Released on Jan. 1, the Hipps’ “Take It Off My Hands” bears the distinction of being one of the first local singles to be released in 2019, and as journeys go it’s smooth sailing through rough, turbulent waters. Bathed as it is in jaunty guitars and breezy rhythms, the songs dark, confessional lyrics can be disarming like looking at childhood photos of an abusive family member. But even as the words cut and stab, the gentle vocals and cascading melodies ease the listener across the tumultuous divide. Overall, it’s smart pop songwriting done right with infectious hooks and enough shadows lurking in the corner that they threaten to snuff out the light.

Written by bandleader Nate Cain when he was in college, the song was originally intended to be a more abstract and metaphorical tale about a zombie falling in love with a human. But as often happens with creative endeavors, as time passed, his own personal demons began to emerge, forcing the track to take on a deeper, more philosophical perspective.

“I was very depressed, and also very internally self-judgmental at the time, so the song emerged completely different,” Cain explains. “It’s not really about my life as much as it’s about what I’ve witnessed as a human. It’s really about being a better person, and [how] it takes discovering our own true personality for ourselves, and other people helping you along the way to make it through life. In the song there are references to big examples of how NOT to do things: lying to people, hiding a relationship you don’t want others to know about, drinking, and self-pity… it all seems very sad and terrible. But really the song is a positive mantra of sorts—discover who you are, and ask for help when you need it.”

Give it a listen below.

For Cain and the Hipps, the single represents the launch of what they hope will be a busy and successful 2019. There is a video for the track in the works, along with plans to release additional singles and perform at SXSW. But, for now, the group is just grateful to be able to play shows and and begin connecting with audiences and prospective fans.

“Ideally, we will have an EP or an album coming out in the fall, but it’s too early to say as of now,” says Cain. “We are just incredibly thankful that we get to play our tunes, and we can just sing about honest perspectives that people will relate to, but hopefully even help people through some times, whether it be sad or happy or whatever. I know that’s where a big part of listening to music comes from for me, and I’d love to provide that effectively with quality for other people.”

The Hipps will celebrate the release of “Take It Off My Hands” tomorrow night, Jan. 4, at 529 alongside Tim Kohler, Jacob Harshman, and Zoo House. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $10 in advance or $12 at the door. 21+ to enter.

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