David Hope is one of the very best Roots-related outfits operating at present, seamlessly blending Folk and Roots inflections with grittily intelligent lyrics and enviably catchy choruses. David has been gigging nationwide (Ireland) and internationally alongside numerous radio performances and interviews. In May 2012, David toured nationally with Miss Paula Flynn plus special guests for a series of intimate gigs, which marked David's first performance at the famous Cathedral Arts Quarter Festival in Belfast. Over the years, David has toured extensively in both Germany and Switzerland and now has just released his first official single release in Switzerland, 'Hell or High Water' (Irascible / Dóchas Records) in July 2012. Following on from his sold out performance at Blue Balls Festival in Lucerne alongside the likes of The Kaiser Chiefs and Kyla La Grange, he recently returned to Switzerland for a series of concerts in August 2012. Autumn 2012 will see David embark on a nationwide tour including performances at this year's Spirit of Folk Festival, The Beamish Cork Folk Festival and The Westport Arts Festival 2012. David Hope hails from County Clare in the West of Ireland. He was drawn towards creating music from an early age. His multifarious influences stem from the sounds of blues, folk, rock and roots music such as Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Howlin’ Wolf, Paul Simon and Tom Petty. David left Ireland in 1998 to study at the London School of Music. Upon returning home, David has toured extensively both in Ireland and Europe, building up a loyal fan base both at home and abroad. David has independently released three critically acclaimed records in recent years. The album, ‘A Picture’, produced in 2007 by Terry Woods (Steeleye Span / The Pogues) received great reviews and radioplay and was promoted with appearances on national Irish television. A 7-track EP ‘Daybreak Someplace’ was released in 2009 to rave reviews. A strong vocalist and performer, David Hope spent a number of years performing with a variety of shows across Europe including numerous festivals in Switzerland, Germany and Sweden and encompassing tours with The Duke Spirit (UK), Sophie Hunger (CH), Baum (CH) and Beth Hart (USA). He has also toured in Ireland with folk/blues chanteuse Mary Coughlan (IRL), Andrea Samborski (CAN), Barnaby Bright (USA) and played support to various Irish artists such as Mary Black, Mundy, Jack L, John Shelly & The Creatures, Mick Flannery, John Spillane and whipping boy. In the summer of 2009, David joined forces with Eoin Jordan (The Céilí All Stars) and David Murphy (The Lost Brothers / John Blek & The Rats / Monorail) to form what was the original line up of the band, David Hope & The Henchmen. David Hope and band quickly made a name for themselves on the Irish Folk / Americana scene and have played many festivals including the Shannonside Winter Music Festival, Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots Festival, The Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival, The Cork Folk Festival, Terminal Convention Music & Arts Festival and The Clonakilty International Guitar Festival. In 2011, the band launched their EP 'Hell or High Water' produced by the highly acclaimed musician and producer, Declan Sinnott (Christy Moore / Moving Hearts). The first single 'Hell or High Water' was released in April 2011 to great reviews and radioplay and was followed up with the band’s first music video, produced by IMTV award winning film maker, Shaun O’Connor. " David Hope plays and sings like a semi-soused railway hobo from the Southern USA I offer that analogy as a form of high praise. His acoustic folk music has roots that rise from deep in the heartland of Ireland flowering in a lilting sound led masterfully." - Limerick Events Guide “Jaunty is not a word I use very often in reviews, but it's perfect for the title track of David Hope & The Henchmen EP, "Hell Or High Water". With a band behind him David Hope has more of an Americana sound to his music, but you can still hear a Celtic edge coming through. In The Henchmen he has found a duo of musicians of quality and got a beautifully balanced sound as well delightfully arranged backing vocals and harmonies. There's a real uplifting feel to the EP despite the dark nature of the lyrics, you get the feeling Mr. Hope takes his surname literally. ” FATEA Music Magazine (UK) "On the ‘Hell or High Water’ EP David Hope’s gritty and gravel-like voice soars over the band rootsy melodic musicianship. As fresh as a westerly summer breeze. Dave Hope’s music is effortlessly natural and authentic." - Limerick Post Newspaper (Irl) "A fantastic mix of American folk with a distinct Irish twang proving they are loyal to their roots. The catchy rhythm pulls you in and the clever lyrics captivate and keep you listening. It’s a single pulled off in style that just calls out for attention. It deserves airplay reminding me somewhat of a rawer and more folky Mumford and Sons, and a cleaner, less edgy Sea Sick Steve ... this EP from the Cork folk group proves they have a lot of great songs in them." - Goldenplec.com “David Hope & The Henchmen are one of the very best Roots-related outfits operating at present. They seamlessly blend Folk and Roots inflections with grittily intelligent lyrics and enviably catchy choruses which simply cry out for airplay. They’ve finally got all that down on record and they’ve pulled it off in style. Game on.” - Whisperin’ and Hollerin’ (U.K.) “…’Hell or High Water’ is a melting pot of traditional American country, traditional Irish and rootsy Americana. The Declan Sinnott production on the track allows Hope’s vocals to breathe while surrounded by a fantastic arrangement. Subtle electric guitar licks and bass never overpower while a brushed snare rhythm drives the track on.” -nessymon.com (Irl) “Quality first single from the recently formed group, David Hope & The Henchmen … it’s a great introduction to the band who have a bunch of amazing songs in them!” - 2 U I Bestow (Irl)