New Orleans Based Rock Band Rich Octopus Release Their Self Titled Album
Rich Octopus is a New Orleans based rock band consisting of Christian Babin (bass), Will Hoffpauir (vocals), Andre DeRouen (drums), and Ian Maxwell (vocals/guitar). The group originally debuted as an acoustic trio, greatly inspired by mid/late-'00s pop punk/emo bands like Say Anything and The Wonder Years, and early-'10s acts like The Front Bottoms and Modern Baseball. The band's mantra was to be honest and emotional, but never to forget to have fun with the project.
With only Garageband and a Blue Yeti microphone at their disposal, Rich Octopus self-recorded and released their debut EP, “Phone Home”, as well as “The Split” (a collaboration with Illinois' based bedroom-pop artist, happytears) in the summer and winter of 2016, respectively.
Fast forward to 2020, the band has released their self-titled “Rich Octopus” album, which captures their essence in the first two years of its existence. As the band puts it, “"Rich Octopus" deals with themes of growing up, drinking High Lifes with house parties with your friends, finding and losing love, and learning to pick up the pieces when everything seems to fall apart from underneath you. It's a honest look back onto our early twenties, and the highs and lows that come with that”.
This debut album kept true to the band's original vision, crafting a sound that is deeply personal and honest, but unafraid of being whimsical and carefree. From songs about finding and losing love, the LP tells a story of growing up, and coming to terms with who you are as you navigate the highs and lows of young adulthood.
Listen to “Rich Octopus” right now, stream it on Bandcamp, connect with the band on their social media, and be on the lookout for our in-depth review of the album, as well as our exclusive interview.