NEW HOPE CLUB ON THEIR DEBUT ALBUM, AND LONGEVITY IN THE BUSINESS [IN PRINT]
Exclusive Collector’s Book with the English band NEW HOPE CLUB (Blake Richardson, Reece Bibby, George Smith) featuring exclusive photos and interview about the launch of their debut album, their evolution in the band, their music making, and what’s in store for them in 2020.
PHOTOGRAPHY: IRVIN RIVERA
Longevity is the word that keeps popping in my head whenever I think of the best word to describe New Hope Club. After having conversations with them and photographing them for a day, it felt like I’ve known these lads for a while and it made me yearn to learn more, and immerse myself in their music, and eventually feel like I am part of the club. The band’s feel-good, inspiring yet infectious music have carried their stories to the hearts of their fans worldwide. Their music may come from personal experiences but it definitely empowers their audience. If you're here reading this, you’re probably one of their passionate, hardcore dedicated fans from anywhere on the planet. You could be a new convert who just stumbled upon their music on the Internet or on the radio and is curious to know more about them or you could be like me who got a taste of what the band has to offer and is ready for more.
DEPUTY EDITOR/PRODUCER: PHIL LIMPRASERTWONG, STYLING: ENRIQUE MELENDEZ at CROSBY CARTER MGMT, STYLING ASSISTANT: MICHELLE THOMAS, GROOMING: KEON CRUZ
Talking one on one with Reece Bibby, Blake Richardson and George Smith, solidified my case about their longevity in the music business. You can instantly tell the genuine bond that keeps evolving among them. It’s pretty rare to actually feel it emanating from each of the lads. Their humble beginnings of creating and making music in their living room to touring and performing all around the globe have given them this secured sense of maturity that is carrying them with grace as they create and develop as full-fledged artists. Blake is classically trained in guitar and self-taught on the piano and ukulele; Reece took up drumming as a young kid and later learned bass and guitar; and George has mastered eight different instruments (including banjo, piano, and drums). These young artists just keep growing and it is beautiful to watch and experience it through their music.
In this exclusive interview, we talked about the boys’ experiences and journey - spending countless hours together, creating music, writing songs, performing, touring as well as the challenges, the highs and the lows of being in a band, and balancing their personal and professional lives. We also spoke about their upcoming debut album that sums up their journey so far. There’s so much to know and hear about these lads that the pages of this issue won’t be enough. But what we have here is a glimpse of a day in the life with New Hope Club. This book is a collector’s book filled with photos as well as individual interviews with each band member. They may be young in age but they are way beyond their years. As I said, New Hope Club is here to stay and create music for as long as they can. They just have it. So if you’re in for the long haul, get ready and welcome to the club.