Magnapop

Magnapop
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1989
Headquarters	Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Products	Rock music albums and singles

Magnapop is a rock ensemble originating from Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Established in 1989, the core of the group has consistently been the songwriting partnership of Linda Hopper (vocals) and Ruthie Morris (guitar). Their initial breakthrough occurred within the Benelux countries through active participation in festival circuits, where they have sustained a loyal European following. Although their American success in the mid-1990s was moderate, highlighted by singles such as "Slowly, Slowly" and "Open the Door", as well as albums produced by notable figures like Michael Stipe, Bob Mould, and Geza X, their momentum was interrupted when their record label folded. The band resurfaced in 2005 with a refreshed rhythm section and released Mouthfeel on Daemon Records, followed by two independently issued albums. Their sound is characterized by Hopper’s melodic pop vocals combined with Morris’s forceful, punk-inspired guitar work and vocal harmonies.

Origins and debut album (1989–1993)

Linda Hopper, hailing from Marietta, Georgia, was active in the Athens music scene during the late 1970s and early 1980s, where she developed a friendship with Michael Stipe of R.E.M.. She participated in experimental projects such as Oh-OK and briefly joined Washington, D.C.’s Holiday.

In 1989, guitarist Ruthie Morris relocated from West Palm Beach, Florida to Atlanta. Through a shared acquaintance, she met Hopper, and they quickly established a songwriting collaboration despite difficulties finding additional band members. By 1990, they had enlisted bassist Tim Lee and drummer David McNair; Lee was soon succeeded by Shannon Mulvaney. Initially performing under the names Homemade Sister and then Swell—altered due to naming conflicts—they played local shows and released their debut single through Safety Net Records.

In December 1990, Michael Stipe produced demo recordings for the band at John Keane’s studio in Athens. Their first public performance took place in Athens with Stipe present; he later introduced them at the 1991 New York New Music Seminar. That year, they circulated demos that led to European club appearances and a festival slot at Rotterdam’s Ein Abend in Wien, where their favorable reception earned them a main stage position.

They secured a contract with Play It Again Sam Records based in The Netherlands and issued the Sugarland EP alongside their self-titled debut album in 1992, which featured four demos produced by Stipe. Caroline Records handled U.S. distribution of the album, supported by a music video for "Merry" that received airplay across Europe.

During this timeframe, Magnapop contributed tracks to tribute compilations honoring artists such as The Monkees and Bob Dylan. They also recorded the Kiss My Mouth EP with producer Ted Niceley for release in Europe. Despite the pressures of extensive touring and recording schedules causing some internal challenges, the band continued to build their profile.

Their fanbase expanded significantly through European tours and festival performances including Maastricht's Rocking Kolonia (1992), Pukkelpop (1992), Transmusicales (1992), Lowlands (1993), and Reading Festival (1993). Favorable press coverage in the UK paved the way for recognition in the United States, including features in The New York Times and tours supporting Juliana Hatfield. Additionally, they recorded sessions for John Peel (September 1993) and Black Sessions (February 1994).

Mainstream breakthrough (1994–1997)

Bob Mould, formerly of Hüsker Dü, discovered the band after witnessing their performances at New York City's CBGB and in Rotterdam, describing the latter as their "turning point." He subsequently invited them to join his band Sugar on tour across Europe and the United States during 1992–1993. When Sugar's bassist David Barbe declined to produce their first major label album, Mould took over production duties, recording Hot Boxing at Pedernales Recording Studio in Austin, Texas, in August 1993. The album was released on July 5, 1994, through Play It Again Sam in Europe and Priority Records in the U.S., marking a notable expansion for Priority, which had previously concentrated on rap music.

Hot Boxing yielded two singles: "Slowly, Slowly", which reached number 25 on the U.S. Modern Rock Tracks, and "Lay It Down", which secured the top position in the 1993 De Afrekening poll. The band supported the album by touring with The Lemonheads in 1993 and appearing at festivals such as the 1994 Phoenix Festival and Marktrock. They also released music videos for "Lay It Down," "Slowly, Slowly," and "Texas." The promotional EP Big Bright Cherry featured tracks from the Hot Boxing sessions alongside self-produced material.

In 1995, drummer McNair departed amid internal difficulties attributed to personal conflicts and concerns over musicianship. The remaining members brought in session drummer Josh Freese along with engineers Sandy Solomon and Bernie Zwass to record a cover of Tom Waits for a compilation project. Later that year, Freese became a full-time member to record Rubbing Doesn't Help. With Mould unavailable to produce, the band relocated to Los Angeles to collaborate with producer Geza X, aiming for a more diverse sound that reflected their varied songwriting styles. This album spawned singles such as "Open the Door" and "This Family"—the latter accompanied by a video—as well as the EP Fire All Your Guns at Once. Following these releases, they embarked on an extensive tour.

Mark Posgay was appointed permanent drummer in 1995. Magnapop supported R.E.M. during their Monster World Tour and expanded their reach into markets including Australia and Japan by 1996. That same year, they hosted an episode of 120 Minutes. Towards the end of 1996, bassist Mulvaney left due to relocation and family commitments; he was succeeded by Greg Urbaitis, formerly of The Queers. The band maintained live performances throughout 1997, including supporting Throwing Muses. After Posgay’s exit, Johnny Rozas assumed drumming duties; this lineup recorded six demos in Orange County.

Progress for Magnapop was hindered when their record label’s rock division was dissolved, resulting in loss of financial support for touring and recording activities. Furthermore, contractual restrictions prevented them from using the name "Magnapop" for seven years thereafter, significantly affecting their operational continuity and brand presence.

Hiatus, reunion, and independent projects (from 1998 onward)

Hopper and Morris continued performing acoustic sets into 1999, occasionally accompanied by Philadelphia bassist Billy Warburton and drummer Lance Crow. They attempted to produce an EP for Vital Cog using a drum machine but ultimately placed Magnapop on indefinite hiatus. Morris relocated to Seattle and recorded a single in 2002 with drummer Curtis Hall under the name The New Candidates. During this period, Hopper, Morris, Hall, and other Seattle musicians also demoed new material. Hall provided drums for several Magnapop shows between 2002 and 2003. The band officially reassembled in 2003 with bassist Scott Rowe and drummer Brian Fletcher to tour Europe and record new music. Hopper also contributed vocals to R.E.M.'s rendition of "Favorite Writer" during a performance in the Netherlands that June.

In May 2004, Magnapop recorded their first album in nearly ten years at Zero Return Studios in Atlanta with Curt Wells producing drums. Mouthfeel was released on January 25, 2005, through Amy Ray's Daemon Records and supported by a U.S. tour. Fletcher had departed by this time; Chad Williams replaced him just two weeks prior to touring, which included an appearance at South by Southwest. One concert was recorded resulting in their inaugural live album—Magnapop Live at Maxwell's 03/09/2005—distributed independently via digital platforms such as eMusic and iTunes. Following tours in Belgium and the Netherlands in May 2006, they returned to Atlanta to begin work on a follow-up to Mouthfeel. Continued European tours took place through 2007 with recording completed by 2008; the album Chase Park was digitally released on September 4, 2009, under their own imprint, The Kraft Records.

Since releasing Chase Park, Magnapop has toured sporadically. On September 13, 2011, Creative Loafing reported Mulvaney’s initiative to reunite the original lineup for a benefit concert supporting Criminal Records—a local independent store that had stocked their early releases. This event took place on October 15; they performed their debut album entirely along with selections from Hot Boxing. Following this reunion show, the original lineup reestablished itself permanently.

During intervals between tours, bassist Scott Rowe played with Luigi (2003–2008), alongside former drummer Brian Fletcher—producing two albums—and with Bad Magic Number alongside current drummer Chad Williams. Williams began drumming for Dead Register starting in 2014.

In September 2016, Magnapop announced a tour scheduled for February 2017 covering Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK coinciding with the release of The Circle Is Round (2019). A planned tour of Belgium and the Netherlands set for November 2021 was postponed from its original 2020 dates due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Musical style

Template:Listen Critics generally categorize Magnapop within the power pop genre, noting that their live shows evoke elements from punk, new wave, and surf rock. Their songwriting is frequently praised for its catchy pop sensibility, particularly through memorable guitar riffs and straightforward chord progressions. They have been compared to groups such as Sugar, Hüsker Dü, and Georgia-based bands like Guadalcanal Diary and Let's Active, as well as alternative rock trailblazers including Pixies and The Replacements. The album Rubbing Doesn't Help represents a turn toward a more guitar-centric rock approach, whereas their later release Mouthfeel revisited the pop-driven style reminiscent of Hot Boxing.

The distinctive sound of the band is shaped by Morris' vigorous guitar playing paired with Hopper's pop-oriented vocals, especially prominent on subsequent albums like Rubbing Doesn't Help, which also features increased vocal contributions from Morris. Critics have drawn parallels between her guitar technique and that of punk legend Johnny Ramone from the Ramones, as well as alternative rock guitarist Johnny Marr.

Covers and tributes

The song "Open the Door" was interpreted by Eels as a B-side to their single "Flyswatter" and included on their compilation album Useless Trinkets. Eels regularly included this track in their setlist during the Electro-Shock Blues tour. Additionally, karaoke versions became available through the iTunes Store in 2008. The track "Favorite Writer" was covered by R.E.M., appearing as a B-side to their 2003 single "Bad Day" and performed live during their tour supporting In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988–2003.

In 1993, Juliana Hatfield composed "Ruthless" as a tribute to guitarist Ruthie Morris following a discussion during a 1992 tour. This song was released as a B-side on her singles "Spin the Bottle" and "My Sister".

Band members

Linda Hopper – lead vocals
Ruthie Morris – guitar, backing vocals
David McNair – drums
Shannon Mulvaney – bass guitar

Magnapop line-ups
Homemade Sister (1989)	Linda Hopper – vocals Ruthie Morris – guitar
Homemade Sister (1989–1990)	Linda Hopper – vocals Tim Lee – bass guitar David McNair – drums Ruthie Morris – guitar
Homemade Sister/Swell/ Swell Dopa/Magnapop (1990–1995)	Linda Hopper – vocals David McNair – drums Ruthie Morris – guitar Shannon Mulvaney – bass guitar
Magnapop (1995)	Linda Hopper – vocals Shannon Mulvaney – bass guitar Ruthie Morris – guitar with Josh Freese – session drums
Magnapop (1996–1997)	Linda Hopper – vocals Ruthie Morris – guitar Shannon Mulvaney – bass guitar Mark Posgay – drums
Magnapop (1997)	Linda Hopper – vocals Ruthie Morris – guitar Mark Posgay – drums Greg Urbaitis – bass guitar
Magnapop (1997)	Linda Hopper – vocals Ruthie Morris – guitar Johnny Rozas – drums Greg Urbaitis – bass guitar
Hiatus (1997–2002)	Linda and Ruthie occasionally performed together; a planned tour and EP in 1999 were ultimately canceled.
Magnapop (2002)	Linda Hopper – vocals Ruthie Morris – guitar Shannon Mulvaney – bass guitar with Curtis Hall – drums
Magnapop (2002–2004)	Brian Fletcher – drums Linda Hopper – vocals Ruthie Morris – guitar Shannon Mulvaney – bass guitar
Magnapop (2004)	Brian Fletcher – drums Linda Hopper – vocals Scott Rowe – bass guitar Ruthie Morris – guitar
Magnapop (2004–mid 2010s)	Linda Hopper – vocals Ruthie Morris – guitar Scott Rowe – bass guitar Chad Williams – drums
Magnapop reunion (2011, 2017–present)	Linda Hopper – vocals David McNair – drums Ruthie Morris – guitar Shannon Mulvaney – bass guitar

Discography

Magnapop (1992)
Hot Boxing (1994)
Rubbing Doesn't Help (1996)
Mouthfeel (2005)
Chase Park (2009)
The Circle Is Round (2019)

References

External links