On September 25th, you'll be able to purchase "Dominance," the first single off Hope Vista's upcoming EP. In the meantime, give a listen to "Wild Girl" while you check out our Seven Questions In Heaven with Hope Vista!
Describe your music for our readers who may not be familiar with you.
It's a very rock-oriented alternative sound with some power pop and little grunge influences. I've said that if you take '70s Joan Jett, modern day Cody Carson, 2004 Avril Lavigne, '90s Courtney Love, and a splash of Patty Walters, that's the sound!
Who are your musical influences and idols?
Joan Jett is a massive idol of mine, same with Avril Lavigne. The '70s female rock n' roll artists, like Pat Benatar and Heart, they've influenced me a lot when it comes to having a gritty and honest sound. The Rolling Stones are a big one, and so are the Backstreet Boys. Mainly because of their longevity, they just don't stop and I love that determination. Modern day influences are Linkin Park, Set It Off, I've been big on PVRIS lately. Those three bands all have a strong and unique twist to their sounds; I can really admire a band who strives to create something signature that sets them apart.
What was the first album, cassette, or CD you bought with your own money?
I remember the first CD I ever got was Britney Spears's ...Baby One More Time, but that was my parents' money. I'm not sure what my first one with my own money was! When I was young I used to go to this bomb record store off the Princeton University campus and give myself a $20 limit, but CD's and vinyls were between $1-$4, so I could walk out with 20 new records every time.
What was the strangest gig you've ever played?
Strangest was probably this time I opened for Aaron Carter in 2013 in Jersey. He sang all of his old songs and he's much older now, so to hear him singing about breaking his parents' lamp was so awesome, I loved it. There were also around 800 people at that show and I had a manager out to watch my set, and I forgot to plug my guitar in, which was just ridiculous on my end. I could see my dad sweating out his nerves in the back. That night was just a string of strange events. But to this day it's my favorite show I've ever played!
What is your current favorite guilty pleasure?
Current is Parks and Recreation! I was just in Atlanta and watched an obscene amount of episodes every night. It was Parks and Rec, wine, and ice cream. It's such a ridiculously funny show, you feel so good when you watch it because you're constantly laughing. I wish I would've watched it when it was still on TV, but now I can binge watch it on Netflix :)
If they named an ice cream flavor after you, what would be the name and why?
THE HURRICANE. My nickname is Hurricane Hope and my fanbase is called the "Hurricanes," so it'd be tying everything together! I'd have them put cookie dough, Oreos, and potato chips in it. Gah. Just a mess of snacks in one ice cream.
Final question: You're the opening act of a music festival. You can get any five artists, living or dead, to perform on the bill with you. Which five do you choose and what song do you all perform as the final jam?
The Runaways, Linkin Park, Avril Lavigne, The Stones, and of course the Backstreet Boys! 5 of my all-time favorite and most influential artists. Final song would honestly be my favorite song EVER. "Shape Of My Heart" by the Backstreet Boys. I have a really strong rock background, but that song just gets me every time. The key change, Nick's bridge. One of my lifelong dreams since 2001 has been to sing that song with them. And then I'd cry afterwards.
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