began in classical music, she has developed a fan base in the rock, pop, alternative and Goth genres. As a singer/songwriter, she somewhat ventures away from traditional song structures, weaving intricate melodies around her deeply personal lyrics. Within the light of her voice and personality, she also explores and exposes the darkness within. An enigma, perhaps, but an artist, no doubt.

In addition to having songs featured on several compilations, Hope released two albums, Reflections of an Enchanted Soul and Winds of Tomorrow, on her own label, Mystic Dreams Music. As an independent artist, she recorded on a limited budget and schedule. While the quality of her work never suffered, she knew she needed to move forward to take her music to the next level.

Demos of her new songs caught the attention of Eddie Van Halen, who immediately recognized her talent and potential. He stepped forward to sponsor the making of her new album, Velvet Fire. At the same time, producer Warren Huart had listened to two songs that she submitted online and expressed interest in producing the album. With a sponsor, a renowned producer, A-list session players and a professional studio, she finally had the resources to record her music the way she had always envisioned it.

In this interview, Jennifer Hope discusses the craft of songwriting, the making of Velvet Fire, and the passion that drives her art.

When did music become part of your life?

Probably when I was 4 or 5 years old, “playing drums” on any household objects I could find, along with records my mom would play and songs on the radio. She had to get me some toy drums when the realization came that it was not something I could be told not to do. Then, officially, in the fourth grade. That was the age in elementary school that music class was offered and students could sign up to play instruments. I was immediately interested. I didn’t have my choice of instrument. The only thing left was the violin and I did not like it at all. In fifth grade, the clarinet became available. I stayed with it through the eighth grade. I was in the school band, the orchestra, and I auditioned for and made first part, second chair in the honor band orchestra in junior high. Everyone in band within the school district auditioned for honor band; second-highest score from the judges out of all players from all schools — not bad for public school and no outside lessons! Now my voice is my main instrument. I write songs on piano, and I have a background in classical piano and the drums, but there was not enough time in a day to keep up with multiple instruments. However, they play a pretty significant role in who I am as an artist and being able to write, arrange and hear the parts for songs.

Most people hate piano lessons. Were you one of those students or did you enjoy them?

Oh no, I wanted piano lessons! I liked the clarinet at the time, but I felt there was so much more to how I wanted to experience music, and I didn’t want to play classical music long term. I loved rock, alternative and some pop music, and I begged my mom for piano lessons. I loved them! Luckily, I found a teacher through school that did not charge much money for lessons. She was also pretty cool. In addition to working on classical music, she didn’t mind me throwing in some older ’70s rock songs from artists like Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and Queen. I was very lucky to have my mother’s support, and I still do when it comes to encouragement, personal support and understanding how important my art is to me.

Which artists influenced you as a musician and songwriter?

Most people don’t guess most of my influences. Maybe that’s because it’s more aspects of artists that have inspired me. Cyndi Lauper, with a signature sound, a character voice with emotion, but also solid technique. A pop singer with hit songs but also “so unusual,” a long-term endeavor, from the ’80s to this day, genuine in what she does. Heart, again, had hit songs, I love Ann Wilson’s voice, and they are women who have rocked since the late ’70s. I love that kind of energy! Sinead O’Connor, something about her The Lion and the Cobra and I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got albums made me feel like I’m not alone; there is someone else like me who creates from a deeper place within that can be painful. I like her voice, lyrics, melodies and “rebellious with a cause” streak from the time of her first two CDs. I also appreciate that, at that time, she shaved her hair off to make the statement that it’s about the music, not looking like the “ideal woman.” Some people have guessed that Dolore - Examiner.com

“I had a huge amount of people write to me and send me tracks. Jennifer Hope stood out among the crowd because her approach was completely unique. I, of course, liked the fact that she's ‘rock’ but not at all generic, which is wonderful.” — Warren Huart, producer, "Velvet Fire"

Jennifer Hope’s bio describes her as “an enigma.” As a musician whose training began in classical music, she has developed a fan base in the rock, pop, alternative and Goth genres. As a singer/songwriter, she somewhat ventures away from traditional song structures, weaving intricate melodies around her deeply personal lyrics. Within the light of her voice and personality, she also explores and exposes the darkness within. An enigma, perhaps, but an artist, no doubt.

In addition to having songs featured on several compilations, Hope released two albums, Reflections of an Enchanted Soul and Winds of Tomorrow, on her own label, Mystic Dreams Music. As an independent artist, she recorded on a limited budget and schedule. While the quality of her work never suffered, she knew she needed to move forward to take her music to the next level.

Demos of her new songs caught the attention of Eddie Van Halen, who immediately recognized her talent and potential. He stepped forward to sponsor the making of her new album, Velvet Fire. At the same time, producer Warren Huart had listened to two songs that she submitted online and expressed interest in producing the album. With a sponsor, a renowned producer, A-list session players and a professional studio, she finally had the resources to record her music the way she had always envisioned it.

In this interview, Jennifer Hope discusses the craft of songwriting, the making of Velvet Fire, and the passion that drives her art.

When did music become part of your life?

Probably when I was 4 or 5 years old, “playing drums” on any household objects I could find, along with records my mom would play and songs on the radio. She had to get me some toy drums when the realization came that it was not something I could be told not to do. Then, officially, in the fourth grade. That was the age in elementary school that music class was offered and students could sign up to play instruments. I was immediately interested. I didn’t have my choice of instrument. The only thing left was the violin and I did not like it at all. In fifth grade, the clarinet became available. I stayed with it through the eighth grade. I was in the school band, the orchestra, and I auditioned for and made first part, second chair in the honor band orchestra in junior high. Everyone in band within the school district auditioned for honor band; second-highest score from the judges out of all players from all schools — not bad for public school and no outside lessons! Now my voice is my main instrument. I write songs on piano, and I have a background in classical piano and the drums, but there was not enough time in a day to keep up with multiple instruments. However, they play a pretty significant role in who I am as an artist and being able to write, arrange and hear the parts for songs.

Most people hate piano lessons. Were you one of those students or did you enjoy them?

Oh no, I wanted piano lessons! I liked the clarinet at the time, but I felt there was so much more to how I wanted to experience music, and I didn’t want to play classical music long term. I loved rock, alternative and some pop music, and I begged my mom for piano lessons. I loved them! Luckily, I found a teacher through school that did not charge much money for lessons. She was also pretty cool. In addition to working on classical music, she didn’t mind me throwing in some older ’70s rock songs from artists like Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and Queen. I was very lucky to have my mother’s support, and I still do when it comes to encouragement, personal support and understanding how important my art is to me.

Which artists influenced you as a musician and songwriter?

Most people don’t guess most of my influences. Maybe that’s because it’s more aspects of artists that have inspired me. Cyndi Lauper, with a signature sound, a character voice with emotion, but also solid technique. A pop singer with hit songs but also “so unusual,” a long-term endeavor, from the ’80s to this day, genuine in what she does. Heart, again, had hit songs, I love Ann Wilson’s voice, and they are women who have rocked since the late ’70s. I love that kind of energy! Sinead O’Connor, something about her The Lion and the Cobra and I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got albums made me feel like I’m not alone; there is someone else like me who creates from a deeper place within that can be painful. I like her voice, lyrics, melodies and “rebellious with a cause” streak from the time of her first two CDs. I also appreciate that, at that time, she shaved her hair off to make the statement that it’s about the music, not looking like the “ideal woman.” Some people have guessed that Dolore - Examiner.com

I first heard Jennifer Hope on the Cleopatra compilation "The Unquiet Grave". Since then, she's released two EPs through Mystic Dreams Music and contributed to several tribute albums. (These are available to hear and buy through her website.) Her voice has the same modest style now as it did when CDs were the norm, and her alto has strengthened.

Her website features the singles listed above the photo. The cover of U2's "With or Without You" is charming folk-pop, with subdued instruments and nice vocal harmonies. "Maze of Lies" has some rock muscle. This track suggests that Hope has heard Tori Amos and Kate Bush but she isn't chasing them. "Rapture" has more dance appeal. "Destiny" is straightforward alternative rock. Lyrically, Hope focuses on love and loss throughout these songs.

It's interesting to follow the arc of a singer/songwriter, and to note what *doesn't* change as a measure of how true the artist is to her own vision. - Grave Concerns Web-Zine

Review Grave Concerns Web-Zine
Jennifer Hope
"Reflections of an Enchanted Soul"
(Mystic Dreams Music)
On "ReflectionsŠŠ.." we find elements of pop, new wave, new age, & ethereal play out fervently behind Jennifer's angelic vocals that have been compared to the likes of Kate Bush or The Cocteau Twins, & she's certainly one to keep an eye out for in the future. Her music's pretty & uplifting w/ definite hints of a forgotten time where's there's darkness & gaiety abound. Projekt enthusiasts & fans of the "Heavenly Voices" series should seriously investigate into this lovely woman. Personal favorites on this six song disc include "Reflections of an Enchanted Soul", "Don't Leave Destiny", "Immortal Love", & "Angels Alone (remix)". [-Marcos-]
- Grave Concerns Music Zine

Jennifer Hope's sophomore EP, 'Reflections of an Enchanted Soul,' embraces a gentle fusion of ethereal and pop-styled expressions that culminate in a fine-tuned production of streamlined melodies and atmospheres certain to hook the listener into a world of dreamy and nostalgic environments. Michael Riddick - Fossil Dungeon

- Michael Riddick

"After listening several times to her four songs it is not easy to get an exact description about this kind of music. A somewhat quiet voice, is the instrument which Jennifer Hope uses to show her vision of life. From California, we can listen to a few songs in quality, rather than in quantity. Included in "The Unquiet Grave", from Cleopatra Records, Hope gives free rein to her inner imagination fusing New Age and Gothic Sounds with a clear quality sound and dark overtones in the lyrics.
Comparisons are always difficult, but for those people who haven´t had the chance to listen to her pretty, dark tracks it would be ideal to relate her with other bands that play similar kinds of music. Like Jennifer says, "my music is more Ethereal than Dark Gothic". In this sense, perhaps we would relate her with The Cranes, Cocteau Twins and so on, but with a very clear bet for the New Age sounds. In these halos from Ethereal Music we discover some similitudes with Magenta, an amazing band from Norway, although Hope´s voice and Magenta's-female voices vary evidently.
It is, in fact, a relaxed and clear music that introduces us into a world faster and faster less human. In "The Sky is Blushing", her best song, she describes a world that is based in welfare and individualism and that renounces liberty, feelings and creativity.
In spite of this inhuman society, Jennifer shows us an open door towards Hope. Displaying of her surname, in "Passing of our worlds", the bet for the victory of love over death is present. At the same time, her voice recalls those lonely spirits from "Angels Alone" who don´t apostate the truth and the emotions.
Really, Hope´s music is not for listening inside the coffin or in the crypt. It really contains a message of hope and quiet in front of what surrounds us. However, we can always finish by tasting some sentences from the dark side in the lyrics. Perhaps we find ourselves in front of a crossroads of musical genres. So far, Hope has been broadcasted in several European countries and in America. Her last conquest has been Australia. Where will she arrive next?
To sum up, poetry -of quality- to denounce the way of life in this end of the century trusts in a better future brought by the "Winds of Tomorrow". In general, in front of similar female voices in every musical genre that Hope approaches we discover a strong personality in this artist. In the composition as well as in the execution of her works. Well have to wait and see what happens when she expands her own label, Mystic Dreams Music."
Rafa Cros Guitierrez
Musical Journalist/Radio Presenter

- Rafa Cros Guiterrez

JENNIFER HOPE : Winds Of Tomorrow (Mystic Dreams Music, 17'01', 4 tracks, gothic / atmospheric and symphonic music) : Jennifer Hope, composed only by Jennifer, releases here a good first opus under the CD format. The Jennifer Hope album could be described like a symphonic music only based on keyboards with female vocals and very good compositions. No drums, no guitars, only keyboards and excellent keyboards. We feel there are also some other influences here such as New Age or Ethereal music. A good first step for Jennifer, we hope (!!!!!) to listen to a full length CD very soon because we feel a big capacity…. We “Hope” !!!
Dark Wave Radio in Arras France

- Dark Wave Radio

I put the CD in my stereo and I prepared to listen to it. At first it sounded like any other CD with heavenly voices but then Jennifer's voice came to me penetrating every pore of the room. Her delicate and angelic voice is so warm for being so dark, like the blowing of a gentle breeze while you are on top of the world with the stars being hugged by her sorrow. If Jennifer Hope's voice is the thread guiding us we cannot go on without mentioning the delicate music that accompanies this dark angel. Piano, violins and electric guitars create the delicies we hear. All in all this
music is very promising. These are good arrangements coming from a classical background which evolved into this dark sound. All of these arrangements inspire a way for you to feel and see her music. I also need to mention that the lyrics of these compositions flow very harmoniously with the music. This CD has 4 songs in which the third has been included on the Unquiet Grave compilation from Cleopatra Records. Personally I prefer the second song, "Passing of our Worlds".
We are not standing in front of just any other "heavenly voices" CD, we are standing in front of a product of great quality. So, we eagerly await the release of Jennifer Hope's LP.
Jose Gonzales
Necropolis Fanzine/Radio Show in Spain
- Necropolis Fanzine/Radio Show

I put the CD in my stereo and I prepared to listen to it. At first it sounded like any other CD with heavenly voices but then Jennifer's voice came to me penetrating every pore of the room. Her delicate and angelic voice is so warm for being so dark, like the blowing of a gentle breeze while you are on top of the world with the stars being hugged by her sorrow. If Jennifer Hope's voice is the thread guiding us we cannot go on without mentioning the delicate music that accompanies this dark angel. Piano, violins and electric guitars create the delicies we hear. All in all this
music is very promising. These are good arrangements coming from a classical background which evolved into this dark sound. All of these arrangements inspire a way for you to feel and see her music. I also need to mention that the lyrics of these compositions flow very harmoniously with the music. This CD has 4 songs in which the third has been included on the Unquiet Grave compilation from Cleopatra Records. Personally I prefer the second song, "Passing of our Worlds".
We are not standing in front of just any other "heavenly voices" CD, we are standing in front of a product of great quality. So, we eagerly await the release of Jennifer Hope's LP.
Jose Gonzales
Necropolis Fanzine/Radio Show in Spain
- Necropolis Fanzine/Radio Show