David Hope
Shannon, County Clare
David Hope is one of the very best Roots-related outfits operating at present, seamlessly blending Folk and Roots inflections with grittily intelligent lyrics and enviably catchy choruses. David is currently embarking on a nationwide tour to support the launch of his second full studio album entitled 'Scarecrow', which was released in Ireland in February 2013. In addition to this, David will return to tour Germany and Switzerland in April 2013. Hope is planning a further Irish tour in May 2013 to support the release of 'Scarecrow'.
Over the years, David has toured extensively in both Germany and Switzerland and released his first official single release in Switzerland, 'Hell or High Water' (Irascible / Dóchas Records) in July 2012. Following on from his sold out performance at Blue Balls Festival in Lucerne alongside the likes of The Kaiser Chiefs and Kyla La Grange, Hope performed a series of successful solo concerts throughout Switzerland in 2012.
Back at home, Hope embarked on a nationwide tour which included performances at Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, Spirit of Folk Festival, The Beamish Cork Folk Festival and The Westport Arts Festival 2012.
David Hope hails from County Clare in the West of Ireland. He was drawn towards creating music from an early age. His multifarious influences stem from the sounds of blues, folk and roots music.
A strong vocalist and performer, Hope has toured at length both in Ireland and Europe, building up a loyal fan base both at home and abroad. David has performed with a variety of shows across Europe including numerous festivals in Switzerland, Germany and Sweden and toured with The Duke Spirit (UK), Sophie Hunger (CH), Baum (CH) and Beth Hart (USA). In Ireland, he has toured nationally with folk/blues chanteuse Mary Coughlan (IRL), Andrea Samborski (CAN), Barnaby Bright (USA) and opened for a variety of Irish artists such as Mary Black, Mundy, Jack L, Mick Flannery, John Spillane, whipping boy and The Stunning.
David has independently released three critically acclaimed records in recent years. The album, ‘A Picture’, produced in 2007 by Terry Woods (Steeleye Span / The Pogues) received great reviews and airplay and was promoted with appearances on national Irish television. A 7-track EP ‘Daybreak Someplace’ was released in 2009 to rave reviews.
In the summer of 2009, David joined forces with Eoin Jordan (The Céilí All Stars) and David Murphy (The Lost Brothers / John Blek & The Rats) to form what was the original line up of the band, David Hope & The Henchmen.
David Hope and band quickly made a name for themselves on the Irish Folk / Americana scene and have played many festivals including the Shannonside Winter Music Festival, Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots Festival, The Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival, The Cork Folk Festival, Terminal Convention Music & Arts Festival and The Clonakilty International Guitar Festival.
In 2011, the band launched their EP 'Hell or High Water' produced by the highly acclaimed musician and producer, Declan Sinnott (Christy Moore / Moving Hearts). The first single 'Hell or High Water' was released in April 2011 to great reviews and radioplay and was followed up with the band’s first music video, produced by IMTV award winning film maker, Shaun O’Connor.
“….With a rough-hewn voice somewhere between that of Tom Waits and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy (with a touch of Springsteen), Hope combines elements of folk, country, blues and soul on his second album…his songs are strong and have alived-in, authentic, almost sepia-toned feel…are on a par with anything out of the American heartland.”
- Hotpress (IRL)
“….the potent mixture of gritty, hard-edged folk-tinged pop and heartfelt acoustic balladry is a tribute to Hope’s versatile song-crafting skills … a finely-wrought set of songs. If you thought you’d had your fill of fiery, emotional troubadours, then think again very hard. This guy’s very definitely here to stay.”
- Whisperin' and Hollerin' (U.K.)
" ...'Scarecrow' is a pretty faultless album of great tunes..."
- 2 U I Bestow (IRL)
" David Hope plays and sings like a semi-soused railway hobo from the Southern USA I offer that analogy as a form of high praise. His acoustic folk music has roots that rise from deep in the heartland of Ireland flowering in a lilting sound led masterfully."
- Limerick Events Guide (IRL)
“A combination of folk and rock, with the occasional side note of bluegrass thrown in ... David Hope’s music is a treat both for the ears and for the mind ... simply great, energizing but easy-going folk rock music. 'Daybreak Someplace' ... belongs in a film as the theme song for a wandering protagonist. Hope sings in a gruff but pitch-perfect voice ... The theme of wandering and trying to find one’s place and identity is a strong one throughout Hope’s catalogue. If one were looking for a parallel in American popular music, I’d say that Hope resembles a more folk-oriented Bruce Springsteen.”
- The Daily Bruin (USA)
"On the ‘Hell or High Water’ EP David Hope’s gritty and gravel-like voice soars over the band rootsy melodic musicianship. As fresh as a westerly summer breeze. Dave Hope’s music is effortlessly natural and authentic."
- Limerick Post Newspaper (IRL)
"A fantastic mix of American folk with a distinct Irish twang proving they are loyal to their roots. The catchy rhythm pulls you in and the clever lyrics captivate and keep you listening. It’s a single pulled off in style that just calls out for attention. It deserves airplay reminding me somewhat of a rawer and more folky Mumford and Sons, and a cleaner, less edgy Sea Sick Steve ... this EP from the Cork folk group proves they have a lot of great songs in them."
- Goldenplec.com (IRL)
“…’Hell or High Water’ is a melting pot of traditional American country, traditional Irish and rootsy Americana. The Declan Sinnott production on the track allows Hope’s vocals to breathe while surrounded by a fantastic arrangement. Subtle electric guitar licks and bass never overpower while a brushed snare rhythm drives the track on.”
-nessymon.com (IRL)
Upcoming Gigs
| 30 May 2013 | 20:30 | Boyles, Main Street, Slane, Meath | David Hope : The Purple Sessions | Buy Tickets | ||||
| 31 May 2013 | 21:00 | The Secret Garden, Blackrock, County Louth | David Hope : Brand New Opry | Buy Tickets |




