Featured Artist: Hope D

Written by Jay-Dee Pitcaithly on 8th February, 2021

After snagging a spot in triple j's Hottest 100 with her single 'Second', Brisbane singer-songwriter Hope D is taking things up a notch with the release of her debut EP 'Cash Only'. We chatted to the rising star about her latest feat and her plans for the future. Read the full interview below.

1. You just released your debut EP 'Cash Only'. What was the writing and recording process like with all the restrictions in place last year?

The 7 songs on the EP were written anywhere from 2016 to the start of 2020, so the writing process itself wasn't affected by the big C. But the recording process was fairly interesting. After moping and being super terrified and disheartened by the virus, I decided to do something with all my time and record the songs with my producer. We were able to have 2 visitors max at a time. So it was just me at Hugh's house, and either Jenna Goy (my drummer) or Julia Biers who records bass for my recordings. We smashed out the 5 songs we had to record to finish the EP to accompany Second and Swim and there we go!

2. What track are you most excited for fans to hear from the EP?

I am super excited for them to hear Addict which is about a gambling addiction I had when I was freshly 18. I am very keen to openly talk about the experience and dark feelings I went through that you'll be able to hear throughout the song. A music video will hopefully be out soon for it too!

I am also so excited for people to hear 'Outro'. I think my producer and co-producer Pip Sullivan absolutely killed the production, and the song itself is very empowering to me, so hopefully, it makes other people feel that too.

3. How would you describe your sound in less than five words?

Light-hearted, cynical pop rock

4. You're heading on a nationwide tour in March. How are you feeling about getting back up on the big stage?

I am so freaking excited you have no idea!!! Having two cancelled tours in 2020, I am pretty blue balled. The excitement that was brewed from those high hopes was A LOT, and I really hope these ones go through. I've also only ever done one interstate stop in Sydney for a weekend consisting of two shows that were super fun, but I had only one song out at the time, so touring an EP is going to be freaking EPIC. I am so excited to do it solo too, so the different cities' can see my looping before I bring the band for a tour hopefully in the near future.

5. Congratulations on scoring a spot in triple j's Hottest 100 with your track 'Second'. You must be over the moon! What did you do to celebrate?

I was so so so freaking stoked, I thought I was going to explode! My face hurt from smiling and I chugged champagne and then quickly sprinted to take the phone call with Dave and Lucy (who I am a huge fan of). But to celebrate, I am going out to dinner with my family and my partner tonight (which I planned a few weeks ago in advance). I told my rents that they have to take me for a feed if I DO get in, and also if I don't get in bc a free feed is equally as exciting. But I'll also be having some drinks with my mates to celebrate the EP in general, which will be SUCH a good time. I bloody love my friends.

6. What are your goals for 2021 and where do you hope to be in a year from now?

My goals are to release this EP and have people connect and relate to the songs. That is the best and most important thing for me. I also want to record HEAPS of songs. I am also going to start recording an album this year, so to finish that would be a huge goal. Also to finish my uni degree which I deferred twice last year haha and to have my own 'Hope D' beer would be super sick. I love beer.

A year from now, I would love to be doing a BIG tour with my band and to be playing heaps of festivals and to support someone that I really admire! I also want the world to be a lot better than it is, and I also hope to have a picture of me in a graduation hat on the wall of my parent's house :)

Catch Hope D performing live across Australia on her 'Cash Only' Tour this March. Dates and ticket info below.