40 Facts About Hippo Campus (Band)

Formation and Early Days

Hippo Campus, an indie rock band from Saint Paul, Minnesota, has captured the hearts of many with their unique sound. Let's dive into their journey and some interesting facts about them.

1. Formation: Hippo Campus was formed in 2013 by Jake Luppen, Nathan Stocker, Zach Sutton, and Whistler Isaiah Allen. They met at the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists (SPCPA).

2. Musical Background: The band members studied jazz and classical music at SPCPA, which significantly influences their sound.

3. Band Name: The name "Hippo Campus" was chosen by Nathan Stocker during a psychology class.

4. Early Performances: Before forming Hippo Campus, the band members played in other bands such as Blatant Youth/Whistle Kid and Danger, Will Robinson/Northern.

5. Stage Names: Initially, the band performed under their stage names The Turntan, Stitches, Espo, and Beans, but they no longer use these names on stage.

Rise to Fame

Their journey to fame was marked by several key milestones that helped them gain recognition.

6. First EP: Hippo Campus released their first EP, Tarzan Rejects, in 2013, which included original recordings of the songs "Little Grace" and "South".

7. Breakthrough: Their song "The Halocline" was featured in the series finale of the TNT series Falling Skies in 2015, which helped them gain more recognition.

8. Touring: The band has toured with notable acts such as Modest Mouse, Walk the Moon, The Mowgli's, Rubblebucket, Vacationer, and My Morning Jacket.

9. Festival Performances: Hippo Campus has performed at several prominent music festivals including South by Southwest, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Summerfest, and Reading and Leeds Festivals.

10. Billboard Chart Success: Their second EP, South, reached #16 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart in 2015.

Albums and Critical Acclaim

Their discography showcases their growth and the critical acclaim they've received over the years.

11. First Full-Length Album: The band released their first full-length album, Landmark, on February 24, 2017, which was produced by BJ Burton and included the single "Boyish".

12. Critical Acclaim: Landmark was described by the Minneapolis Star Tribune as "loaded with thickly cushioned ambiance, billowy melodies and concisely written songs".

13. Conan Appearance: The band performed on Conan twice, first in April 2017 and again with their single "Way It Goes".

14. Sold-Out Show: Hippo Campus played a sold-out show at the iconic venue First Avenue in March 2017.

15. International Tour: Following the success of Landmark, the band embarked on an international headline tour.

16. Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza: They performed at Bonnaroo Festival in Manchester, Tennessee, and Lollapalooza in Chicago during their international tour.

17. EP Release: The band released a self-produced three-song EP called warm glow on September 12, 2017.

18. Sasquatch Music Festival: In spring and summer 2018, Hippo Campus performed at Sasquatch Music Festival in George, Washington.

19. Reading and Leeds Festivals: They also performed at Reading and Leeds Festivals in the UK during the same period.

20. Sylvan Esso Opening Act: The band opened for Sylvan Esso at Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado, in 2018.

Continued Success and Evolution

Hippo Campus continued to evolve, releasing more music and exploring new creative avenues.

21. Sophomore Album: Their sophomore album, Bambi, was released on September 28, 2018, featuring 10 tracks including "Bambi," "Why Even Try," "Golden," and "Honestly".

22. Demos Release: In 2019, the band released Demos I and Demos II, which included demo tracks and some previously released tracks.

23. Third Album: Hippo Campus released their third full-length album, LP3, on February 4, 2022, featuring 10 tracks including "Boys," "Semi Pro," "Ride or Die," and "Bang Bang".

24. Band Influences: The band draws inspiration from notable UK artists such as Little Comets and King Krule, as well as bands like Bombay Bicycle Club, Last Dinosaurs, and WU LYF.

25. Musical Style: Hippo Campus is known for their catchy and spirited indie rock sound, often peppered with mature lyrics that prevent their music from being too peppy.

Band Dynamics and Personal Projects

The band's dynamics and individual pursuits have also played a significant role in their journey.

26. Vocal Style: Jake Luppen's vocals are often compared to Ezra Koenig's style, particularly in his inflection and tone.

27. Band Dynamics: The band members have a strong bond and often finish each other's thoughts and feed off each other's energy during interviews and performances.

28. Time Off: During the pandemic, the band took time off to gain a new perspective on their music and personal lives, which ultimately led to a more mature and honest portrayal of themselves in LP3.

29. Solo Projects: Each member of the band pursued solo projects during their time off, with Jake Luppen becoming experimental act Lupin, Nathan Stocker becoming Brotherkenzie, and DeCarlo Jackson contributing to Baby Boys.

30. Collaborations: The band collaborated with long-time friend and producer Caleb Hinz on LP3, who brought his unique touch to the album's production.

Fan Base and Cultural Impact

Their dedicated fan base and cultural impact have solidified their place in the indie rock scene.

31. Instrumentation: The band's instrumentation includes swishes of electro synths, mixed with sweet and sincere lyrics, and top-of-the-ranks instrumentals.

32. Fan Base: Hippo Campus has a dedicated fan base, with over 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify and millions of streams for their popular tracks like "South" and "Bambi".

33. Unique Sound: The band's music has a unique sound that blends indie rock with pop elements, making it relatable and engaging for listeners.

34. Cultural Impact: Hippo Campus has been named one of NPR Music's favorite new artists of 2017, reflecting their growing influence in the indie rock scene.

35. Touring Experience: The band has toured extensively, performing at various festivals and venues around the world, including iconic spots like First Avenue in Minneapolis.

Philosophy and Online Presence

Their philosophy and online presence add another layer to their identity as a band.

36. Band Philosophy: The band's philosophy is centered around camaraderie and walking through life supported by the people who mean the most to them, as evident in their music and collaborative projects.

37. Influence from WU LYF: The band has adopted some strategies from WU LYF, such as shielding their true personalities from fans and using code names on stage (Stitches, Beans, Espo, and Turntan).

38. Online Presence: The band keeps their online presence brief and cryptic, reflecting their desire to maintain a level of mystery and authenticity.

39. Musical Evolution: Over the years, Hippo Campus has evolved from a young band facing ageist prejudices to a mature group producing honest and polished music.

40. Current Status: As of 2024, Hippo Campus continues to be a prominent force in the indie rock scene, with their latest album LP3 showcasing their growth and musical expertise.

Hippo Campus: A Band to Watch

Hippo Campus has carved out a unique spot in the indie rock scene. Formed in 2013, these talented musicians from Saint Paul, Minnesota, have blended indie rock and pop to create a sound all their own. With three full-length albums, several EPs, and countless festival performances, they've proven their staying power. Their music, influenced by jazz, classical training, and UK artists like Little Comets and King Krule, resonates with fans worldwide.

The band's evolution from their early days to their latest album, LP3, showcases their growth and maturity. Solo projects and collaborations have only enriched their sound. Hippo Campus's dedication to their craft and their fans is evident in every performance and release. Keep an eye on this band; they're not just making music—they're making waves.