photo by Karyn Rae
Artist Name: Hope Dunbar
Hometown: Utica, Nebraska
What project(s) are you currently working on?
Well, first I’m releasing “Sweetheartland” out into the world, I’m writing a lot of new music with my Monday songwriting group friends, and I’m also writing a screenplay, just for fun to see if I can do it.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
I have loved and been passionate about music since as long as I can remember. I was the girl looking in the mirror singing into my hairbrush like a microphone from the get-go. I sang in choirs, I took voice lessons, I loved music but never thought of it as a career until the world of songwriting was revealed to me in my late 20s. Once I started writing songs, I became very single-minded in my focus and determination. It’s a career and it’s also a vocation. I’m a songwriter, and I’ll be writing songs from now until forever.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
I would love to be a travel guide. I’m a total boss when it comes to traveling the world. I can speak Spanish and German, I love new things, and I love introducing people to this magical, beautiful world. Hire me. We’ll have so much fun.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
Right now it’s “Cobra Kai.” But I also love being outdoors, I love sitting in hot tubs, I love digging into big, deep, weird conversations.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
A tall guy with a salt and pepper beard and gentle eyes revealing a certain world-weariness in a flannel shirt. Hubba hubba. (*Dream duet partner answer)
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
I’m a fan of teams working together and feeling like they did their best, so, I guess I’m a fan of all of them.
What is the last movie that you watched?
“The Photograph” it’s a film out of India and so subtle and so beautiful. I loved it.
What is the last album you listened to?
Thad Cockrell’s “If In Case You Feel the Same”
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
“Trace” by Son Volt
What is the greatest country song of all time?
Yipes. In the pantheon of priceless music created over the past 60 years by legendary monsters of songwriting? I’m gonna say “Louisiana Saturday Night” by Mel McDaniels. When you think about it, that song is everything AND “a possum in a sack.”
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
Because I live in a rural place, I love visiting the wondrous, puzzling playground that is New York City.
What is your favorite meal?
Macho Nachos
Who is your dream duet partner?
Glen Hansard (*see biggest celebrity crush)
Who would you like to go on tour with?
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
Keep making records.