**What’s Next for an Artist Who Constantly Blends Genres and Plays with Audience Expectations?**
Read our interview with KennyHoopla and find out!
Since bursting onto the scene with his 2016 *Beneath the Willow Tree* EP and 2021’s *Survivor’s Guilt: The Mixtape*, KennyHoopla has redefined the alt-punk and alt-rock landscape. Those early projects ignited his creativity within the pop-punk genre, but with his latest release, *conditions of an orphan* (available now), he’s reinventing himself once again.
This new EP sees Kenny exploring electronic influences, effectively bridging his older sound with his new artistic direction. Over the years, KennyHoopla has collaborated with heavyweights like Travis Barker and, most recently, Zac Farro of Paramore. Farro’s work on *conditions of an orphan* helped bring out the signature KennyHoopla we all know and love. This project continues to showcase his brilliance as a songwriter, vocalist, and creator in his own right.
We sat down with KennyHoopla to discuss his new EP, the inspirations behind his songs, and his place within the ever-evolving music scene — all ahead of his upcoming show at Brooklyn’s Elsewhere on November 13th.
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### Why did you name the new EP *conditions of an orphan*?
“I feel orphaned in my life right now — it’s like restarting my career. It’s about having to do everything myself. My mom passed away, and I don’t really feel like I have any mentors or role models to look up to in this moment.”
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### Your music style reminds me of Bloc Party. Has their lead singer Kele Okereke been an influence?
“I wouldn’t say Bloc Party was a huge influence overall, but Kele Okereke has definitely inspired me and has been one of the best mentors I’ve had. I really appreciate my relationship with him; it’s been very helpful navigating things while we’ve talked. We’re very similar and share a language of heart through music. I want to be a poet like he is — a poet through my instruments. He’s someone I really aspire to reach the level of.”
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### You blend indie, punk, and alternative styles. How do you approach each genre when creating music?
“With this project, I felt like some people got lost in translation with my music since my last release. I’ve been doing pop-punk for a while, but this time, I wanted to bring KennyHoopla back to his roots — very straightforward indie rock but with electronic elements. I wanted to be as direct as possible with my inspirations and influences so there wouldn’t be too much confusion.”
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### Do you think it’s difficult to have a long-lasting music career nowadays?
“That’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. I’ve wondered if this is sustainable for me. A lot of artists struggle to sell shows. Streaming companies tend to take a lot but don’t give much back. All I can do is keep my head down and work as hard as I can. Culture in the music industry changes so fast. I want to stick with this for the long haul. If I make it over this hill and don’t give up, I believe it will pay off. It’s about perseverance and seeing what’s at the end of the tunnel.”
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### How have you evolved since 2021’s *Survivor’s Guilt: The Mixtape*?
“I feel like I know what I want more now. Before, I was often misperceived and put into a box. I’ve become a better musician and reclaimed my autonomy. Instead of feeling pressured about being original, I now realize it’s okay to be in the spaces where I genuinely align. That mindset has helped me grow a lot.”
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### You worked with Zac Farro from Paramore. Did you learn any new techniques working with him in the studio?
“I’m grateful for the grace to learn. Working with Zac felt very DIY and authentic. It wasn’t as polished or ‘poppy’ as other workflows. I felt like I could relate to him — the formula is there, but he really puts in the groundwork. That inspired me and made me believe I could do it myself.”
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### What is the song “too many jocks turned rockstar” about?
“That song started out as a diss track aimed at another artist I was being compared to. It also speaks to similarities I’ve noticed with people in the record industry — dealing with lies, gaslighting, and having too much empathy for it. The ‘jock’ theme points to the many artists who come off as punk just by appearance — tattoos and all — but it feels superficial, like they’re not trying to truly activate or inspire anyone.”
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### What are your thoughts on playing at Brooklyn’s Elsewhere?
“I played there a long time ago, and it was possibly one of my favorite shows ever. I’m not quite sure what to expect this time around, but I’m trying to push my musicianship as a performer. Honestly, I couldn’t even tell you what my fanbase looks like anymore; it’s become more of a melting pot. I’m just grateful for the chance to go hard again and give it my all.”
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Stay tuned for more from KennyHoopla as he continues to push boundaries and redefine his sound in the vibrant world of alternative music.
https://www.theaquarian.com/2025/11/03/kennyhoopla-is-redefining-himself/
