Since the days are getting shorter and shorter plus even colder we’re all just aiming for a bit warmth to escape winter’s frosty claws, right? And just like a warm cup of tea (or a glass of Scotch, optional) there’s nothing wrong in having a gentle piece of music playing in the background. And if you ask for a proper suggestion we can highly recommend you the self-titled longplayer by Latvian singer/songwriter ALISE JOSTE. Although the record has been released three years ago it really hasn’t lost its magic in this time. The young lady from Riga delivers fragile and beautiful pieces of melancholic bliss. The album, released via ‘I Love You Records’, really is a hidden gem that deserves more attention so feel happily invited to order your copy right here.
Giving ALISE JOSTE a bit more attention on NOTHING BUT HOPE AND PASSION was long overdue so here we go. For the past years the talented lady is visiting pretty much all European countries on a regular basis to present their gentle songs to a constantly growing following. At least, that’s what we hope. Get to know her bit better right here as we confronted her with our infamous ‘Introducing Q&A.’
How would you describe your music to a deaf person?
I would describe it as an ever-changing ocean, that washes up against the shore rhythmically, reflecting sun and keeping great secrets down below. An open water that is both welcoming and scary at the same time.
Please tell us something about Latvia most of us don’t know…
I haven’t been home a couple of months now and I’m really eager to see what will be changed when I come back. That’s the thing that I like about my country – it is constantly evolving! When you go to sleep at night, you can most definitely expect that in the morning something will be different. There’s a lot of things happening and you will never be bored, no matter what interests you.
Would you rather be a dragon or have a dragon?
Is there a specially made guitar for dragons to play? Can I have my dragon friends come over to play some dragon music? If so, then I’d love to be a dragon. Also, to experience the sensation of fire coming out of my mouth – that should probably be one darn good feeling!
If you could have an alternative job – what would it be?
As a child my dream profession was to become a hairdresser. I would constantly change the hair for my dolls. Different hairdos, cuts and coloring made with my favorite felt-tip pens. Now? I’d love to have my own bakery. Or to work as a yoga tutor.
The music and culture industry is currently about to redefine itself on many levels. Do you feel like being completely and utterly at the its mercy, or should things be seen as a chance for artists?
In the last couple of decades, every field of human life has been changed or influenced in some ways. It is not only artists that have to adapt to how things work nowadays. And there are some aspects of technology’s influence that I don’t like, but all in all I think it is good. It gives more opportunities to collaborate, to let crazy things happen and just see what comes out of it.
What are your plans in the near future as an artist?
I always try not to plan anything specific. And I don’t know but somehow it just works for me. Surely, now everyone is interested when the new album is coming, but if I have to be honest – I really don’t know. It may as well never happen because I like the natural flow of things. If something doesn’t feel right, I won’t force it. I definitely want to record some new material. To make a video for a song. To create a crazy and inspiring show. But I don’t plan any of those things. If they happen, they happen. If not, then not.
What role play ‘hope’ and ‘passion’ in your life?
Hope and passion accompanies me on each step. I would never be where I am if I wasn’t passionate about what I do. And sure thing, there are a lot of things I hope for. But hope is a tricky thing. Sometimes you hope for something so desperately that you forget that you actually have to do something in order for it to happen.
—