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It's a hard truth that pain is fluid. On his latest track "orphan//," indie rock artist KennyHoopla tackles his feelings of grief after his mother's passing three years ago. Calling back to his pop-punk roots while weaving in new sonic elements inspired by acts like New Order and the Drums, the track combines nostalgia and newness in a way that feels distinct and intriguing.

"orphan//" opens with a familiar energy, filled with nostalgic synths and instrumentation that allow Kenny's deep, commanding vocals to shine. But even as he exhibits boldness, there’s vulnerability behind the driving dance-punk soundscapes, especially on poignant lines like, "SOS/ I've seen it from the sea/ But I'm a shipwreck/ No lifeguard in reach." Throughout the track, he ruminates on his isolation and the act of finding oneself while also yearning to be supported in one's darkest times.

 Regarding the track, Kenny stated, "I felt the strongest about the song from the start. It's about wanting to pick someone up and help them, but there's no single way to grieve. There's no exact process for it, and sometimes the puzzle pieces just don't fit." He continued, "It has made me feel very depressed, but I have to somehow power through and be ready to fight again, even when your fucking arms are broken."

The new single will feature on Kenny's upcoming EP, conditions of an orphan//, which is set to release on September 19. The forthcoming fifth EP marks a significant step in his musical career as it is the final release before his long-awaited debut album, allowing listeners to understand what the singer is currently going through. The record, produced by Paramore's Zac Farro and Mike Elizondo, focuses on themes of grief, trauma, revenge, and love, with the title suggesting that the collection will see Kenny reflect on his personal journey and his feelings of isolation and longing for a sense of belonging.

"A lot of the time, I just feel very alone, like an orphan," the artist shared about the meaning behind the EP's title. "I'm just trying to find a home, literally and metaphorically- as a person, and as someone in the music industry. I'm trying to see where I fit in, given the circumstances of life that everyone has to go through." Despite this struggle, KennyHoopla is dedicated to finding his place in the world, both musically and personally. The new EP marks both the end of Kenny's era of smaller projects and the beginning of his journey into albums.

Be sure to check out KennyHoopla's latest single, "orphan//," today!