Super Duper, one of the most exciting electronic artists/producers on the scene, just released his double single, “Silver Lining” and “Seasons.”
Based in Nashville, Super Duper, aka Josh Hawkins, burst onto the music scene with the release of “Angela,” which took the top spot on Hype Machine and entered Spotify’s Viral 50 charts, followed by being picked up by Sirius XM Chill.
Since then Super Duper has dropped hits like “VHS” and “First Grade – Super Duper Remix,” been featured in elite media outlets, and had his music showcased by Google, Lexus, Playstation, and ESPN. Along with recently receiving a Clio award for scoring the trailer to Steve McQueen’s motion picture Widows, Super Duper has shared the stage with The Chainsmokers, Petit Biscuit, STS9, Kasbo, The Glitch Mob, and Big Wild.
CelebMix spoke with Super Duper to discover more about the inspiration for “Silver Lining” and “Seasons,” his upcoming new album, and how he got started in music.
What three things can’t you live without?
Donuts, Youtube, and my wife, Angela (sappy I know, but I did write a song after her that kinda made my career soooo yeah…she’s on the desert island with me lol).
What inspired your new A/B release, “Silver Lining” and “Seasons?”
Silver Lining:
Silver Lining is my take on a ‘90s dance song. I wanted to try combining modern production with inspiration from vocalists in the vein of ‘Rhythm of the Night’ or ‘Good Vibrations.’ Daniella Mason was able to channel that diva-esque vocal so well and once we wrote her parts I essentially just made sure not to mess it up ha-ha. I didn’t want to overthink it and made sure to let the vocal take the lead as much as possible since I loved it so much. Sometimes the production needs to be the hero but my job on this song was to be the support, get out of the way, and make sure you can keep dancing.
Seasons:
I would say most of my music is for the action sequence of life…the party, the dance floor, or the montage. Seasons is trying to add a different flavor to what you would expect from my music. Still happy and feel good but at a lot slower tempo. This song is the soundtrack for the morning after. When you need to regroup and recover. I was listening to a lot of ‘90s hip-hop when creating this song. Most of that music gives me that relaxed, feel-good energy I wanted to chase myself. I wanted to mix in elements from A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul into my production world to create a more chilled-out side of the Super Duper project.
You also have a new album coming down the pipeline. What can you share about it?
This next album is a lot more organic and uplifting than anything else I’ve done. I wrote this album at the end of one phase of life but before starting a new one. Trying my best to live in the moment and appreciate the days I have now that will eventually become “the good ole days.” So, while I’m here, I’m doing my best to create music that lifts me up and comforts me through the next chapter. Music that can be an escape to a specific time and feeling for anyone. An audio road trip that takes you all the way back, back to youth, back to joy, and back home.
How did you get started in music? What’s the backstory there?
I began experimenting with music writing programs such as FL Studio in high school before even learning how to play an instrument. This soon became a passionate hobby and I started to learn music theory to help further my obsession. In college, I studied audio production and soon after got a job composing music for TV & film. It was an amazing gig that taught me a lot about songwriting and production, but I still wanted to create music for myself. So I started the Super Duper project as an outlet to create whatever I wanted without any limitations.
Where are you from?
Nashville, TN.
Did your hometown impact your sound?
Nashville has played a big part in creating my latest music. I decided a while ago to start working exclusively with Nashville-based artists and producers for my next album. Since none of them come from the electronic space, I was able to get really unique approaches that you wouldn’t normally hear in electronic/dance music.
Are there any recording techniques you like to use in the studio?
I’ve been experimenting a lot with creating my own samples lately. Can’t always afford or get permission to sample big records so I decided to make my own songs to sample from. A lot more time-consuming but a lot of fun.
How do you keep your sound consistent on stage?
My live set is always made up of originals or remixes I’ve made. It’s not the norm to play only originals but I’d rather stand out showcasing what makes me unique if I’m performing.
Which artists in your opinion are killing it right now?
I love everything Gilligan Moss and The Knocks have been releasing lately. Also really dig Demotapes.
What’s your definition of success?
This is actually a tough question to answer because if I’m honest, the target moves quite a bit. The answer I should live by (but don’t always ha-ha) is success is having the freedom to create whatever you want and create full-time.
What can your fans expect over the next six months? New material? Live gigs?
A couple more singles and a new album. Hopefully, some live shows but focusing on getting all the new music out into the world first.
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