When life doesn’t go the way we plan, it becomes hard to stay positive and see the bigger picture. Mallary Hope has experienced a lot of closed doors and phrases like “You’re too this or that” over and over again. She didn’t know where she belonged, or if music was something she should keep pursing.
Hope released her debut single to Country radio 8 years ago, and today her debut Christian single “Now” is going to radio. In that time she has cried, rejoiced and prayed a lot. She’s let go of everything she can’t control and has gained an incredible support system, amazing husband and two incredible daughters. She’s also gotten a record deal with Curb records and is finally able to get her music heard. She’s already charted in the top 40 thanks to early stations adding her single!
Mallary Hope Shares How She Overcame Hardship in Debut Christian Single “Now”
Mallary Hope: The journey has been heartbreaking at times, but I wouldn’t have it any another way. God had to break my heart so that I would learn how to depend on him. Sometimes He brings us to our knees because He needs us to look up. Faith can be so hard because it is FULLY trusting in His plan.. He doesn’t expect us to be perfect at it, but He does want us to try to just lean on him. I will say that I haven’t been this “giddy” in a long time. I’m just so proud of this music. We wrote “NOW” when I was pregnant with my first baby. So this song is almost 3 years old. It’s amazing to look back and see how God was working on me, and orchestrating this journey from the start. It just took me a minute to open my eyes and let him do the driving.
Mallary Hope: I think the transition is very natural for me. I’m a child of God first, and I just love making music. My music has always reflected my life. Where I am in some relationship, or where I was in my career.. I honestly thought that (and forgive me for going third person here) but Mallary Hope the singer was all I was.. it was my entire identity. I’ve been making music since I was 9 years old and when I wasn’t being successful at it, I started to question why God made me.. I love country music and I thought that was where God wanted me to be. I used to think that if I wasn’t successful at music, then there would be no reason for me to live. (Let me be clear, I was NEVER suicidal I just remember thinking, God If you’re not gonna make this happen, then why am I here?) ME ME ME.. How crazy immature that sounds now.. I think that is the mindset of someone who believes their entire identity is defined by what they do.. God wants us to see that He made us for so much more and that He has plans for us. Plans to prosper, but we have to give up the control.I remember crying and praying that God would just take the love of music away from me, because it just kept breaking my heart. I was in this miserable place and then it hit me.. It’s a lot of “Me Me ME” What a selfish place to be in.. It was all about me.. But I needed God to show me that it wasn’t about me at all.. It was ALL about Him.. So he completely took away that desire of music that I’ve had since I was 9 Years old.Then, when I was pregnant with my first child, while listening to Christian radio, I just had this overwhelming feeling to make/say something important. What’s the most important thing a Christian can do? It is to be Christ like, love others, and tell people about God’s love. This life is temporary but as a believer we have eternal life and it is imperative that we help win others over for the kingdom.. So I figured, if God gave me this love of music in the first place.. It was about time I used my gifts for His glory. For the first time in my life, I didn’t need someone to tell me “I love your voice” for me to feel validated.. I found my validation in Christ… I just want to make music that can help people come to know what an amazing God He is. To experience His unconditional love and peace. For people to know that it is ok to surrender your ideas of what you think you were made for. God will show you exactly what He has in store for you.. You just have to allow Him to do so.
Mallary Hope: My single Now is my journey all wrapped up in about 3 mins. Pretty much the same answer as #2.. Just a song about coming to a place of surrendering your desires for God’s plan for you. Sometimes what we want for ourselves isn’t what He wants for us, but what He has in mind is so much better. It’s just a reminder that He has been with us every step of the way. Even when we might have ignored Him, He was there.
Variety Beat: What’s been some of the biggest differences since working with Christian radio and so you feel it’s been more welcoming to new talent?
Mallary Hope: Well, there’s not really THAT much of a difference. Just people who love music and artists who love to sing. The topic is really the only difference. Instead of me singing about an ex boyfriend, I get to praise and worship God.
Variety Beat: “Now” that you’ve released a new single, what else is on the horizon? Is an album in the works and will you be getting to perform at some events?
Mallary Hope: We have an album coming out in the fall. (that’s the rumor anyway) KLOVE fan awards are next month, and those are always fun. Will be doing some more radio tour.. and then some Touring in the fall. We will be excited to get out and play this album for people.
Variety Beat: What’s been the most encouraging part of this next chapter in your life?
Mallary Hope: I think the most encouraging part is knowing that I’m doing exactly what I was put here to do.. And that there’s no pressure because for the first time in my life, I’m letting God be in control. So, if this music just reaches one heart then that’s enough for me. There’s this amazing peace because I know who I am now, and getting to make music is just icing on this already amazing life.
Variety Beat: Who have you written with lately that you’ve always wanted to work with?
Mallary Hope: I love all my cowriters on this album. This entire album was written with new people and I’m just thankful they allowed me to come in and share my story with them.
Variety Beat: What’s one of your favorite quotes or scripture that helps you through difficult times?
Mallary Hope: There are so many Great ones, but i really love this one from Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”(Again it’s just a reminder that no matter what we go through, as a believer God is right there with us. Fighting our battles for us, and helping us get through times of trouble.)
Mallary Hope: I just want people to know that I love God, and feel so blessed to be able to use this platform to tell others about how awesome He is.
Categories: Interviews, Music