Hippo Campus

Hippo Campus is an indie pop-rock band from St. Paul, Minnesota, formed in 2013 by musicians who met at the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists. The core lineup features Jake Luppen on lead vocals and guitar, Nathan Stocker on lead guitar and vocals, Zach Sutton on bass and keyboard, and Whistler Allen on drums, with DeCarlo Jackson contributing trumpet, percussion, and bass as a longtime collaborator. The band's name is a playful split of the word hippocampus, taken from a psychology textbook Stocker was reading.

After an early, now-retired self-released EP, the group gained attention with «Bashful Creatures» and «South», released through Grand Jury Records in 2015, which established their bright, jangly guitar sound layered with horns and youthful, hook-driven songwriting. Their music sits at the intersection of indie rock and pop, marked by tight rhythmic interplay, unconventional chord voicings, and an energetic live show that helped build a dedicated following.

Over subsequent albums, Hippo Campus has continued to evolve their sound while retaining the melodic immediacy that first defined them, with songs like «Buttercup», «Bambi», and «Violet» showcasing their range from upbeat indie-pop to more introspective, atmospheric material. The band remains a recognizable name in the American indie scene, known for consistent songwriting and a strong connection with their audience.