We’re looking forward to introducing you to Emily Hope. Check out our conversation below.
Emily, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
I felt most loved the moment I heard and believed what Jesus Christ did for me (and for all of us) when He died in my place on the cross. No one else has ever loved me enough to die for me. I felt the most loved when I understood that God created me for a relationship with Him and designed me with a purpose. But I have sinned (chosen my own way instead of God’s). That sin separated me from Him and no amount of good deeds could fix that gap. But God didn’t leave me (or anyone else) stuck. He sent Jesus, fully God and fully man, to live a sinless life on my behalf. Jesus took the penalty I deserved by dying on the cross, and then He rose again, defeating death and making a way for me to have eternal life with Him once I die rather than experiencing eternity in hell. I don’t deserve it and could never earn it, but He gave it to me freely when I believed. Salvation is a gift, but it requires a response: repentance—being truly sorry for our sin, turning away from it, and choosing to follow Jesus. When I repented and believed in Him, He forgave me, He changed me (and is still changing me) from the inside out, and now I have the greatest hope—life forever with the One who saved me and loves me more than anyone.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Emily Hope—a Nashville-based singer-songwriter with a deep love for honest lyrics, soulful melodies, and music that truly connects. My sound is a blend of indie, pop, Christian, country, and folk influences, and I aim to create songs that uplift, inspire, and feel like a conversation with a friend.
I’ve had the joy of performing all over the Midwest and Southern U.S., from cozy coffeehouses to big festival stages. Along the way, I’ve opened for artists like Eric Paslay, Stars Go Dim, Love & The Outcome, and Sierra Hull. Whether I’m performing solo or with a band, I always try to bring a sense of authenticity and heart to every show.
At the core of what I do is connection—through storytelling, music, and the shared experience of a live performance. Right now, I’m continuing to write, record, and perform, always looking for new ways to share hope through music. I’m currently working on finishing up a new single, “Above The Waves,” which will feature my friend, Cherie Oakley—an accomplished artist who appeared on Season 1 of The Voice. I plan to release that sometime this fall, so stay tuned. 🙂
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I used to believe that I was ugly and invisible growing up. In my pre-teen and teenage years, I often struggled with my own sense of worth and battled feelings of inadequacy. I fell into the comparison trap, always comparing myself to other girls at school, on TV, social media, etc. Although I still have some work to do in this area, I have come a long way since then. I’ve discovered that my appearance is not who I am; it’s only part of me. I’ve learned to focus less on myself and more on others. At the end of the day, how I look doesn’t even matter as much as I used to think. The right people will love me for who I am on the inside. And if I focus on making my inner self beautiful, that beauty will naturally shine through on the outside.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
We all go through our own suffering in this life, and I believe it’s in those dark times that we learn the most. Back around 2020, I went through a season of intense suffering and uncertainty. I was being bullied and cheated by a toxic boss, which eventually forced me to leave my job with no backup plan. At the time, I was relying solely on music to make ends meet.
Then COVID-19 hit, and every show I had booked was canceled. During this time, I had to dig deep and stay rooted in my faith in God. I won’t lie and say it was easy—it was one of the hardest seasons of my life. But God always provided for me, right when I needed it most.
When everything’s going well, it’s easy to become lazy and self-centered. But when things fall apart, we’re forced to recognize that we don’t control our circumstances. I’ve come to believe that our trials are also given to help us empathize with others who are struggling.
Looking back, I can honestly say I’m more thankful for my suffering than my success—because it’s in the suffering that I’ve become more like Jesus.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, 100%! I’ve always strived to be authentic, whether I’m on stage or in the grocery store. Authenticity = relatability. I think that’s so important, especially when I’m trying to relate to people through my music. I don’t believe in facades. There’s really no point in faking it. The real you is bound to be uncovered at some point. So, why wear a mask? I believe it’s essential to stay true to who we are. You never know who might be encouraged, inspired, or uplifted by your unique personality—whether it’s a quirky trait, a shared struggle, or something else.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m reading the Bible, praying, attending church, or having a deep conversation with someone about God—but ultimately, it’s when I truly rest in what He’s done for me. I’ve had a long battle with anxiety, but through it all, He has been my constant source of peace.
And if I can do any of those things with a hot cup of coffee in hand, sitting on a rocking chair on a balcony with a mountain view… well, that’s even better. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emilyhopemusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyhopestosing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilyhopemusic1995/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmilyHopesToSing
Image Credits
For all sunflower field/flower photos & photo of me in the blue and white shirt – please credit Photography by Erin B.
