HOKO Releases New Single "Pretender" and It's So Good

The song's creation is traced back to a recording made by vocalist Nathaniel Hoho during a flight to Los Angeles.

Photo: @hoko on Instagram

New York alternative band HOKO is back with an electrifying new single titled "Pretender," out now on EQT Recordings/Republic Records. The song, written in collaboration with renowned musicians Mikey Shoes (Queens of the Stone Age) and Zackary Dawes (Lana Del Rey, Last Shadow Puppets), showcases HOKO's unique sound and their ability to craft captivating melodies.

“Pretender is about someone who only reaches out when they need something. The song started with an audio recording I had taken on my phone of my airplane’s engine while on my flight to LA. ( I couldn’t stop harmonizing with it ). The drone was nearly an F, so we put that recording down first and built the song around that. Jesse started playing guitar riffs and I sang a bunch of different melodies. Mikey and Zach helped sift through all of our weird random ideas we threw at them," said vocalist Nathaniel Hoh.

The track itself features a glitchy beat that provides the foundation for airy vocals and a tightly executed guitar riff. A hypnotic synth solo adds a dynamic element to the composition, creating an immersive sonic experience. With its new romantic melodies, dancefloor-ready swagger, and an arena rock ambition, the infectious hook of "Pretender" leaves a lasting impression.

"Pretender" follows the success of HOKO's fan favorite "Hazy," which has been gaining momentum on Spotify and other streaming paltforms. HOKO has quietly established itself as a distinctive force, blending danceable grooves, artful instrumentation, and irresistible pop hooks. With over 50 million cumulative streams and the release of their independent debut EP "Heathen" in 2021, the band has been steadily making waves in the music industry.

Nathaniel Hoho, originally from Central Pennsylvania, pursued his passion for music by busking and performing on the streets while traveling from college to college. Eventually settling in Brooklyn, he crossed paths with Jesse Kotansky at a barbecue. Jesse, a world-class musician known for his Balkan violin skills, had performed internationally from a young age. Inspired by an array of musical influences ranging from David Bowie and Queen to Tame Impala and The Beatles, the duo began experimenting with new sounds within the realm of pop music.

After catching the attention of EQT, HOKO signed with the label in 2020. Their single "OK OK" garnered over 4.9 million streams on Spotify, paving the way for the release of their independent EP "Heathen." The EP featured standout tracks like "Candy Eyes" and "Hellogoodbye," with the latter officially remixed by alternative maverick PVRIS. HOKO's popularity continued to rise as they shared stages with X Ambassadors and other notable acts.

Now, in 2023, HOKO is ready to make their mark with a series of singles released through EQT Recordings/Republic Records. "Hazy" served as the introduction to their latest musical offerings, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting chapter in the band's career.

With their intoxicating blend of psychedelia, rock, and pop, HOKO showcases an uncategorizable sound that is both mesmerizing and grand in its execution. As they continue to release new music, HOKO's vision and musical prowess come into sharper focus, solidifying their status as one of New York's most promising alternative acts. Keep an eye out for their upcoming releases

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