KennyHoopla has released his new single “NEW AMERICA//” featuring Albert Hammond Jr. of the Strokes.
“NEW AMERICA//” reflects on persistent social inequality, inherited trauma, and the often deceptive notion of progress in contemporary America. The song, which was first teased three years ago during a performance in Chicago, showcases KennyHoopla’s continued artistic growth and features Hammond Jr.’s signature guitar technique.
Read more: All Access with KennyHoopla
“At its core, ‘NEW AMERICA//’ is a cynical play on words,” Kenny says. “Modern society sells us a vision of ‘newness,’ but underneath the fresh paint, America is just making the bed but hiding the mess underneath it. History is being rebuilt with the exact same old bricks; the house is just a different color, and the foundation is still stained by yesterday’s blood. We are still fighting the same battles for equality that our elders fought, but the conflict has moved from the streets to the screen.
“Every ounce of trauma is simply repurposed,” he continues. “Tragically, our progress is always paid for by martyrs, forcing us to lose someone or something just to gain an inch. The central lyric, ‘We’re falling up, it’s the story of my generation,’ captures this exhausting cycle. Almost winning by accident. Rather than offering a neat solution, this song is an analysis of our current reality more than it is at all an answer. This is my attempt to make my own personal political aimed anthem for my generation that I’d want to hear with my perspective.”
“Working with Kenny on this was so special. He is definitely one of a kind. I’m happy people can finally hear it,” Hammond Jr. adds.
Next month, KennyHoopla will begin a support slot opening up for Young the Giant across North America.
Listen to “NEW AMERICA//” below.
