Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” The thinking behind manifesting dreams, perhaps? Raynham’s Hope Stanley made a major life decision, and put it in a song. She wanted to communicate to her mother that college wasn’t going to be her path. Instead, Shanley chose music. A craft she had been interested in since a very young age. It must have been a frightening, and yet exciting moment to be able to chose a direction with which her passions lay.
A giant leap of faith, and a whole lot of courage has taken Hope into the studio and on to musical platforms to share her debut release, “Blood Runs Deep,” The song tells the story of her decision, her drive and her journey. When you grow up with the nickname “Hope Sings,” country radio as your soundtrack, and church as your stage, it’s a potent recipe for a future as a singer/songwriter. And this talented young women has all the right ingredients. The future looks bright for Hope. Afterall, in the words of Dickinson, ““Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.”
Strictly Shanley
* From: Raynham, MA
* Now lives in: Massachusetts (for now!)
* Current single: “Blood Runs Deeper”
* What lead you to music: Since I was a little girl I could never shut my mouth and everybody knew it. It was little things like people on the school bus telling me to sing a song for them that made me realize I could do something special. Country 102. was the only thing that ever played in the car and it would be the first thing I heard on the radio when I woke up. This music has always brought me such great peace. Everybody always called me “Hope Sings” in school growing up, since I was really the only outward singer. At 15 I joined the worship band at church and I’m still singing with them. Music has been an incredible outlet for me in ways I can’t thank God enough. For example the things that I can’t figure out how to handle, or find the courage to tell someone, I write it in a song. Something about music has always had such a fierce hold on me that I’ll never be able to shake.
* How old when you started: I remember singing as early as 7 years old but I began recording in a studio about a year ago.
* First country song you learned: I want to say Burning House by Cam was the first song I learned when I picked up the Ukulele.
* Instruments played: Acoustic guitar, ukulele, minimal piano.
* How would you describe your sound: Somewhere between Kelsea Ballerini and Jason Aldean (strange, I know). I have a much lower toned voice than most females, so I don’t think you could quite classify my sound…but when I’m pushing my comfort zone I can do good with some pretty harmonies.
* Who inspires you: Johnny Cash, Lee Brice, Hardy, Carrie Underwood.
* Dream duet partner: Lee Brice
*All- time favorite country songs: Tennessee Whiskey- Chris Stapleton, Porch Swing Angel- Muscadine Bloodline, Gettin’ You Home- Lee Brice, Real Men Love Jesus- Michael Ray, Me and My Kind- Cody Johnson (I can’t pick!!)
* First country concert: Rascal Flatts
* What songs do you like now on Country 1025: Damn Strait and All Summer Long!
* If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: Something creative nonetheless, probably graphic design, interior design, or fashion design.
* Day Job: Hostess at Citizen Crust at Gillette Stadium
* Most proud moment: Hard to say, I really give glory to God for my accomplishments, but I’ll say I’m proud of myself for how this song and music video has moved the people I love in the last few weeks of its release. It feels like I’ve officially proved myself, but this is only the beginning with plenty of room for growth.
* Crazy thing that happened in your music career: Honestly I’m just getting started but being featured on 102.5 is definitely at the top of my list!
* Other things you like to do: Write, draw, play my guitar, eat hot dogs, be outdoors…anything that involves the water!
* Fun Facts: I need hot sauce on stand by…I like things spicy. You’ll almost always find me in a pair of jeans…I think they’re the best pants you can wear. My celebrity crush is Timothy Olyphant as Raylan Givens in the show Justified.
* Mantra: love boldly and live freely
*Upcoming Dates: All are welcome to come to Sunday morning service at New Hope Christian Chapel!
Social Pages: Instagram: hopeshanleymusic TikTok: hopeshanleymusic
YouTube: Hope Shanley
Hope Shanley Social
Follow Hope on her social media pages
