KennyHoopla Chases a Hopeless Romance on "Dirty White Vans//"
Photo: RAHEEMISBLIND
Ahead of the resurgence of pop-punk, there existed KennyHoopla, an unassuming Wisconsin native stirring up a paradigm shift in the world of alternative music with a sound that called to mind everything from the heyday of new wave, punk, and emo while retaining a refreshingly novel atmosphere. Now, having since found an ardent collaborator and supporter in Travis Barker and released an acclaimed debut mixtape, the Wisconsin artist stands at the forefront of the scene he's helped shape.
"Dirty White Vans//" marks the first new single from the alternative trendsetter since the release of his lauded 2021 mixtape Survivor's Guilt//. The fervent track sees KennyHoopla linking up with Dwilly and Barker on production to deliver a moment that simultaneously feels like a victory lap and an ode to aimless youth. "I wrote the addy to the party on your dirty white Vans / Finna swing it to the crowd, sold out in France," sings the Wisconsin native with all the impassioned restraint of a hopeless romantic who find himself on top of the world.
"Travis and I were just in the studio, and I wanted to make some rap shit to kind of show a different side of me. Dwilly and Travis made the beat. I caught a vibe and wrote to it... I've had that hook on my phone for years now; I've just been waiting for the right beat to put it on. This one fit really well, so I recorded it and it was dope," shares KennyHoopla.
Catharsis has always and will always be at the heart of KennyHoopla's music. Whether it be chasing a nostalgic high while carving out what's next, redefining alternative music as we know it, or simply penning what feels like a universal anthem for any outsider who finds themselves falling in love at a moment's notice, KennyHoopla will be here to do it.
Listen to "Dirty White Vans//" below:
