We have not met...

(sketch for part of upcoming album art)

Hello all,

We are proud to announce that the FIRST full-length record by Hop Along (the band) is DONE; mixed, mastered, ready to be put into the hands of others.  We are very, very, very excited.  And tired.  And a little frazzled (I am, anyway).

As quickly as I can, I will say some thank you’s, as we could not have done this without them.

I’d like to take a moment to extend the band’s wholehearted thanks to the soldiers that helped in the completion of this nearly two year-long project; especially to the folks at Big Mama’s (where we’ve been recording) for their kindness, friendship, and tolerance of our sometimes brutally obvious presence.  Also for their time and assistance in the actual recording, we were able to obtain their glorious voices, stomps, and claps.  They made our shit sound much better.  Also, thanks for allowing me to play steel drums very loudly for what probably felt like hours…

Also, for the constructive criticism and encouragement from friends and family while we’ve been entrenched in this very rigorous endeavor. Your words have been very helpful and important to hear (even though I’ve been reluctant to listen, at times).  I think we’ve finally found our voice, and you helped us get there. Thank you.

Of course, most of all, we wish to thank our producer/engineer/extraordinary friend, Joe Reinhart, for giving up so much energy and sleep to make this record stand out as our greatest work yet.  He stood for nothing but our very best.  The faith and work he put into this means the world to us.  Joe, we are immensely lucky to have had you for our leader and comrade.  Thanks, my dude.

Also to the great Ryan Schwabe, for mastering the record and making it finally feel real and sound better than we thought it could.

We made something big, together.  I am so happy to get to share it with you all, very soon.

***ESPECIALLY if you are around the Philadelphia area, near a radio, late this Tuesday night.  It will the be the first time a song is broadcast from this record.  History will be made!!!

Further announcements to come.

Thank you for reading, for being a part of this too.

Warmest regards,

Frances