He sings with a veteran's swagger, commands the stage with a contagious energy, and plays his heart out with effortless soul. So why is it people are just discovering the music of Justin Hopkins? More then likely its because for the last four years Hopkins set aside his constantly wavering aspirations of pursuing music and took time to finally finish college, get jobs, lose jobs, travel, love, and bartend himself right back onto the stage. During this time Justin recorded and wrote hundreds of demos. Distributing the songs into CD players at college parties, coffee shop centerpieces, and anybody who'd listen, Hopkins soon became a much talked about favorite amongst students at the University of Oregon, as well as the folk loving local community surrounding eugene, OR. He took this time to record with local Portland jazz virtuoso Randy Porter. The result was a boot-leg of live sessions that never made it to press. However, ask almost any fan, and they own a copy. The music was reflective of Hopkins' dedication to steely danesque groove rock, and featured bassist Phil Baker (Pink Martini, Diana Ross) and percussionist Rheinhard Melz (Rubberneck). But as his local reputation strengthened, Justin found himself quickly relocating to Portland, OR upon graduation to find work and continue writing and working on what eventually would become his debut record, the 'Building ep'. Slimmed down from 48 acoustic demos to 6 tracks produced by Steve Sundholm and Geoff Byrd, 'The Building ep' is a blaringly unapologetic and wonderfully presented window into the mind of a generation that rarely speaks so clearly, honestly, and gently on all matters of the heart. Simply spoken, and beautifully structured, Hopkins' melodies often evoke waves of Van Morrison, Dave Matthews and Sting, while played with the precise groove of legends like Steely Dan and The Police. Whether passive-aggressively berating his critics (Laughing out Loud), leaving a little salt on the wound of past love (great expectations), or offering life advice (Building), Hopkins' melodic and lyrical ablity are clear. Subtle and poignant, with just a touch of wit and retrospect. Hopkins' move to Portland in 2003 was quiet yet well received, finding solice frequenting open mics with unfinished material all over the progressing, if not appreciative Portland music scene. It wasn't long before he met Jeff Bethke (guitars) and Kyle Steele (drums/percussion), and the three formed a creative bond rivaled only by their lack of fear, well, for anything. Their first rehearsals sparked instant commadre. It was that rare combination of players that loved to listen to each other, With the help and support of local Portland musicians Scott Fisher and Geoff Byrd, the group came up with surprising swiftness, backed by their intense performances, and Hopkins' soul-soaked baritone. In 2004 Hopkins and band relocated to los angeles, where they continue to travel up and down the west coast corrider, and are spending the winter and spring of 2005 recording their debut full length for national release.