Tom Waits describes her music "like going swimming in a lake at night." Far from being an undiscovered talent, Jesca Hoop is already receiving high praise for her distinctive musical sound.

A Northern Californian singer and songwriter, Hoop has quickly impressed with songs of engaging simplicity and soul. The strength of Hoop"s music lies in her lyrics and vocal delivery, which utilizes inflection and arrangement to achieve an impressive complexity of mood and emotion.

Singing with beguiling delicacy and beauty, the songs have a depth of character and energy despite the simple backings and delicate vocals. With such success and praise already,  ACED Magazine spoke with Jesca Hoop to find out how she got here, and where her promising career is headed next.

Hoop’s music is drawn from a wide variety of sources, with the singer admitting she can find inspiration “absolutely anywhere”. When asked to name her favorite artist and the song she would most like to perform, Hoop cites The Shins’ "Sleeping Lessons" – but that is only “at the moment," she hastily adds!

Jesca Hoop hails from five generations of Mormons, and is the first in her family to break away from this way of life. “My ancestors helped build the church,” she laughs, “and then there is me." If she hadn’t pursued her singing career, Hoop can imagine herself leading a similarly simple, comfortable existence. “I’d be building houses or farming – perhaps in the mountains somewhere."

Having broken with her own family’s way of life, Hoop is able to give aspiring artists first-hand advice about the difficulties of following their music dreams. For Jesca, as her own music shows, individuality and remaining true to yourself are the real keys to success in the music industry. “Follow what may sound like a weakness, hone into it, make it strong – it may well be what sets you apart as a vocalist. Manage how often you sing to other voices, and make sure you are using what is distinct about your own.

"When you write, search for what inspires you before you settle on a phrase or a melody – like if you were choosing a movie to watch or a book to read. Your own writing can be equally, if not vastly, more surprising and entertaining if you really search for the bright ideas. If I hear another mediocre love song I may just have to croak!”

As with most newly successful artists, Hoop appears somewhat humbled by the fans and praise she is attracting. “My hope is that all my fans feel a sense of joy and satisfaction when they listen to this music. When I hear the cheering before I walk on stage, that’s my favorite song!”

While she may love to listen to the cheering masses, Hoop is surprisingly coy when we asked her about pre-concert rituals. “Wouldn’t you like to know” is her response – an evasion worthy of a politician, and compelling because of this pointed refusal to answer.

Now for the question everyone is bursting to ask—What was it like being a nanny to Tom Waits' kids? “It was five years of our lives. We all went through a lot...a lot of life. I witnessed all of us grow and change. It was everything life has to offer in that length of time. And it was a lot fun too.” Having shared so much together, Waits praise is treasured by Hoop. “Hearing anything Tom has to say about the music I've helped create is inevitably the highlight of that day!”

So where to now for this talented singer-songwriter? Having accustomed herself to the workings of the industry (she was surprised how many people it takes to make a record, and how easy it is to spend money!), creating a balanced life is now the key. “Personally I want to find balance – physically, mentally and emotionally - to create prosperous relations of the kindest kind; to cultivate my creative forces, and grow many a fruitful crop.

"Professionally, I want to write memorable music and collaborate with some of my favorite musicians. I’d also like to have the opportunity to play the choice theatres around the world, and to at least sustain a comfortable living with this art of music. Finally, to be able to help my parents and my siblings in their lives.”

• Visit Jesca's Official Website for more information

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christine   |2008-01-10 13:06:40 i really like her "money" song. [smiley=happy] Reply 0   0

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."