“I’ll cry at least two times during this show, guys,” Frank Lopes calls out to the crowd immediately following his first song of the evening. Lopes, frontman of Hobo Johnson and the Lovemakers, is no stranger to doing things on his own terms to deliver the most honest performance possible. The very essence of Hobo Johnson is hard to articulate, with elements of spoken word, rap, and skilled musicianship. Fortunately, his live show is no different.
Frank Lopes (lead vocals) during Romeo and Juliet.
Lopes is a refreshing act on the road right now. His studio albums bring forth a discography that refuses to compromise on creating the most vulnerable, honest product possible. This is an energy that both Frank and his band, the Lovemakers, bring straight to the stage. Amongst walking out, Lopes begins to rearrange water bottles and scoot over speakers, waving to audience members as he does. He knows that both the band and the audience are about to dive into a carefully-crafted retelling of his experience through music, and we’ve got to be comfortable for this to work.
“You know, right now my Mom has a car sitting in her driveway,” Frank laughs to the audience between songs.
Frank Lopes.
Of course, he’s referring to a Subaru Crosstrek with transmission issues – an inside joke the audience is already in on. The act attracts a deeply dedicated fanbase, and you’d be hard pressed to anyone in the crowd not singing each and every word. With songs that detail his automotive purchases, feelings towards his father, and baked goods in comparison to lovers, it almost seems as if each song recounts a distinct experience unique to its’ author. Despite this, Lopes finds himself in front of a crowd singing each word back to him. It is the intimate invitation Lopes’ extends into both his wonder and devastation that sets him apart. Anyone can write a breakup song. But Hobo Johnson grabs your hand and lets you sit down on the twin-sized mattress, telling you the exact moment it all began to hit the fan.
Jordan Moore, keys, during Sex in the City.
The Lovemakers are composed of Jordan Moore (keys and bass), Drew Walker (drums), and Jack Shoot (lead guitar). From the beginning, they have almost exclusively worked with Lopes as the Lovemakers. This is a musical and relational chemistry that one cannot manufacture, but undoubtedly adds a certain nuance and intimacy to a live show. Each band member brings talent, yes, but also an indisputably crucial backing to the performance. Hear me well when I say: the Lovemakers are not a replaceable act and serve as vital elements to the Hobo Johnson performance.
Jack Shoot, lead guitar, during Subaru Crosstrek XV
As Hobo Johnson presses ahead into their song, Romeo and Juliet, I come to realize exactly what sets apart this group as storytellers, musicians, and artists... It’s a Shakespeaerean recount of each mistake made in a past relationship, an inquiry into what finally cracked the glass. As the Lovemakers lay down bass lines and rhythmic background, Lopes dives into the substances and shortcomings that marked a past lover of his. And who’s to say if each fan singing along had their own personal anecdote to throwing up off of balconies or the sound of furniture crashing to the floor; but Lopes and co have created a brand of storytelling and musicianship that will keep rooms packed with fans for years to come.
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