HOOPS Members, Gear & Sound

Hoops is an indie rock band hailing from Bloomington, Indiana, known for their lo-fi, nostalgic sound that effortlessly blends elements of dream pop, chillwave, jangle pop, and surf rock. Initially a solo project by vocalist Drew Auscherman in 2011, the ensemble expanded in 2014 to include Keagan Beresford (guitar), Kevin Krauter (bass), and James Harris (drums). Their music is reminiscent of '80s college rock and dream pop, drawing influences from both classic acts like Prefab Sprout and The Clientele, as well as contemporary bands such as DIIV and Real Estate. Over the years, Hoops has garnered a reputation for their summery, bright melodies and remarkable songwriting prowess.

Hoops’ sound captures a dreamy, lo-fi aesthetic characterized by warm, reverberant tones and catchy, melodic hooks. Their sonic identity is shaped by the use of analog equipment, such as the Yamaha MT4X 4-Track Cassette Recorder, which imbues their recordings with a nostalgic, tape-murk quality. Guitars like the Fender Telecaster contribute to their jangly, surf-inspired riffs, while bass lines from instruments like the Gibson Grabber offer a rhythmic, yet melodic foundation. This combination of effects and instrumentation creates a lush, expansive soundscape that is both ambient and intimate, making Hoops' music uniquely evocative and textured.