Squil - Lead Vocals, flute, various penny whistles (C, D, Eb, E, F, G and Low D), guitar (occasionally...)
Robin - guitars, vocals, technical wizardry
Influences
Our influences are not so much what we listen to regularly, but more those artists and perfomers that we grew up with, and that have had a conscious or subconscious effect on how we sing and play. In fact, what we listen doesn't really bear much resemblance to the style in which we play! This list is therefore incomplete, and will be updated as we are reminded of those that have left their mark on us in some way....
Squil - Duran Duran, The Beatles, Blondie, The Cranberries, Enya, Clannad
Robin - Brian May, Tony Clarkin, The Housemartins, The Cranberries, The Proclaimers, Steve Taylor, Dave Perkins, Dave Bilborough, Elvis Presley, The Shadows, The Edge, REM, Barclay James Harvest, Pete Townshend, Bryn Haworth, Stuart Townsend, Paul Poulton, Paul Field, Phil Keaggy, Brooks Williams, Antoine Dufour.
Sounds Like
We have a soothing relaxing sound akin to Enya and Clannad, although we are capable of some more energetic moments! Squil's voice has been likened to a whole host of great singers - Alison Moyet, Sheila Walsh, Debbie Harry, Joni Mitchell and Madonna to name but a few. Its an eclectic and spiritual brew!
Ever since winning the Vocal and Instrument Duet class in the Hull Music Festival, husband and wife, Rob and Squil, have felt a strong desire to work together as an acoustic duo. Their musical heritage is certainly varied, from Christian Rock bands such as “Whitegold” and “Giants will Fall” to appearances in the opera “Carmen” and various Gilbert and Sullivan productions. However, the most importance influence in the current Living Hope sound comes from Squil’s early days in “Mediaeval Fete” (pronounced feet!), a successful folk sextet. This interesting and eclectic mix fused with a strong Christian Faith produces a soothing, haunting sound with flashes of energy and vibrancy. It’s a sound that feels at home in many environments and it is no surprise that you will find Living Hope in a variety of venues from churches to pubs and concert halls to coffee shops.
The band are UK based and have played in various towns and cities up and down the country, however, in 2006 Living Hope’s music hopped across the pond when they undertook a successful mini-tour to the USA. Their 2003 worship cd “…with Faith” was re-released in 2006 to include the single “Echoes” and a new cd, featuring a broader representation of Living Hope’s music, is planned for release soon.
What people have said about Living Hope:
"You two are very gifted.Your vocals are so pure and angelic,your guitar playing exquisite and perfectly matched":
Hi Living Hope, May I share with you the Prayer Podcast series of 13 messages by Pastor A. T. Davidson (Australia) based on Dr Dick Eastman's book "No Easy Road". They are free and are a great blessing. Merryl/Bethelhouse