Following on from a rich and varied array of offerings over the last few years, Brooklyn-based artist Miette Hope is back once again to unveil her captivating new single 'Fragments'.
Channelling a wonderfully smooth blend of acoustic-led tones and soaring production, 'Fragments' makes for a beautifully compelling listen. With her sweet and distinctive voice riding a bed of atmospheric textures, her latest release stands out as one of her most alluring cuts in her catalogue to date.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and what has been inspiring her lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I was put in piano lessons from an early age but was never super interested- I picked up cello in elementary school orchestra and was very entranced and inspired by the instrument. I later took up guitar and started writing songs- it has been my instrument of choice ever since.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up listening to a lot of folk and indie music in the mountains of Colorado. My parents were huge music lovers and had a sizable record collection, we were listening to artists like Leonard Cohen, Nora Jones, Radiohead, and Joanna Newsom.
What was the first album you remember owning?
My dad gifted me Songs About Jane by Maroon 5 which was my first CD. I already knew all the words from listening to it in his car. I still love that album to this day.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
A case of you- Joni Mitchell. That song uses word play in such a relatable and poetic way. It’s so impressive and inspiring to hear as a young songwriter.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Most of the time when I’m writing lyrics I’ll word vomit any and every idea that has to do with the concept I have in mind- from there I’ll usually start with some chords and then improvise a melody. Once I have a solid melody I look at the words I jotted down to start and figure out how to fit them into the melody I have written.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’m a big fan of the left of center art pop movement that is on the rise right now. Some artists that come to mind in this realm are Remi Wolf, Dora Jar, and FKA Twigs.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
One of my favorite female artists is Banks, I love her dark pop sound and am heavily influenced by her production and lyrics. It would be a dream to support her on tour. I would also love to be on tour with another queer artist like King Princess or Fletcher.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I find music to be a form of therapy. I write about my hardest experiences and am able to transform pain into something digestible and even beautiful. Knowing that my music can offer that healing to my listeners is so rewarding. It’s the reason I continue to work at being an artist no matter how hard it gets.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I think the most frustrating part about being a musician is dealing with the business side of the industry. I think it’s changing for the better but there seems to be a pattern of exploitation and mistreatment of artists from music companies like labels and publishers. Finding the right team of people who have your best interest in mind is a challenge but once you have it, your career can be so much easier.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I think best advice I’ve received in my career so far is that for as much skill or talent you have, in order to be successful you must have just as much hard work and drive to uplift and support the talent.
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Miette Hope's new single 'Fragments' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.