Brooklyn-based duo The Hogstad Brothers are turning heads with their latest single, Spinning Round. Released on January 3, 2024, this track serves as the lead single from their highly anticipated debut album, Creatures in the Dirt. With a sound that defies categorization, Spinning Round seamlessly weaves together elements of indie R&B, experimental pop, funk, and leftfield psychedelia. The result? A groove-laden, cinematic journey that invites listeners to move their bodies while also diving deep into its layered meanings.
At its core, Spinning Round is a reflection on the human experience—playful yet poignant. The Hogstad Brothers tell the tale of a psychedelic explorer returning from the heights of spiritual ecstasy, grappling with whether the revelations he encountered have truly transformed him. This introspective narrative is underscored by a universal message of healing, hope, and self-empathy, reminding us that as life keeps spinning round, we are all just creatures navigating this world in our own unique ways.
Musically, the track is as rich as its story. The duo employs an eclectic mix of instrumentation to build its texture: electric bass grooves, funky guitar riffs, Brazilian pandeiro, agogo bells, handclaps, mellotron, and lush vocal harmonies. The result is a sonic tapestry that feels simultaneously organic and otherworldly, a perfect reflection of the track’s psychedelic theme. The layers of rhythm and melody work in perfect sync, creating a vibrant energy that feels alive and immersive.
Jonathan and Brandon Hogstad, originally from Palmdale, California, are not just musicians—they’re storytellers and innovators. Since relocating to New York in 2008, the brothers have been on a mission to push boundaries. Their musical journey has included everything from forming bands to producing groove-driven tracks under their Flyer Learning moniker, earning praise from outlets like Earmilk for their interlocking analog and digital synthesis. In 2021, they collaborated with singer Shola Adisa-Farrar on A World of Love & Hate, their first EP under their own name, showcasing their talent for creating deeply textured, emotive music.
But The Hogstad Brothers’ creativity doesn’t stop at music. As a DJ/VJ duo, they are known for crafting immersive dance environments that blend cutting-edge technology with art. Utilizing hacked infrared depth cameras, they create dancer-interactive psychedelic projections, turning their live performances into multisensory experiences. It’s this same sense of innovation and artistry that shines through in Spinning Round.
With Spinning Round, the Hogstad Brothers have set a high bar for their upcoming album, Creatures in the Dirt. This track captures the essence of their artistic vision: genre-defying, deeply personal, and undeniably groovy. It’s the kind of song that hooks you with its rhythm, then lingers in your mind with its message.
As 2024 unfolds, The Hogstad Brothers are poised to make a major impact on the indie music scene. If Spinning Round is any indication, Creatures in the Dirt will be an album that not only demands to be heard but also felt—an immersive, transformative experience that invites us all to embrace our shadows and keep spinning.
