PATTERN’s March curator, Jansen Hogan, is a soon to be graduate of Anderson University. While being a full-time student, Hogan balances a successful band and school. Graduation being on the horizon, he is eager to begin a career in music.
The playlist highlights some of his favorite tracks and albums from the last couple of months, including recent local Indianapolis releases. Follow the playlist on Soundcloud and/or Spotify for your listening pleasure!
Tell us about your musical background.
I have always been surrounded by music. I grew up in a very musical family and it has always been a huge part of my life. My parents grew up doing music and my other two brothers are musical as well. I am currently in a local band called THE WLDLFE and have done solo projects in the past as well.
Tell us about the mix you curated. Does it give off a type of mood? What should we be doing while listening in?
It’s just a feel good type of playlist. Windows down is always a good option for a feel good playlist. Hopefully the sun will come out to make that just a bit easier. There’s a good mix of underground and mainstream pop on this playlist which I feel like most people can relate to.
What groups are killing the game right now?
Jon Bellion and LANY are two of my personal favorites. They have both developed their own styles and have really set themselves apart from everybody else. That’s one of the things I look for in new music. Some of my other favorites are KYKO, Valley, and The Band Camino. All smaller bands that have started to pave their way in the industry.
Tell me about your past and current music projects.
When I first started college, I began writing for a solo project. I wrote and recorded that project my freshman year and saw little results from that project. Going into my sophomore year, I was really wanting to try something different. I began a band called THE WLDLFE with a couple of my friends, Jason and Geoff. We wrote our first record and released it in March of 2016. Since then, THE WLDLFE has over 1.5 million streams on Spotify and has really taken off for us. My band mates and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.
What are your interests outside of music?
I enjoy watching sports. Keyword: watching. I am not very athletic. The Chicago Blackhawks are my favorite team, and I try to attend a game every year. It’s almost time for playoffs so I’m getting pretty pumped. Other than that, I spend a lot of time watching ‘Fresh Off The Boat’ and lots WWII movies. ‘Fury’ with Brad Pitt is currently my favorite.
How was being down there for SXSW?
It was incredible. Definitely an experience I will remember. Tons of people all there to just enjoy new music and eat great food. There is nothing like some good Texas barbecue.
