Hailing from Ayr, Ontario, Canada, H.Pe is a singer-songwriter who’s brand-new offering is an alternative, electric folksy track titled ‘Dublin’ has a melancholic and hopeful vibe to it, released on February 15, 2023.
Taken from his third studio album Lines, ‘Dublin’ was created from the melody of a few chords on a classical acoustic guitar, and then the song slowly started to form. His complimentary vocals and intriguing guitar work truly showcase his musical abilities.
We sat down with H.Pe to discuss his music and much more. Here is what he had to say:
Hey H.Pe welcome to FLEX! How are you?
I am very well. Thank you.
Congratulations on your brand-new single ‘Dublin’ - what inspired this particular project?
Thank you. Dublin is a song about memory. About how we remember. What we choose to remember. I was born in Ireland but raised in Canada. I spent my teenage summers wandering around Dublin wanting to be as Irish as possible. When I reflect on that now, my connection to Ireland is through those memories. That feeling really resonates with me for some reason, and from that a melody formed with a few simple chord changes. And the song kind of took over from there.
And do you have to be in a certain mood to write?
No, I find that the act of writing benefits from all emotions. The more extreme the better. I find the only time I can’t write is when I am tired.
How was the recording and writing process?
I write most of my songs on a Yamaha classical guitar, but I like to record with my Telecaster. I try to develop the song completely before I convert it to electric. Once I am happy with the arrangement and sound, I will record at my home studio.
For viewers that don’t know H.Pe how would you describe your sound?
I like to call it Electric Folk, but I would say that my songs are simple and melodic. My latest record, Lines, is just guitar and vocals. I wanted to be able to record and perform my songs alone so it was important for me to develop a live sound that could replicate the material on the album. My biggest influences are probably David Bowie and Bob Dylan, but I owe a lot to The Cure, The Smiths, Radiohead, Elliott Smith, Sonic Youth, The Pixies, and newer bands like War on Drugs.
And what are some of those activities that you engage yourself in when you aren't writing or recording in the studio?
I am married with three kids, so I love to spend time with them. I also love reading. And walking.