Meet Elle Hope | Spoken Word Artist & Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elle Hope and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elle, what do you attribute your success to?
A major factor in my success is that my community has always looked out for me and continues to lift me up. I would not be the poet I am today with folks giving me opportunities to be myself and most importantly believing in me. I feel like people under estimate the power of networking. Most of my biggest gigs/shows have come from me developing strong relationships with folks. Genuine relationships are key. My wish is to return the love I’ve received back into the community. Ive been luckily enough to start my own open mic specifically catered to poets called Spotlight Poetry (@spotlightpoetrylv). I know starting a career as a spoken word artist can be extremely intimidating and lonely at times. As my platform grows I know I have a responsibility to help others find their path in poetry. I strongly believe that when we rise as a community together it makes it a lot easier for all of us to win.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My first time performing spoken word was my senior year in high school. I didn’t think to much of it until my sophomore year in college. Suddenly I knew something bigger was calling me to be a poet. So I started taking my craft more seriously. I would take greyhound buses to LA to take as many workshops as I could to develop my craft. I was so dedicated that I would wake up at three in the morning just to get on the bus then turn around to get back home late at night. Only to clock in for my shift the next morning. Where there is a will, there is a way as my dad would put it. I did this for four months back to back. I’ve learned that if you want it you got to be hungry for it. You have to put in the long hours of practice. You have to push yourself to try new things. Sometimes you gotta go that extra mile. It all pays off in the end because it only makes you stronger. The grind is the best part of the journey because it’s a beautiful time to watch yourself grow as not only an artist, but an individual too. During this time I learned you should always dream BIG. I knew I wanted to take poetry & spoken word to a whole new level. So I found a band who also happens to be my close friends, the Noir Movement. Together we create a different experience on the stage as we mold both sound and poetry together to deliver an elevated performance. I am currently working on taking my poetry into a more visual route. I’ve always loved film and the way images can transport an individual. I’m super excited for this next journey in my career and look forward to making magic.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first place I would take my friends would be my open mic night that goes on every Wednesday at 8pm. Located right in the heart of the arts district, Spotlight Poetry is the place to be to see some of the best poets in the city. We also highly encourage new poets to come out and perform. I pride myself on creating an environment where everyone’s voice can be heard and most importantly feel safe.

Afterwards we’d go eat at one of my favorite spots Master Kim’s KKBQ. Then pick up dessert at the most addictive place ever, Crumbl Cookie.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My close friends and family really are the ones that deserve all the roses. There have been times where I’ve been nervous to take on the mountain of life, but they continuously remind me that I don’t have to take it on alone. Being an independent artist comes with many struggles and it’s very easy to find yourself in negative thoughts sometimes. Having a group of people around you who truly treasure you as a person and believe in your artistic visions is essential. The unconditional love and support I get from them really is the thing that keeps me going.

Website: www.ellehopethepoet.com

Instagram: Ellehopew

Twitter: Ldancingqueen

Youtube: Elle Hope the Poet