David Hope

Clare singer-songwriter, David Hope kicked 2022 off with the two new singles, ‘Moon and back’ and 'Whiskey Mornings'. Both singles are from his forthcoming fifth studio album ‘...and the Sea’ which is out in September 2022. Having previously worked with Irish folk legends, Terry Woods and Declan Sinnott, Hope has collaborated yet again with legendary producer and drummer, Christian Best, on his new album.  

'…and the Sea’ is the fifth studio album release by Irish singer-songwriter, David Hope. Both lyrically and musically, this is the deepest dive that Hope has taken into his songwriting and recording. Through capturing a mix of raw emotional acoustic tracks and full band epics, this makes for his most complete album to date.

The album was recorded and produced by Christian Best at Monique Studios, Midleton, Cork. The approach taken by Hope and Best to the album's production was to try and capture the performance of each song in as much of a ‘live’ way as possible. This was in an effort to be as true to each song, but ultimately to have an overall ‘Album’ sound, rather than a collection of individual recordings: -

 “There are different styles and different inflections to the songs on this album, but there is definitely a thread that connects them from how we approached the recording process. I wanted a late night, close feel to the sound and I think between Christian’s recording style, the players who were part of the project and the songs themselves, we achieved that.”

Hope was joined for the recording sessions which took place in July - October 2019 and February 2020 by Steffi Hess from Switzerland on double bass and vocals. From Ireland, session musician, Kealan Kenny from Cork, features on electric guitar; alongside Darragh Keary from Limerick on piano and keys. Additionally, Chris McCarthy from Cork also makes an appearance on E bass. Christian Best lends his talents on drums and percussion, just as he did on Hope’s previous album ‘Tough Love’ (2017).

 “I have been extremely lucky to work with many great musicians over the years, both live and in the studio. While the recording sessions for this album were some of the most personally draining and hard to deal with, from a musical perspective, they were some of my favourite times spent in the studio. The excellence of the musicians involved along with the mix of personalities and energies made for incredibly productive and genuinely fun recording sessions. I owe them a great deal.”

 The first release from Hope in almost four years marks an evolution of his sound, of which signs were present on his last album, ‘Tough Love’ (2017). With the benefit of having time to flourish, both musically and lyrically, this collection of songs is Hope’s most accomplished work to date.

Hope has gigged and toured extensively in both his native Ireland and mainland Europe, averaging in excess of 200 shows per year. During this time, Hope has built a reputation as one of the very best live performers on the touring circuit today.
‘Tough Love’ (2017) built on the success of ‘Scarecrow’ (2013) which garnered extensive radio play and successive tours both in Europe and Hope's native Ireland. The first single from ‘Tough Love’, 'Christmas Day', was chosen as the RTE Radio 1 song selected for the European Broadcasting Union Christmas Music Project and featured on a playlist across all member states.

"..The Irishman from rural County Clare is easily right up there with his contemporaries and compatriots such as Mick Flannery and Declan O'Rourke..." 

- Folker Magazin (DE)

David Hope - Tough Love *** 

'The songs of the Irish Bard, mixed with piano, electric guitar and backing harmonies, connect the exuberance of Bob Seger and Frankie Miller with the folk profundity of Ralph McTell.' 

-Rolling Stone (DE)

“….With a rough-hewn voice somewhere between that of Tom Waits and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy (with a touch of Springsteen), Hope combines elements of folk, country, blues and soul on his second album…his songs are strong and have alived-in, authentic, almost sepia-toned feel…are on a par with anything out of the American heartland.” 

- Hotpress (IRL)

“….the potent mixture of gritty, hard-edged folk-tinged pop and heartfelt acoustic balladry is a tribute to Hope’s versatile song-crafting skills … a finely-wrought set of songs. If you thought you’d had your fill of fiery, emotional troubadours, then think again very hard. This guy’s very definitely here to stay.” 

- Whisperin' and Hollerin' (U.K.)

"..'Scarecrow' is a pretty faultless album of great tunes..." 

- 2 U I Bestow (IRL)

"David Hope plays and sings like a semi-soused railway hobo from the Southern USA I offer that analogy as a form of high praise. His acoustic folk music has roots that rise from deep in the heartland of Ireland flowering in a lilting sound led masterfully." 

- Limerick Events Guide (IRL)

“A combination of folk and rock, with the occasional side note of bluegrass thrown in ... David Hope’s music is a treat both for the ears and for the mind ... simply great, energizing but easy-going folk rock music. 'Daybreak Someplace' ... belongs in a film as the theme song for a wandering protagonist. Hope sings in a gruff but pitch-perfect voice ... The theme of wandering and trying to find one’s place and identity is a strong one throughout Hope’s catalogue. If one were looking for a parallel in American popular music, I’d say that Hope resembles a more folk-oriented Bruce Springsteen.” 

- The Daily Bruin (USA)

"On the ‘Hell or High Water’ EP David Hope’s gritty and gravel-like voice soars over the band's rootsy melodic musicianship. As fresh as a westerly summer breeze. Dave Hope’s music is effortlessly natural and authentic." 

- Limerick Post Newspaper (IRL)

"A fantastic mix of American folk with a distinct Irish twang proving they are loyal to their roots. The catchy rhythm pulls you in and the clever lyrics captivate and keep you listening. It’s a single pulled off in style that just calls out for attention. It deserves airplay reminding me somewhat of a rawer and more folky Mumford and Sons, and a cleaner, less edgy Sea Sick Steve ... this EP from the Cork folk group proves they have a lot of great songs in them." 

- Goldenplec.com (IRL)