Words by Keane Fletcher
Hope To Peace isn’t your typical rapper. Eschewing typical genre tropes in favour of exploring issues like love, betrayal and self acceptance, Hope To Peace is part of a new wave of up-and-coming rappers who aren’t afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves.
‘The biggest thing about music for me, is the fact that pain can be shared through it. Instead of someone having to deal with a traumatic situation by themselves, they can listen to music and relate to someone who has also [gone] through the same traumatic situation.’
Having made the most of his time during COVID-19 by writing and recording new material, Hope To Peace is looking towards the future, with the release of his album '20' dropping later this month. Until then however, we have his latest single 'Love Myself' to tide us over, a beautifully raw track about the importance of self-compassion and the the ways in which music can help us overcome our darkest emotions.
We recently caught up with Hope To Peace to talk all things music and inspo, check it out below.
1- Where in the world are you based?
Been all over the place, started in Canberra A.C.T, then to Hervey bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, and now Tasmania.
2- What inspired you to get into music? How would you describe your sound?
I started music as a coping mechanism in my teen years. Since I use to be shy and did not have many social skills, talking to people about my problems and asking for help was difficult…so, I started making beats on my iPod with GarageBand and learnt to write lyrics when I was 14.
Since 6 years have passed, I’ve started to find my sound in the Rap/Pop scene of the industry, drawing inspiration from Witt Lowry, NF, and Josh A, some of my biggest idols, and also who I sound familiar too.
3- How does the writing process usually work for you? Do you have a routine or does a song usually take you by surprise?
I used to have a routine with writing, but now it is an in the moment experience. Whenever I am affected by a situation or I feel my trauma rise and kick me down, I write immediately.
I usually write a couple verses at once and then a rough chorus. After that I would separate the lyrics into sections (Verse, Chorus, Bridge etc), develop more with the chorus until it feels right and then end by making a basic beat and sorting out flow and melodies.
4- Your latest single ‘Love Myself’ is obviously a very personal and raw track; was there a particular moment or situation that inspired it?
‘Love Myself’ hits on old friends and my journey with how my anxiety and mental problems make me see them. I would always see myself in situations where I never felt noticed by my ‘friends’ and was never supported, so I was always alone and getting in my thoughts about what they might think of me and who I am to others. As a result, I started to look down on myself and not have much self-love. Which is basically what ‘Love Myself’ really gets into.
5- Do you believe music can be used to help people address difficult topics? Can it inspire social change?
100%. The biggest thing about music for me, is the fact that pain can be shared through it. Instead of someone having to deal with a traumatic situation by themselves, they can listen to music and relate to someone who has also going through the same traumatic situation. It is no different from a hug.
6- How has the COVID-19 situation affected your work?
It is the best and worst thing to have happened. This inside time has given me a lot of freedom to produce, release, and work on my music career. I was able to work on my new clothing line and produce my album ’20’ which is dropping this month, along with another couple singles to follow the month after. So definitely a plus.
7- What would be your dream collaboration?
2 people, Witt Lowry and NF. I draw a lot of inspiration from their tracks and their music has gotten me through some of my worst times in life.
Thanks for stopping by Hipland!
