Music – Denver

Formed in the central coast of California in 2014, alternative folk group The Simple Parade creates music that is as fluid and free as the ocean waters they were bred from. Led by Justin Hooper (vocals/guitar/piano), Kayla Hooper (vocals/keys/percussion), Kevin Ostrom (guitar), Brigg Kula (drums), and Josh Anamier (bass), the band speaks to the rawest parts kept hidden with their feel-good, acoustic-driven tunes. Since his time in high school choir, where his school was one of three in the nation selected to sing in Carnegie Hall, Justin Hooper felt a passion for songwriting, guitar, and piano. After meeting his now wife and bandmate, Kayla Hooper, while volunteering at their local youth group, the two have since dedicated their lives to leading worship and creating music for others, even while carrying on other jobs such as music teacher and photography. Throughout the years and the ups and downs, music has always been the shining light they have always felt compelled to share with others. While the full band performs and resides in Colorado, much of The Simple Parade’s music was written in and is inspired by their time in California, with songs based off their relationships along the coast. Inspired by the thick lyricism and evocative vocals of artists such as: Simon & Garfunkel, Brandi Carlile, Coldplay, The Civil Wars, and Chris Stapleton, The Simple Parade works to ask questions and tackle topics in their songs that many people ponder, but rarely talk about. Fresh out of the gate, their debut single, “Confetti” (2014) earned them the New Times Music Award, while their first full album A Love Story (2016) earned them several awards, such as the Great American Songwriting Award for “Heartstrings” and the Akademia Award for Best Americana Song for “Go With You.” With an impressive set of achievements and a humble disposition, the band continues to spread their word throughout the Rocky Mountains. Their newest single and music video, “Going Through Something,” (released November 2018) is just the first taste of what is to come from their upcoming album, Seeker, to be released in 2019. With a genre that has lovingly been described as, “sneaky Jesus,” The Simple Parade speaks to the highs and lows of doubt and faith, with a genuine yet energetic feel of its full band. Hoopers’ smooth tag-teamed vocals paired with the multi-level string accompaniments make for a layered, energetic and easy listening feel in every track. It is so easy to get caught in the mindset of moving in life’s rigid assembly line, or tinkering along its immovable traffic jam. But the hope is instead to enjoy the simple thrill of the parade, where everyone has their own unique part to play. One’s parade should stem from the relationships they make along the way, and though the march is rarely easy, it never has to be made alone. The Simple Parade is set to release their upcoming album Seeker in early 2019. In the meantime, they will continue to hit the Colorado roads, performing at venues, festivals, wineries/breweries and churches along the way. So come on and join The Simple Parade, as they make music that speaks to soul and is created for you.