Following on from a rich and euphoric array of offerings these last couple of years, LA-based duo Hopkins now deliver one of their most anthemic offerings to date in the form of 'Dominion'.
Taking their cues from the bold and breezy sound of acts like Glass Animals, 'Dominion' showcases a heady mix of brash electronics and groove-laden rhythms. Channelling a diverse mix of instrumentation with some blistering aesthetics throughout, this new delight will grab hold of your soul and never let go.
So with the new single doing the rounds right now, we sat down with them to find out more about their background and what has inspired them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Connor: For me it was the Guitar after watching Angus Young run around the stage on the AC/DC Live at Donington DVD. I must have been 10 years old and It was pure obsession after that.
Johannes: For me it was the Drums, playing on pots and pans from a super early age pretty much ever since I can remember.
What was the first song that inspired you to make your own music?
J: I don’t think I have a specific song in mind, I would say my taste was influenced by a mixture of the earlier MTV era and my dad’s old record/CD collection (Stevie Wonder, Phil Collins, etc.)
C: I'd say for me it was the first John Mayer record “Room For Squares” that really opened the door to writing my own material. I was heavily inspired by both the lyrical and musical elements of that whole album.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
C: Once I hit the teenage years, I got more into older brit rock bands like The Who, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, bands I loved both listening to as well as covering their songs.
J: I went through quite a bit of different phases as a teenager. There was a reggae phase that then led to a more Neo Soul direction and from there went down a power/progressive metal route, really all over the place!
What do you find is the best environment to find inspiration for your music?
We really appreciate an environment that has a good modern aesthetic as well as a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. Windows and Plants are always preferred as well animals (fat cats) and snacks (wine). Lunch breaks include burritos from Poquito Mas, Nashville Hot Chicken, or pretty much anything on the menu at Portos in Burbank.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
J: I've been listening to this band from Britain called SAULT. Sort of a Indie/Soul new wave type sound. Deep Sea Diver, an Indie Rock band from Seattle is another group I’ve been getting into. Also Beabadoobee is great, it's like intimate 90’s alt rock.
C: I'd say i'm a bit all over the place at the moment, The Killers just put out a new record that reminds me of something Bruce Springsteen would release, very 80’s big power rock. I'm also really loving this English artist Bibio, specifically his “Sleep on the Wing” record which sounds like traditional European folk mixed with indie electronic. This other artist Luke Schneider put out this amazing album “Alter of Harmony” that solely consists of pedal steel guitars that sound like washy synthesizers, really meditative and therapeutic.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
C: I think only 2 songs of ours were written about somebody specific, all of the others were perhaps written with people in mind but with a more broad and general tone to help the lyrics be interpreted universally.
What has been the most unusual moment in your career so far?
Getting sent home from Maryland back to LA on a bus half way through a tour because of a pandemic would probably take the cake as far as unusual moments go.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
J: I don’t think we’d be too picky to get a chance to go on the road opening for someone as long as the crowd would enjoy and understand our sound.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
C: I've always been into interior design and furniture so something along the lines of that maybe?
J: I'd probably want to own a hip cafe somewhere as well as work as a creative entrepreneur of sorts.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
J: Mine would be do what you love and love what you do.
C: I was once told to just “stay in the game” so that has been a helpful mantra I suppose when things get challenging in this career.
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Hopkins' new single 'Dominion' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.