Justin Hopkins
Building ep
© 2004 gethoppyproductions (634479275913)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
"..A sensational tour through the uncannily perceptive mind of songwriter Justin Hopkins. Reminiscent of a younger, less cynical Dave Matthews, gone the way of the rocker..."
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He sings with a veteran's swagger, commands the stage with a contagious energy, and plays his heart out with effortless soul. So why is it people are just discovering the music of Justin Hopkins?
More then likely its because for the last four years Hopkins set aside his constantly wavering aspirations of pursuing music and took time to finally finish college, get jobs, lose jobs, travel, love, and bartend himself right back onto the stage.
During this time Justin recorded and wrote hundreds of demos. Distributing the songs into CD players at college parties, coffee shop centerpieces, and anybody who'd listen, Hopkins soon became a much talked about favorite amongst students at the University of Oregon, as well as the folk loving local community surrounding eugene, OR. He took this time to record with local Portland jazz virtuoso Randy Porter. The result was a boot-leg of live sessions that never made it to press. However, ask almost any fan, and they own a copy. The music was reflective of Hopkins' dedication to steely danesque groove rock, and featured bassist Phil Baker (Pink Martini, Diana Ross) and percussionist Rheinhard Melz (Rubberneck).
But as his local reputation strengthened, Justin found himself quickly relocating to Portland, OR upon graduation to find work and continue writing and working on what eventually would become his debut record, the 'Building ep'.
Slimmed down from 48 acoustic demos to 6 tracks produced by Steve Sundholm and Geoff Byrd, 'The Building ep' is a blaringly unapologetic and wonderfully presented window into the mind of a generation that rarely speaks so clearly, honestly, and gently on all matters of the heart.
Simply spoken, and beautifully structured, Hopkins' melodies often evoke waves of Van Morrison, Dave Matthews and Sting, while played with the precise groove of legends like Steely Dan and The Police.
Whether passive-aggressively berating his critics (Laughing out Loud), leaving a little salt on the wound of past love (great expectations), or offering life advice (Building), Hopkins' melodic and lyrical ablity are clear. Subtle and poignant, with just a touch of wit and retrospect.
Hopkins' move to Portland in 2003 was quiet yet well received, finding solice frequenting open mics with unfinished material all over the progressing, if not appreciative Portland music scene. It wasn't long before he met Jeff Bethke (guitars) and Kyle Steele (drums/percussion), and the three formed a creative bond rivaled only by their lack of fear, well, for anything. Their first rehearsals sparked instant commadre. It was that rare combination of players that loved to listen to each other, With the help and support of local Portland musicians Scott Fisher and Geoff Byrd, the group came up with surprising swiftness, backed by their intense performances, and Hopkins' soul-soaked baritone.
In 2004 Hopkins and band relocated to los angeles, where they continue to travel up and down the west coast corrider, and are spending the winter and spring of 2005 recording their debut full length for national release.
reviews
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a future star!
author: hgafter wandering into a club in Hermosa Beach and hearing Justin, I was asking his name, and later searching the internet for info. I cant wait for the next album!
5.
author: chicagodrumsthis record is really something. too bad there are haven't been any in stock for months...
great expectations!
author: indyaI love this CD!!! my favorite is great expectations, because it is a touching story with a sardonic twist.
- author: brad wagner
great band nice sounds and aqwesome music
Must have!
author: MOWhen I heard Justin in concert I knew I had to have his CD. It was one of the best decisions I've made about music. There is a song for every mood you may be in. Justin knows how to sing with passion and it is very evident on this CD. Buy it....you won't regret it!
Love it
author: OceanAbsolutely Love this ep!!! Justin's talent is growing and growing through each song he sings!! If you're in the mood to sing, throw on "Laughing Out Loud"....in the mood to relax? Throw on "Last in Line". Want something just altogether great? Put on "Great Expectations"!!! Let's not fail to mention "Building" which he sounds so passionate in. He takes it down a notch...nice and soft in "Man on Paper". And last but not least "We Live Art". This song is so great you'll think you heard it somewhere before! Justin's got a soothing voice, no matter what mood you're in! This cd is a great investment...you'd be crazy not to pick it up!
- author: Dan Martin
I am really inmpressed. Just took a 'tour' of cdbaby and stumbled upon Justin Hopkins. I am a songwriter/musician/singer as well and I'm inspired. If I had to compare, which I don't like to do.. I'd say Justin is like Mark Cohn meets John Mayer. I like this!
AWESOME!!!
author: AdrienneI am so impressed...Justin Hopkins is true talent. I admit to be a bit biased about this local Portland scene, but being born and raised here, it goes without saying. I already can't wait for the next release and concert! Way to go Justin! Keep on making BEAUTIFUL music!
Amazing Amazing singer
author: LaceyThis cd is amazing. Short only 6 songs but all worth it. He sings like a mix between John Mayer and Dave Matthews and it is AMAZING. I play the song "Great Expectations" all the time and it has become my roomate's favorite too! I can not get enough of this cd, I wish it were longer. I will play it and people will come in from the halls asking who is playing. If you looking for a cd worth your money that you won't get tired of...this is definately it. Go buy it and enjoy!!!!!!!!