Nirvana Hope Brings Indie Spirit to Manhattan’s Frog Wizard Festival

Nirvana hope sitting down in the Green Room at Frog Wizard Festival.

Nirvana Hope - Full Audio Interviewwith Cadence and Delaney

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Before her debut at Frog Wizard Festival in Manhattan this May, Cadence and Delaney sat down with Nirvana Hope to discuss her musical journey, pre-show rituals, and the inspiration behind her uniquely crafted sound. 

Growing Up in Music 

Nirvana Hope hails from a small town near Robinson, Kansas, where music was woven into the fabric of her upbringing. With her father playing in a band, rock music and performing became second nature. “Obviously, I was born with the name Nirvana, so that kinda just steered me into the music area,” she laughs, reflecting on how her name and family background shaped her path. 

Her Sound 

A true solo artist, Nirvana writes, records, and produces all her own music. Every lyric, chord, and vocal is her own. “Most of my music is singer/songwriter, indie/folk kind of stuff. But on my recent album, I hired a drummer. We did a little bit more pop punk/pop rock vibes on that one,” she says, her enthusiasm clear. 

First Time at Frog Wizard Fest

“This is probably one of the biggest festivals I’ve ever been a part of, so I’m full of gratitude and happy to be here,” Nirvana beams. As one of only three solo artists at the festival, she admits to feeling both excited and a bit exposed. “It’s a little bit intimidating. There’s no one for me to hide around, it’s just me up there.” 

Despite the nerves, Nirvana finds inspiration in the vibrant local scene, especially among young, emerging artists. “Don’t let pressure take the fun out of it,” she shares as her key takeaway from connecting with her peers. 

Pre-Show Rituals 

Preparation is everything for Nirvana. She clears her schedule on show days to focus fully. “That way I can dedicate myself to getting ready for it,” she explains. Her routine includes a walk to clear her mind and sipping ginger turmeric tea with lemon to warm up her voice. 

One surprising ritual? “I don’t eat until afterwards. Which a lot of people say is crazy because performing on an empty stomach is hard, but for me it just works better if I’ve got that to look forward to,” she laughs. 

Inspiration Growing Up 

Nirvana credits Alanis Morissette as her greatest influence. “The biggest one is probably Alanis Morissette,” she says, admiring the iconic singer-songwriter's independence and authenticity. “She goes out on her own, sings her music, and doesn’t care. I aspire to be Alanis.” 

The Mystery Behind the Name 

With a name as distinctive as Nirvana, the origin story is always a crowd-pleaser. “My uncle and my dad had made a pact to name their firstborns after each other's favorite bands. My Uncle Jeff’s favorite band was Nirvana. My Dad’s favorite band was Pearl Jam.” As for her cousin? “Her name is Kimera. So I’m stuck with Nirvana, but it’s turned out to be okay with me,” she jokes. 

Where to Find Nirvana Hope 

Nirvana Hope’s debut at Frog Wizard Festival marks just the beginning of her journey in the Manhattan music scene. Her blend of indie, folk, and pop-punk influences, paired with her authentic storytelling, sets her apart as a rising solo artist to watch. 

To hear more from Nirvana, follow her on social media and streaming platforms: 

Instagram: @nirvana.hope 

Spotify: Nirvana Hope