"...perfect for fans of Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa" - Chorus.fm
"Pop-perfect" - Notion
"...a journey of love, intoxicating highs and heartbreaking lows" - Cleveland Magazine
"It’s right there in her name: Chayla Hope is all about hope" - INTO
"Hope’s vocals are impressive showing early restraint but knowing exactly when to let it go...an intriguing allure with a touch of Lady Gaga subversiveness." - Instinct Magazine
"...big, passionate voice and charismatic presence" - Cool Cleveland
"We can’t get over how much we love Chayla’s voice." - The Honey Pop
"...a triumphant funk pop tribute to the New Jack Swing era" - Music Is My Life
"Let’s face it: there are a lot of tepid vocalists today who hide behind studio gimmicks. But that’s not the case with Chayla Hope, whose voice has incredible power and precision at the same time." - Two Story Melody
"...this work of art will definitely be one that hits the hearts of many pop lovers. With the right amount of attitude and nice melodic hooks, it's an instant hit" - POPMUZIK
"[Chayla Hope] lets her inner star absolutely glow" - Death or Desire
LISTEN: DAMN, FEELINGS
Today, vinyl-presser-turned-pop star Chayla Hope has digitally released her solo debut Damn, Feelings. After years spent fronting rock bands in her hometown of Cleveland, Hope reinvented herself within the classic dance-pop sounds that raised her while performing as a female drag queen. Her powerful voice provides an indelible sonic throughline exploring heartbreak, infatuation, loss, and the feelings that make us human.
"In the nearly nine months I spent recording Damn, Feelings, I remember coming to the realization while writing ‘Dancing While I Cry’ that I was writing a record for my younger self," Hope says. "There are a lot of references to the '80s and '90s because pop was always a safe haven for me growing up; a place where I could unabashedly be myself. I want fans to have that same experience listening to the album. I poured all of my love, pain, and heartbreak into these songs because they're what I needed to hear in order to continue to heal,” she continues. “I hope others can too."
Tracked at Suma Recording with Michael Seifert in the producer’s chair, the album’s 11 songs were brought to life by mix work from Josh Gudwin and Andrew Wuepper. The tracks also feature string arrangements and performances from Eric Gorfain and his group The Section Quartet, tracked at Sunset Sound. Hope also released cinematic music videos for several of the album’s singles:
WATCH: “ALONE”
WATCH: “LONG WAY”
WATCH: “FALLING”
WATCH: “LOVE IN LO-FI”
Hope has been uniquely involved at every step, returning to her former employer Gotta Groove Records to press the vinyl herself alongside Wax Mage Records. Damn, Feelings is a showcase of impressive range and infectious spirit from pop’s next great vocalist, songwriter, and record-maker.
Recently, she announced a collaboration with Saucy Brew Works to create a beer to commemorate her album release, aptly named Damn, Feelings. The brew is a super-fruited Imperial Hazy IPA with pink guava, apricot, and blood orange. At 8% ABV, it is sure to have tasters “in their feelings.”
A proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s no surprise Chayla was selected to sing the theme song for Care Bears: Unlock The Magic and has numerous features in the show’s soundtrack and merchandise, embodying its core themes of empowerment, inclusion, and self-understanding through her music.
Hope will host a listening party and officially launch her beer at Saucy Brew Works’ Ohio City Brewpub on October 29th. Click HERE for more information. Be sure to follow Chayla Hope at the links below for all the latest news and updates.
