There's a reason to get excited again about the reggae and ska scene in Nottingham and it's time to start talking about The Hoplites. A nine-piece band of experienced musicians from Nottingham, with a deep love of reggae and ska and a maxi single just released, we were eager to know more about their writing and performance process. Kane, Raph, Big Ben, Mikey, Mike, Amy, Little Ben, Sylvain and Lee took some time out to speak to LeftLion on just that.
What influenced you to play this style of music and how do you write your songs?
Kane (vocals, rhythm guitar): I really wanted to create a more authentic and traditional ska/reggae sound, so I got to writing a collection of tunes. Raph and I were in Unknown Era together and we have always connected creatively, so working with him again was a no-brainer. Myself and Ben (Big Ben) had been saying that we should work together on something like this for many years. We finally made it happen. Everyone else was pulled in and it’s just worked out perfectly, all the members are super talented and the creation process is so smooth! So expect some bloody great music!
Raph (keys, backing vocals): We’re really passionate about the more traditional side of ska music and it’s been great to explore that world. It’s been a lot of fun figuring out how the team works best. Generally the process tends to go like this, Kane comes up with some chords and lyrics for the foundation of a song. I take that and add a few fancy bits, rearrange the structure and suggest a few options to inspire the brass section. Mikey organises the brass parts into a sensible language and everyone just throws in their own bit of magic. So far the whole experience has been really fluid and fun! I don’t know if we always had planned for it to be a nine piece, but as the numbers grew and the rehearsals started sounding so epic we were really happy with the lineup. I think it gives us the power to really pursue that original sound, of course giving it a bit of a modern twist and adding our own flavours.
I know you've just released the three track maxi single River of Change. What else are you guys up to?
Raph: Back in 2021 I contributed to an international project called the Housebound Ska Collective, where I met Piper Dawes. These days, she operates from Vibrations Studios in Huddersfield, I just knew I had to get her involved in the production. We recorded most of the music at my home studio in Netherfield and sent everything to Piper to be mixed. Along with some vocal recordings at Deeper than Roots mastering, Trekkah at Phlexx Records (Notts) and Natt from RatCat in Sandiacre. The project has included contributions from some of our most talented friends in the industry and we feel very lucky to know them.
Kane: After many years of touring and gigging (which was very fun!), I’d like to focus more on the creative process. I’d like us to be recording artists as well as performance artists! We will be working very hard in the studio and delivering some sweet records! River of Change is a release that we’re really proud of. It showcases three different sounds of the band! You’ve got rocksteady, ska and roots reggae all on one record!
The amount of raw talent in this band is outrageous and you won't want to miss it. Plus it'll be the party that we have all needed, time to let ya hair down and grab ya dancing shoes and bring all your friends
What can folks expect at one of your shows and when can we expect to see you live?
Raph: Well we only have one show booked this year. So all our eggs are going into preparing that musical omelette. What we can tell you is, after almost a year in the making, it will be the best possible show we can put on for you. You can expect a full set of original tunes, some grooves to dance to, the occasional guest appearance and (judging by how much support we’ve received so far) a room filled with a bunch of lovely, lovely people.
Mikey (bass trombone): Some very attractive trombonists!
Kane: Oh man. It’s gonna be a show not to be missed! I’ve always loved performing and I love delivering a night that the audience will never forget! September 6 at Metronome, be there!
Ben (drums, backing vocals): Expect big sounds added to a big show! This will be the show of the year. The amount of raw talent in this band is outrageous and you won't want to miss it. Plus it'll be the party that we have all needed, time to let ya hair down and grab ya dancing shoes and bring all your friends... I guarantee it will go OFF!
The Hoplites debut “Maxi Single” River of Change is out now and available to purchase on bandcamp and stream on all major platforms. You can purchase tickets for their debut show on Friday 6 September at Metronome with Jeremiah Ferarri at thehoplites.co.uk
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