What’s your name?
Hope Russell-Winter
What is your genre of music?
Singer songwriter
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m a 19-year-old singer songwriter based just outside London. I’ve got a lovely audience over on YouTube where the majority of my success has come from, and I’m the process of making my debut EP. I was also the voice of the 2016 Dog’s Trust Campaign.
What made you go in to music?
I’ve always loved music, art, and dance – all the creative things. It was really the process of writing songs that caught my attention into wanting to pursue a career in the industry. I was also picked up very young by a local indie label that really believed I had something special. I wouldn’t be here without them.
Are you a signed artist?
No, I’m independent!
Your song ‘Sanctuary’ is out now, tell us more about it.
Sanctuary was and is a very important release for me. I learnt a lot about myself; and where I want my music to go. It was a complete dream come true playing with strings, like I was beaming for months after that. Sanctuary really refined one side of my music, and helped to evaluate where I want to go with my next releases.
What was the writing process like?
Sanctuary was one of the few songs it took a couple of months to get lyrically right. I wrote Sanctuary with Jack Hobbs, and we both navigated very delicately over a few months before recording. It wasn’t one of the songs that came easy – surprisingly considering it’s name!
What was the recording process like?
Just amazing. I love recording. But the strings were a huge highlight for me.
What is the message you want listeners to take from the single?
Find your place or people that make you feel good about life. Enjoy being in that space.
Describe the track in two words
Uplifting. Intricate.
You have some live shows coming up supporting Brian McFadden, how did this come about?
I’m learning increasingly more that the industry really is about who you know. So this show came via a mutual contact. I feel very lucky that I’ve been included in the show.
Do you have any small shows of your own coming up or in planning?
The rest of the year is focused on creating the EP!
You also have an EP in the planning for 2019, can you give us some spoilers of what to expect?
. It’s definitely a departure. I was so young when I released my previous stuff, and it was a great education for me on the process of making and releasing records. But I had no clue what I wanted my sound to be. I’ve been spending the time since those releases to make informed decisions on what sound I want to put out there. So this EP at its core it’s still me. It’s a bunch of my best songs, with a band behind it giving it a kick. In a good way.
Describe the EP in two words.
Thoughtful. Soulful.
What else can we expect from you this year?
You can expect regular YouTube videos starting in the middle of November, maybe dispersed with some originals!
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any emerging artists?
I am writing at the end of the month with a woman called Sophie Worsley. We met at a piano bar and she is an incredible songwriter. Really looking forward to that.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? And who would they have to contact to make this happen?
Totally! Drop me a line on hope@jacketrecords.com
Do you play any instruments?
I am a complete piano freak.
Who are your influences?
Joni Mitchell. Norah Jones. Turin Brakes.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Either after an immediate emotional event in my own life or pure observation. Eaves dropping on a train conversation are a good one.
Where do you see yourself now in five years?
Wow what a question. Well, I would love it if I’d released an album by then. I’ll be 24 so – maybe touring that album too? That would be incredible.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I just moved into a flat with my brother and sister in law – so probably hanging out with them. I also love swimming.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
A Case of You – Joni Mitchell.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Enjoy the journey.
What advice would you give to other aspiring musicians?
Consistency is key.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
I took the road less traveled by and that has made all the difference.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
Ha-ha. Hm. The Pudding Stop. So Good.
What do you do when you’re coming off tour?
1/where do you go first?
Back home to my new flat.
2/who do you see first?
My family.
3/what do you eat first?
I know it’s basic but probably Wagas.
When you are at a gig, what are five things you cannot forget?
-Water Bottle.
-Microphone.
-Vocalzone
-Business Cards
-Piano
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
All my social media is