Hobo Johnson and The Lovemakers performing during the HJ Drinks Tour at Emo's Austin in Austin, Texas on June 26, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
California native Frank Lopes Jr., known by his stage name Hobo Johnson, developed a pure and raw free-flowing style straight from the streets. At 19, Lopes adopted his rapper persona after becoming homeless and creating music out of his 1994 Toyota Corolla. This aging car inspired and became the recording space for his 2015 debut project, ‘Hobo Johnson's 94 Corolla.’ Around the same time, he studied music composition at Sacramento City College but dropped out to focus entirely on his music.
In developing what he calls "sadboi hip-hop," Lopes formed his band The Lovemakers and performed on the streets and at open mics throughout Sacramento. The band released their official studio debut, ‘The Rise of Hobo Johnson.’ The album features Lopes' spoken word theatrics, a blend of heartfelt slam poetry and confident, stream-of-consciousness raps about love, loneliness, and everyday philosophies-over folky, minimalist hip-hop grooves. His style draws influence from rappers like Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper, as well as folk-punk bands like the Front Bottoms, who he has both covered and toured with.
The band's breakthrough came when they posted a lo-fi, single-shot video for their song "Peach Scone." Filmed in guitarist Derek Lynch's backyard, the video highlights Lopes' impromptu charm backed by the band's moody, makeshift rhythms. It quickly garnered millions of views after being submitted to NPR Music's Tiny Desk Contest. ‘The Rise of Hobo Johnson’ soon reached No. 17 on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart. With this exposure, more videos filmed in Lynch's backyard have surpassed the million-view mark. The band then embarked on touring, performing to sold-out shows and festivals across North America and beyond.
Fan reviews:Setlist for the show at Emo's Austin
Hobo's got that Infectious energy. Hobo sounds exactly like he does on the track, in person. Wow. I was so impressed. I'm looking forward to seeing Hobo live again. I had a blast. He was absolutely amazing live.
Amazing! This is the second time I’ve see him and he was amazing! He interacts with the crowd and was so sweet the whole show. He even came out after to get pictures with everyone and said hi! Loved him.
He was just awesome! Amazing energy, engaged with the crowd. I would have paid more to see him and if he ever comes back again,I’ll be sure to go!
Frank made the atmosphere such a sacred and personal space to be in. The fandom is the least toxic fandom I’ve been apart of, at that show I made at least four new friends and we spent the whole night together. Frank aka Hobo Johnson really just stuck our hearts last night and it is unforgettable. I brought three friends with me and they keeps bringing up the experience and it was life changing for them. His poetry and his words are so compelling. We had the luxury of have a small venue so we really got to connect with him. He treats you like his own.
Great performance, real connection with hobo Johnson and super exciting to see fans get to be part of the show. A lot of fun and never a dull moment.
- Mover Awayer
- Romeo & Juliet
- Subaru Crosstrek XV
- Uglykid
- Metaverse
- Sex in the City
- Anton LaVey
- FLOOD THE EARTH AGAIN
- Sacramento 12 Step
- February 15th
- Alienates Medely
- Creve Coeur 1
- Jansports
- DADS BED
- Happiness
- Dari#$%
- I Want A Dog
- Peach Scone
- Typical Story
Hobo Johnson and The Lovemakers was the main act at Emo's Austin with guests Remo Drive and BabyJake. They continue across the United States with the last stop at the The Fillmore in San Francisco, California on August 16, 2024.
Hobo Johnson and The Lovemakers
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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