¤ J e n n i f e r   H o p e ¤

V.M.U catches up with solo artist Jennifer Hope!

VMU: Hey how are you?

JH: All in all, not bad...but busy and within busy trying to find some time in which I can let my mind wander to finish up some new songs!

VMU: Could you tell us how you got started into music?

JH: I have always loved music. I guess it really started in elementary school, playing in the orchestra. That continued into Jr. High school at which point I also began playing piano. Then, by high school I had had enough of the orchestra and played the drums for several years, continued with piano as well. During this time I left traditional high school to do high school and college concurrently. Music was the major in college but after I was finished high school I changed direction because I wasn't too interested in continuing in that college/studying music from a classical angle. Also, due to countless complains from the neighbors, the police showing up at the front door and wrist problems I switched from drums to voice. :) I always felt I could express more through voice than drums and I really had strong visions of singing the songs I had been writing too. So, I studied voice and contemporary music theory...then the music business a little bit. After that I set up my label, made my first CD and have continued ever since.

VMU: How many releases have you put out?

JH: I first released an EP that I later revised and released as Winds of Tomorrow. I also released Reflections of an Enchanted Soul. In addition I have recorded tracks for several compilation CD's which have mostly been for Cleopatra Records.

VMU: Could you tell us who produced them and where? And what was it like working with your producer and Tommy Reeves?

JH: Tommy Reeves has co-produced all but one track with me. It's very comfortable to work with Tommy. He doesn't have an attitude or ego problem, he's easy going, open to my ideas and adds to them rather than trying to completely change my music like a lot of other producers. He also seems to respect me as a person, an artist and a musician, which is mutual. I like working with him because he is a schooled musician with a high level of musicianship...I tend to think in terms of theory and need some kind of reference when I'm recording otherwise everything feels scattered and my creativity doesn't flow. That's probably the opposite for a lot of artists. But if I had to work not being a big art of the overall song and not "knowing" in addition to hearing what I'm doing it wouldn't work as well. The vibe and feeling of the entire track is important to me. Tommy and I work together on arranging, producing and recording the songs from the beginning until they are completed.

VMU: Were the recordings done digital or analog?

JH: Digital.

VMU: What do you express in your lyrics?

JH: Above all deep feelings, emotions and states of being. Those would be brought about by situations I've been through or observed in myself or others that had/have an impact on me. Also some abstract fantasy, loss, frustration, deeply painful experiences, some are based on and/or inspired by movies, pictures, concepts, just letting my mind story tell but with symbols of common human aspects, freedom from the limits of everyday life and spiritual (not religious) matters.

VMU: Do you enjoy live or studio recording?

JH: Studio!

VMU: How do you feel about the mainstream music scene in the U.S and over seas?

JH: From what I have heard of the mainstream music scene it strikes me as very boring with a few exceptions. It seems to lack creativity and risk taking that is needed to reveal true artistic expression. It feels very rigid and "safe". I try to look for more good music beyond the main stream...I just don't get much time to look as much as I'd like! So, if anyone knows of anything send it my way! ;)

VMU: Berlin's "No more words" how did that come about and why have you chosen that cover?

JH: The POW Record Label in Italy asked me to do a cover on an 80's song for a compilation CD they are releasing in November. I was thinking of different 80's songs and when it came to deciding between a few, I chose "No More Words" because I could identify with the lyrics and over all theme of the song quite a lot. Also, my new songs in the works also have more edge to them than previous releases...and this track felt like a good transition into that.

VMU: What can we expect from your new release?

JH: Something a little different. I think all artists continue to evolve and that should be freely expressed. The new songs will have more edge, and more variety in tempos and moods.

VMU: Any tours in the works?

JH: Sure if a company wants to put me on one and pay for it. ;)

VMU: Will you have a full band supporting you or just alone? And is it hard to find the right musicians to work with?

JH: When I perform I sing to my tracks and have dancers who contribute to a somewhat theatrical performance. I like to visually tell the story of the song as I'm singing them. I would like to add live musicians as well at some point....

VMU: Who does most of the musical compositions? And have you played any instruments on the recordings?

JH: I write the songs and then bring my charts into the studio knowing what instruments and overall sound/vibe I am hearing. Tommy and I co-arrange and record the parts...everything is played through the keyboard...with the exception of some guitar parts/guest guitar players.

VMU: Could you tell us more about Mystic Dreams Music?

JH: I started my own company because I don't think anyone should wait to do something until someone says you can...I think you should do as much as you can with something you love to do. Finding the right label at the right time could realistically never happen. I didn't want to take the risk of waiting and waiting when I could do everything I can on my own through my own company. I also wanted to establish my artistic identity so the chances would be better of maintaining as much of that as possible if I do work with a larger company at some point.

VMU: Do you enjoy being indie or would you go major label?

JH: I have been doing everything myself for a while now and am going to be looking for a partnership with a bigger company in the near future...to hopefully get things to the next level.

VMU: Your new video "Deja Vu" who produced/directed and how long did it take to shoot?

JH: This was actually made out of various footage that was shot at different performances. Anthony Focx took this footage and made a nice collage of images out of it. He really did a good job of capturing the right moments in all of the footage he had to go through. In my next video, I won't make an editor do sooooo much work! ;)

VMU: What could you tell the young up and comers struggling in the scene any advise?

JH: Well, after doing this for several years now I'm not gonna sugar coat it. Know the realities of the music business and what to realistically expect. Most musicians, even those signed to labels have additional day jobs. So, have or develop another skill that allows you another job you can tolerate that makes as much money as possible to do your music. Take criticism and continue to improve your art but know the source of the criticism and weather it's valid or coming from ulterior motives! Don't compromise yourself for promises that 99% of the time end up to be empty - this goes especially to the female musicians who guys love to try to take advantage of!!! Never sign anything without fully understanding what you are signing! Don't take a bad deal just because it's something - no record deal is better than being stuck in a bad one! Know that the chances of doing music full time and making a lot of money at it is like playing the lottery. Don't think that you are not successful or good enough because you haven't gotten a huge record deal making millions of dollars. Do music because you love it and know that you are successful continuing to create and use your talents - which by the way a lot of people don't. Don't let expectations of an ultimate destination ruin the amazing journey of being a creative soul.

VMU: Thanks so much for your time! Any last words?

JH: No last words...there will be many more! :)

www.jenniferhope.com

VM UNDERGROUND
www.v-m-u.com
Oct. 8, 2004