HOPE MAYO
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Hometown:Wahiawa
High school graduated from: Hanalani Schools
Musical profession: Singer/Songwriter
How did you get into music? I grew up singing in church. My mom is a novice piano player and my dad a professional drummer. So they made all of us kids take music lessons and join choirs from a young age. My sister gravitated to the schooled, traditional styles of music. She is a classically trained pianist. I always enjoyed singing, but it wasn’t until I picked up the guitar that I really fell in love with music. While I can surely appreciate music in every form, it’s the self-expression and raw emotion that grab me.
What is your favorite genre to perform? I’d say blues, jazz, pop.
Where can you be spotted? My ongoing gig is at rRed Elephant downtown on Bethel Street. I’m playing every Friday 7 to 9 p.m., except for the first Friday of the month due to the First Friday Artwalk. They just got their liquor license, and are now serving select beer and wine. It’s a great venue for me. It’s small and intimate, which is great for introducing new songs. I get instant feedback because I can see all their faces! I also play different festivals and special events throughout the year. I post all my gigs online at http://www.hopemayo.com
What inspires your music? Love and life! My writing comes from the life experiences of myself and those I am surrounded by. My inspiration to be a musician comes from me being really hard-headed and not wanting to give up on my dream! I’ve got a tattoo around my wrist that says, “Live the life you have imagined.” I wish I could take credit for it, but it’s a Henry David Thoreau quote. The way I figure it is we only live once. At the end of it all, I want to either be living my dream or die trying. And if I do just that, then I’ve done all I can. I’ll be satisfied. Dreams and goals can change, but don’t give up in the pursuit!
What are your goals musically? I’d like to be able to play, write and sing like some of my musical heroes! Short-term goals? I’d like to release my first solo studio album by the end of the year, and I’d like to be a touring musician for a while and travel. Long-term goals? I really do enjoy every aspect of music and the music business from writing songs, to being in the studio, to writing press releases. So I just want to keep learning and not become complacent, or the other extreme and become over-confident.
Contact info? www.hopemayo.com www.myspace.com/hopemayo
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