Getting to Know Our Stars! - Gavin Hope
1. How old were you when you first started singing?
I actually didn’t seek out a career in music, more so music found me. I loved to sing in choirs and ensembles in school, and one year I was scouted for the Calgary Stampede Youth Talent Showdown contest at a school spring concert where I was featured with a couple solos in choir. Next thing I knew I was singing in a major contest and came in second with another award for most promising talent. I was 15 years old. Then at 16 the next year I won the contest ( beating out Paul Brandt! ).
From then, I join a local a cappella group - The EarthTones, and started getting paid to sing. A couple years after that at 20, I became the youngest member and longest running Baritone of The Nylons.
2. Who was/is your biggest musical inspiration?
Growing up I heard a lot of music in the house played by my mom. Earth Wind & Fire, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder.. Prince.. I was a massive Michael Jackson fan as well.
The older I got more voices added influence.. Luther Vandross, James Ingram, Maxwell, and more. I was like a sponge taking in different genres of music. To this day I still enjoy all kinds.
3. Where do you make your home/
My home is Toronto, where I was born. I was raised in Calgary, then moved back to Toronto in 1993. I’m currently spending my time between Memphis Tennessee, and Toronto.
4. Do you have any pets?
I love animals of all kinds, especially dogs. I just lost my little beautiful Bugg ( Boston Terrier/Pug mix ) last November, and her name was Roxie. She spent 18 years by my side and I’ll miss her deeply until I die. She was so very special.
5. What is the best concert/gig you have ever done?
It’s hard to narrow down a best concert or a favourite .. because I’ve had such a wide range of experiences, from touring the world with The Nylons ( fave spots were Borneo, Brazil, China and Amsterdam ).. to more local solo concerts in Toronto and across the U.S. and Canada.. Loved opening for Aretha Franklin with The Nylons, I’ve also loved playing Massey Hall a few times. But for the past 18 years I’ve been blessed enough to perform with a multitude of fantastic symphony orchestras across the continent singing a wide range of shows from Rocky Horror to Soul to Earth Wind & Fire, and more. It’s always a thrill to sing in front of a 40-60 piece orchestra!
6. What is the best concert you've ever been to?
There've been some amazing ones.. hard to narrow it down lol. Janet Jackson, Rhythm Nation, Madonna Rebel Heart, Pink, and Beyoncé Renaissance were amazing shows . Earth Wind & Fire was pretty fantastic as well.
7. Do you have a favourite song or album?
I don’t have a fave all time album actually. Seal, Annie Lennox Diva, Michael Jackson Off The Wall and Thriller, Jagged Little Pill, Bjork Debut, Coldplay Parachutes, KD Lang Ingenue .. all were amazing albums.
8. What artist would you love to work with?
I’d love to work/sing with Celine Dion.. I have so much love and respect for her. Also, Quincy Jones, Jill Scott, Take 6, Earth Wind & Fire, Maxwell.. it’s a huge list actually, but those are the first few names that come to mind.
9. What would you be if you weren't a musician?
I’ve always loved Medicine/Biology. If I wasn’t such a dolt in math and chemistry I may have pursued a medical career. Thankfully Music found me.
10. What is your favourite thing about Vancouver?
I simply adore Vancouver. The geography, the world class Metropolitan vibes, restaurants… but my absolute fave I guess is the location - the ocean, the mountains, that fresh smell of coastal living. I love the outdoors and Vancouver has the best of both worlds - city, and nature.
~Vickie van Dyke
Midday Host