Hate Goodbyes is out now!
Image: Casey Garnsey
Brisbane singer-songwriter Hope D is hitting the road! We caught up with the singer to chat about the run of shows, new single Hate Goodbyes and so much more!
Kicking off at Sydney's Factory Theatre on April 8, the run of shows will continue on to Adelaide, Hobart, Byron Bay, Brisbane and Melbourne, before wrapping up on the Gold Coast on May 27. Noah Dillon is set to support the singer at all shows excluding Adelaide, with Platonic Sex along for the entire tour.
Having teased Hate Goodbyes at her previous live shows and on social media, the pop-rock track chronicles the toxicity of an on and off relationship, brought to life by the singers dynamic vocal performance.
Could you tell us a bit about your background in music and what led you to pursuing a career in music?
I had never been into music too much until I heard The A Team by Ed Sheeran and taught myself on guitar all of his songs. Never thought I would release my own music or perform originals until I saw Hozier play at 2015 Bluesfest and knew that I wanted to share my stories exactly as he did. My dad took me to that gig and has always been my biggest supporting and musical influencer by showing me hist favourite bands. Super grateful for that.
Your latest single Hate Goodbyes chronicles the toxicity of an on and off relationship. What inspired the conceptual nature of the song and prompted you to document it within your music?
I have been in multiple relationships that end and begin again consistently, but the specific story of this one is told with the references of the years in the verses and I almost wanted to release it so that I didn’t engage in the toxic nature of the ‘break ups and get back together agains’ (I have already failed this ahah) . Knowing that I had been in a few of those, I wanted to release the song because I know that it is a common thing. Temporary relief of pain is something I write about constantly and I want people to know that it’s okay to have that, being human is absolutely not easy but we are never alone with what we go through.
You’re about to embark on a national tour! What can audiences expect from these performances?
I’ve never played with the band outside of Meanjin Brissy, so expect a BIG sound, lots of beers, banters and my beaming grin
Live music has had an altered presence over the past two years. How have you gone about crafting a set list to celebrate its return following a number of lockdowns and restrictions?
I always make sure my set lists reflect the energy I want to cultivate at my live shows. Being in lockdown has given me time to reassess and nurture what I play, with so much more exaggerated emotion to create lots of dynamics.
How important do you think live music is not only for yourself as a musician showcasing their art, but also for the audience members who resonate with your music?
It genuinely is such a privilege and an underrated drug to be able to perform and view live music. Seeing an artist that I admire perform live makes me insanely happy and feel emotions that remind me how good it is to experience both the darkness and light that we get to go through. And just to SEE that person who has had an impact on me in the flesh, is just so insane
You’ll be joined by Noah Dillon and Platonic Sex. What are you most looking forward to about touring together?
I cannot wait to be touring with my mates in platonic sex, Im so keen for people to be able to see them live, I honestly feel guilty that I have been able to see them a few times in Brissy when others haven’t. And I cannot wait to see Noah play heaps of times for FREE, goodness I am so lucky. Also the beers and banter of course, I want to make a memory that I’ll get tattood but if I put pressure on it I bet nothing hectic will happen hahah
What can we expect from you for the remainder of 2022?
HEAPS more music that I am dying to release, more shows and festivals and more insight to who I am and the stories I tell through my songs
RAPID FIRE
Biggest influences?
Hozier, Courtney Barnett, Hobo Johnson.
Dream collaboration?
Remi Wolf.
Album that has had the most impact on you?
Hozier’s album Hozier.
How do you define your musical style in 3 words?
Light-hearted & Cynically Sarcastic.
Best song of 2022 so far?
Obsessed with Sitting Up by Spacey Jane.
If you could create the soundtrack for any film, which one would it be?
Something dark, like anything Tim Burton.
Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus?
Miley Cyrus.
What was the first song you loved to sing?
Riptide by Vance Joy.
A song you would love to cover on tour?
Anything Remi Wolf – one day for SURE.
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
Juno – Remi Wolf.
First concert you went to?
A Milk Records one with Courtney Barnett and Jen Cloher
Best concert you have been to?
BENEE’s recent Brissy show.
First album you ever bought?
Eminem.
Would you rather be a Spice Girl or a Backstreet Boy?
Spice gurrrrl.
If you were a Spice Girl, what would your spice nickname be?
Stanky Spice
Most memorable show you’ve ever performed?
Laneway 2020.
Guilty music pleasure?
Justin Bieber’s Justice Album.
If you could support any artist on tour, who would it be?
Ed Sheeran, Spacey Jane, BENEE.
An artist you think has had the most influence on the music industry.
G-Flip.
What advice would your current self, give your future self, for a year from now?
Every achievement is massive, never undermine yourself. Stay humble and bloody REST. Also every emotion you feel is valid and important, never push it down. And care for your family/ chosen family and keep your family close.
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
Seeing Hozier play at bluesfest 2015. But also realising that I was gay and wanting to play for queer audiences and connect with them.
HOPE D 2022 NATIONAL TOUR DATES
With special guests Noah Dillon & Platonic Sex
Friday 8 April - The Factory Theatre, Sydney NSW
Saturday 9 April - Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide SA *
Friday 29 April - Altar, Hobart TAS
Friday 6 May - The Northern, Byron Bay NSW
Saturday 7 May - Princess Theatre, Brisbane QLD
Friday 13 May - Corner Hotel, Melbourne VIC
Friday 27 Miami Marketta, Gold Coast QLD
* Noah Dillon not appearing