Hallpass: From Atlanta Indie Roots to Playground Fest Triumph

All photos by Szonia Nemes

Gainesville, Florida, buzzed with anticipation as Playground Fest prepared to showcase a diverse lineup of emerging and established artists. Amidst the excitement, I had the opportunity to catch up with Hallpass, the Atlanta-based indie band making their festival debut. Josh Morris (23, guitar and vocals), Gideon Johnston (21, drums), Sam Smith (24, bass and backup vocals), and Daniel Crowe (23, guitar) were brimming with enthusiasm, ready to share their journey and their unique sound with a new audience. 

To truly grasp Hallpass's essence, one must delve into the individual narratives that intertwine to create their collective identity. Josh Morris, the band’s magnetic frontman, wasn’t just a singer; he was a storyteller, his voice a conduit for raw emotion and unfiltered honesty. His guitar work, a blend of melodic intricacy and driving rhythms, mirrored his personality – both thoughtful and dynamic. Gideon Johnston, the band’s rhythmic backbone, was a whirlwind of energy, his drumming a force of nature. His experience with Hotel Fiction, a band deeply embedded in the local scene, provided him with a unique perspective, a seasoned understanding of the indie circuit's nuances. Sam Smith, the bassist and backup vocalist, was the band’s anchor, her presence a calming force, her basslines a steady pulse that grounded their sound. Her insightful observations and quick wit added a layer of depth to the band’s dynamic. Daniel Crowe, the lead guitarist, was the quiet architect, his guitar work making up meticulously crafted tapestries of melodies and textures. He was the band’s sonic alchemist, weaving together diverse influences to create their signature sound. The band was born from the connections of brothers, college friends, and industry acquaintances, a true melting pot of talent.

For Hallpass, Playground Fest marked a significant milestone. Not only was it their first time playing the festival, but it was also their inaugural festival experience. Even with the bands knowledge of Athens Fest Hallpass has never experienced anything quit like Playground. Gideon, who also plays in Hotel Fiction and has connections with many of the performing bands, expressed his excitement at being surrounded by friends and fellow musicians. Sam, who also plays in Recess Party, described Playground as feeling like "the big leagues," a thrilling new experience in a city she'd never visited before. Daniel, meanwhile, saw it as an "honor" to be part of a festival with such a vibrant community and impressive lineup.

Their perspective on festivals like Playground and Athens Fest was rooted in a deep commitment to the indie scene. They understood the challenges faced by emerging artists, the struggle to gain exposure, to build a fanbase, to navigate the complexities of the music industry. They saw festivals as vital platforms, essential stepping stones for bands on the rise. “It’s about building a community,” Gideon emphasized. “It’s about supporting each other, about creating a space where everyone feels welcome.” They wanted to make sure that other bands had the opportunity to grow and succeed.

The band's excitement was palpable as they discussed the other acts they were eager to see, including Flipturn, Lainy Trip, Brook and the Bluff, and the highly anticipated Space Prom. Josh even had the opportunity to participate in Space Prom, delivering a rousing rendition of Peter Gabriel’s "Sledgehammer" alongside Freeze. This foray into 80s music, a departure from Hallpass's indie vibe, showcased Josh's versatility and added another layer to their festival experience. Their first foray into Florida proved to be a resounding success. The band was particularly impressed by the Gainesville crowd's energy, noting that their pre-show performance the night before was unlike anything they had experienced. 

Just a week before Playground Fest, Hallpass released their new song, "Aurora," marking a shift in their production approach. They collaborated with Tommy Trautwein from We Bought a Zoo Records, seeking a more structured and intentional sound. This collaboration allowed them to refine their production process, moving away from purely live studio recordings and focusing on the intricate details of their music. With their new music, they seem to have more time to be able to put more effort into the structure, story, and production of their music the band described. 

This new direction reflects a growing maturity in their songwriting. Their music explores themes of self-discovery and personal experiences, particularly love while maintaining a controlled and intentional approach. Looking ahead, Hallpass aims to release an album, but they are in no rush. They prioritize creating music organically, allowing their sound to evolve naturally. "Part of the process is feeling out the music and creating it naturally instead of forcing it to get music out there," Gideon said. Their sound has indeed evolved significantly since their early days as a duo of Josh and Gideon. The addition of Daniel, Wim Tapley (who has since departed), and now Sam has brought new dimensions to their music. "It's always changing and evolving as Josh says," they relayed. Gideon believes their music will continue to improve as they grow and create together. 

Their diverse musical backgrounds, encompassing everything from psychedelic rock and the Grateful Dead (Gideon) to System of a Down and local music (Sam), Marcus King Band and Coheed and Cambria (Daniel) contribute to their unique blend. The band's "whatever happens happens" philosophy reflects their willingness to experiment and embrace new opportunities. Their live shows often feature covers of Catfish and the Bottlemen's "Pacifier," a testament to their eclectic taste.

 Josh's influences are more from bands like Basement, Catfish & the Bottlemen, Pinegrove, and Manchester Orchestra. He got very into bands like The Backseat Lovers, and Ocean Alley, which led him to want to create a blend of spacey/pretty music while also keeping more driven/rock roots. Ultimately making music that the band as a whole believes sounds cool. Josh goes on to explain “We have folk songs (Roma), driving and emotional rock songs (Record Player), prettier pop-ish songs (Morning Time)… everyone has influences and I think it’s good to let those influences inspire you and keep you excited to try new things your own way.”  

 Hallpass’s music is a reflection of their own experiences, their own struggles, their own triumphs. Their lyrics are raw, honest, and deeply personal, exploring themes of love, loss, self-discovery, and the search for meaning. They draw inspiration from their own lives, from the people they’ve met, the places they’ve been, the emotions they’ve felt. The band wants to create music that resonates on a deeper level, that speaks to the human experience. The Band plans to remain independent for the time being, valuing the creative freedom and passion that comes with it. They are fortunate to have industry connections that support their independence.

Behind the stage lights and the musical performances, Hallpass’s members lead ordinary lives. They work day jobs, they pay bills, they navigate the ups and downs of everyday life. Sam works at Trader Joe's, Gideon balances Hotel Fiction and freelance work with a coffee shop gig, Daniel works a traditional 8-6 job, and Josh works in sales. These experiences ground them, reminding them of the importance of authenticity, of staying true to themselves. They see their music as an extension of their lives, a way to express their experiences, their emotions, their perspectives.

Hallpass's journey is a testament to the power of passion, community, and musical exploration. As they continue to evolve and refine their sound, they are poised to make a lasting impact on the indie music scene. Hallpass’s sound has undergone a series of transformations, a constant process of evolution and refinement. The band’s changing lineup, the diverse influences of its members, and their willingness to experiment have all contributed to their sonic journey. They’re not afraid to take risks, to try new things, to push the boundaries of their creativity. They see their sound as a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving, constantly growing. Their performance at Playground Fest was just one chapter in their story, a stepping stone on their path to artistic fulfillment. They’re eager to see what the future holds, to explore new territories, to connect with new audiences. They’re committed to their craft, to their fans, to each other. Their story is still being written, and “Who Are You Anyways?” is excited to see where it takes them.

Written by Mckenzie Blasi