Hope Easton is a classically trained cellist, starting in Cleveland CIM before working with Boston NEC then on to a Fulbright Scholarship with Ralph Kirschbaum in the UK. She also spent time at SF Conservatory. Hope then branched out when she toured and started performing with an English pop singer, Shelia Nicholls. Since then she has been writing and singing her own music. She formed a band Hope & The Russians that performs in the LA area. She also performs solo with her electric cello or acoustic in various events and venues throughout the US.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Hope about the latest release, challenges, motivations, and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
I am from Cleveland Ohio, but I live in Los Angeles. My music is a bit eclectic since I write and sing on the cello. I also write on Guitar and Piano. But I think the cello adds a different element. So I like to say Chamber Pop. I also like to have other instruments like sax/clarinet and piano and drums to join my music.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
Well I studied to be a cellist, classically trained. And at one point I decided I didn’t want to play the same music over and over. I also didn’t want to be in an orchestra. So I quit and I even sold my cello. I ended up buying it back 6 months later and when I did, I started performing with a singer songwriter from The UK. Which was ironic as I did my Fulbright Scholarship in the UK and she also had the same name as my Mother ( who started me on the cello), Sheila. So it was like being delivered the opportunity to play the same instrument but in a completely different background and musical life. When we went on tour for the first time, I started writing my own songs!
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
My next project, or song is similar to the latest release ( SAVOR HOPE) because I wrote it with my writing partner , Leo Chelyapov. And I am considering working with a different producer for jus the vocals. So there might be a very different outcome to my last CD and song. There is also a bigger solo section in it so that will probably be Sax and electric guitar. I also think I need to make a video!
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
During the 2020 year and beyond? Basically I just kept being creative and productive. I did an album HOPE2020.
What was the last song you listened to?
I like my new producers song Someone to Somebody Mati Gavriel.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
Cd’s but I usually listen to music on Youtube. I know I should probably pay for Spotify …. 🙂
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
My youtube channel, IG Facebook and my website: Hopeeaston.com
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
No thank you for having me. My links are :
https://www.youtube.com/@MegaWhiteGoat/featured
https://www.instagram.com/hopeeaston/
