Music
Press
Sanuk are the newest rock poets of Indianapolis with lyrics as honest as Elliot Smith or Margot and the Nuclear So & So's! - NUVO
SANUK WINS!
Sanuk, along with the other 8 national finalists of the NRS Day's "High School Battle of the Bands", were featured on a limited-edition VINYL to help celebrate Independent Record Stores on April 17. (National Record Store Day).
The winner of the entire contest was announced on this day and we were gassed to have won! - RockBand WorkShop NewsLetter
Saunk perform at Indy CD & Vinyl in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 17, 2010
2:30 p.m., Indy CD & Vinyl:
Without a doubt, the (pleasant) surprise of the day: Sanuk. A high-school band hailing from (I think) Fishers, fronted by red-haired Oliver Hopkins and featuring his sister, Sophie, Duncan Kissinger, Alex Collignon and Chris O’Connor, although the band apparently has an optional nine-piece lineup. Sanuk was declared the winner of a national battle of the bands competition and it was well-deserved. Hopkins — who I assume is the main songwriter — seems to understand the dynamics of rock. His melodies flutter, his chord progressions keep the songs compelling and he knows when to switch things up. On a new song called either “Dirt” or “Dirt from the Earth,” Saunk acknowledge human life as “so fresh and young,” but he could just as easily be talking about his own band.
-Justin Schneider
- Hoosierland Blog
“Sanuk rocked the O’Malia Performing Arts Theatre for the release of their latest CD, Honey, I have news..., and it was a blast.”
….“All of the members are talented; most playing more than one instrument and are at ease on stage and in front of a big crowd.”
- NUVO News
....Their CD, “Honey, I have news…” is filled with catchy, pop-filled goodness. The band played the songs from the record and a few covers. Oliver Hopkins cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah was amazing. It started with just Oliver and Alex Collingon on percussion and the rest of the band joining in as the song reached its peak.
All of the members are talented, most playing more than one instrument. You could tell they were having a blast and enjoy playing music. In addition to Oliver (vocals, guitars and keyboard), Duncan (guitar, drums and glockenspiel) and Alex (drums, percussion and vocals) and the band features Chris O'Connor (bass) Sophie Hopkins (vocals) and David Linard on keyboard.
For the encore the band sat on the edge of the stage and the fans piled in on the floor in front of them – a great way for everyone to connect. I enjoyed every minute of the show. Well done!
- Broad Ripple Gazette
Discography
"Honey, I have news..." - Sanuk's Debut Album, Released Jan. 10 2009
Sanuk's songs, "Best Friends" and "Follow My Lead" have been featured on X103 in Indianapolis.
"Honey I Have News" Is now on iTunes!
SANUK WINS!
Another song from "Honey I Have News" ... "Love Stay", earned Sanuk the spot as one of nine finalists in the nation-wide, Record Store Day Battle of the Bands - promoting independent Record Stores.
Sanuk, along with the other 8 finalists, were featured on a limited-edition VINYL! This record went on sale nationally at participating Independent record stores on April 17. (National Record Store Day).
Sanuk performed to a packed in-store audience, at their host record store in Indianapolis, Indy CD & Vinyl, to help celebrate National Record Store Day.
The winner of the entire contest was announced on this day and we were gassed to have won!
We want to thank the folks at Record Store Day, The Fender Foundation, EMI Label Services, Caroline Distribution and Merovingian Music for the opportunity to showcase our music and for the great prizes. Go Fender!
Our special gratitude goes out to Rick Zeigler and everyone at Indy CD & Vinyl for championing SANUK for the Record Store Day, Battle of the Bands and for giving live much music such a hand up.
Photos
Bio
Oliver Hopkins and Duncan Kissinger started Sanuk as a vehicle to both showcase and hone their songwriting skills in Indianapolis coffee houses. They were soon joined by Sophie Hopkins and later added bass and drums and keyboards. Sanuk's lineup was set in early January of '08. The band continued to write and perform their songs and slowly worked their way out of the Indianapolis "cafe circuit". The band was soon gathering a formidable fan base, performing across central Indiana.
Sanuk spent last year performing their first album - "Honey I have news..." available through Indie record stores as well as their live performances.
They are now writing and honing new material and will be in the studio late this spring and early summer 2010.
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