“Anyone that had anything good to say and had something important to say,” Hope Waidley stated in an ITgirl interview when asked who inspired her music.
Every artist goes through a change in their persona, some more drastic than others. Hope Waidley is a prime example of one of these artists.
Over the course of her career, “Hope Waidley”, now known as “Pearl”, has completely altered her music, persona, and aesthetic.
An article conducted by LADYGUNN.com stated that “at 18, Hope and her sister traveled the country in a Ford Station Wagon, doing street performances, exploring, and finding their independence.”
Her upbringing in the music industry was alongside her sister that also shared the same passion. They both intended on doing whatever they had to in order to pursue their dreams in music.
In the earlier stages of her career, Waidley’s music focused on the love she was actively experiencing in her relationship. However, a breakup is a common cause for an alter in persona. After leaving a relationship, Waidley’s music went through a change stylistically and lyrically.
Stated in an article by connectsavannah.com, “Hope leans more into 1970s or 1990s classic alternative rock, drawing comparisons to Fleetwood Mac or Janis Joplin sonically.”
As her career continued and grew, social media platforms began to be the source of Waidley’s growing popularity. Known on TikTok as “unaestheticsurferpearlz,” her memorable username became part of her identity. However, despite expectations, it wasn’t her music that grew her social media presence.
In an interview conducted by ITgirl, when asked what she is known for, Waidley stated that, “ I’m known mostly for music at this point. I did surf in high heels once or twice or a few times.” Referring to some of her most popular videos, Waidley went viral for catching multiple waves in barbie pink heels, portraying her personality and desire to be an inspiration.
Along with her passion to influence and inspire, Waidley has been encouraging women to be themselves since her career began. Not afraid to share her opinions, the movement “Let girls be hot” began. In a viral video, Waidley went on to describe that girls should not dull themselves down for others and should be unapologetically unique.
As her popularity continues to grow, so does her influence on others. Hope Waidley has proved to be an inspiration to all women surrounding and following her. Her rebrand and recent releases “No Man” and “Methamphetamines” have been inspirations to all listening. Both songs discuss that being independent and happy is possible, while simultaneously motivating women all over the world to push to be themselves.
Her unconventional style and whimsy that portrays in everything she wears shows her followers how crucial it is to let your individuality pour out from within.
With cheetah print coats, micro shorts, and karaoke bars being her staple, Pearl continues to influence and encourage girls to be true to themselves one lyric at a time.
