MEET HOPE
Welcome! My name is Hope Newman Kemp, and I’m glad you’re here!
I am a piano driven songwriter and singer. I am also a mother of four, and proud grandmother of 9. I've been riding the dueling tracks between domestication and music making my entire adult life.
Decades ago I left the "Industry" to marry a cute non-musician Army dentist, and never looked back. We've been married for 40 years now, and though romantic love has settled into comfortable love, I still write songs about the mysteries of established true love—something I want for the whole world.
I also write songs about reliance, and redemption, forgiveness and doubt.
“I write about anything I think makes a song that I want to sing, and sing is what I love to do.”
–HOPE NEWMAN KEMP
My songs and style cross genres. I’m old school and sing old school. I accompany myself; the piano is probably my closest friend other than Jesus. Music is where my gift lies—the thing inside me that is most readily available to the presence of God, and I write whatever needs to come out. Yes, I’m professionally trained both in vocals and piano, but I’m happy in my own style, something I call “earthy gospel”.
(If you want to know more about my unconventional Jesus Folk upbringing, you might want to check out the interviews linked here for you. Otherwise, the only thing really here to grasp is that Music, and songwriting, has been used by God quite literally to save me.)
Through the years I have self produced studio projects, participated in theater shows, and performed as the primary vocalist for a local Big Band. All of this has fed my inner music nerd, and helped me better understand how to resonate with a listener. I love getting people to feel through my music, and think important things.
One of the most thrilling parts about being a performer is the communal act of understanding a cosmic truth together through song—making these kinds of connections (from my mouth to your ear) feels almost like prayer to me.
In 2024 I turned 60 years old; officially the youth of my old age. I’ve spent my young woman years investing in family and homemaking and I do not regret doing so. However as empty nest loomed on the horizon I began growing restless for creative endeavoring and wanted more. The time is Now. So I took my songs (and my husband’s checkbook) and headed to Nashville to record a new project of original songs: FACING EDEN.
The result is a Brave New Me—super independent, no filter. I hope you’ve given it a listen already, and came here so that we can get to know each other better!
And so, with my sincere thanks, I’ll leave you with this blessing:
That The Lord God, and all of His great eternal love for you and purpose for the whole history of your life, make His desire known to you and bless you with His everlasting love. My hope is that my music will press you into His presence and grant you a foretaste of His promises to come, and cover you with blessings and peace.
Love,
Hope