Hupo
Hupo returns with A Few Sparks, an ambitious album that expands the band’s sonic horizons. In this interview, they discuss artistic reinvention, regional inspiration, and the creative journey behind their most adventurous release yet.
1. A Few Sparks represents a significant departure from the cinematic post-rock sound many listeners associate with Hupo. What motivated the band to completely rethink its creative process and embrace new influences such as krautrock, psychedelia, and ambient music?
As an instrumental band, we’ve never wanted Hupo to be defined by a single genre—whether that’s post-rock or anything else. Music has always been about exploration rather than fitting into a category.
Over the years, each member has developed different musical tastes and experiences. Krautrock, psychedelia, ambient music, traditional sounds, experimental rock—these are all part of what inspires us as listeners. Instead of limiting ourselves to one language, we wanted to bring those influences together naturally and let them become part of Hupo’s own voice. Ultimately, we just wanted to make the kind of music that excites us and makes us happy.
2. The album was developed over two years and inspired by the landscapes and cultural heritage of Northwest China. How did your connection to the region shape the atmosphere and storytelling found throughout the record?
It’s difficult for any artist to separate themselves from the place where they grew up. As a band from Xi’an, the history, landscapes, and cultural memory of Northwest China naturally find their way into our music.
Rather than treating those elements as concepts, they simply exist within us. We enjoy expressing that connection through our music, and we’re always happy if listeners—even those from completely different cultures—can find their own emotional connection to those landscapes and stories.
3. Several tracks feature traditional instruments and folk-inspired textures alongside modern rock elements. How important was it for you to blend local musical traditions with your evolving sound?
We never decide to use a traditional instrument simply because it’s traditional. Guitar, bass, and drums remain the core of Hupo’s sound.
Whenever another instrument appears, it’s because we believe that particular sound belongs to that specific piece. We’re constantly experimenting to discover what best serves the music.
For example, the main melody of A Thousand Hills is played on the zhongruan, a traditional Chinese lute. Its warm, rounded tone felt perfectly suited to the vast landscapes of Northwest China and to the spirit of the ancient heroes that inspired the composition. The instrument wasn’t added as decoration—it became part of the song’s emotional identity.
4. Producer Yan Shuai described the album as a process of “tearing down the familiar and starting again.” Were there any moments during the recording and writing sessions when you questioned this bold artistic direction?
At the very beginning, yes. There were moments when we wondered whether abandoning our previous sound was the right decision.
But those doubts disappeared quickly. We realized that repeating ourselves no longer brought us any joy. After more than fifteen years together, we also came to appreciate that the spirit of rock music has always been about curiosity, experimentation, and moving forward.
Exploring new possibilities felt less like taking a risk and more like doing exactly what the band was supposed to do.
5. Since its release, A Few Sparks has received strong editorial support from Apple Music and positive reactions from listeners. How have longtime fans responded to the album’s more exploratory and groove-driven approach?
We’re genuinely grateful for the support from Apple Music, and for opportunities like this interview. As creators, we always hope our work can generate conversations, whether they come from music journalists or listeners.
The change in Hupo’s sound hasn’t been universally accepted. After one show, a longtime fan even came up to us and said, rather angrily, “Give me the old Hupo back.”
At the same time, we’ve also received many encouraging responses from listeners who appreciate that we’re willing to challenge ourselves instead of repeating the past. Those reactions give us confidence to keep evolving—to find an even stronger balance between technique, atmosphere, and emotional expression in our future music.
6. You are currently touring China in support of the album and have mentioned that new compositions are already taking shape. Has the creative journey of A Few Sparks opened the door to an entirely new chapter for Hupo, and what can fans expect in the future?
On this tour, we’re performing not only the entire A Few Sparks album but also three brand-new songs that didn’t make it onto the record. They’re already pointing in another direction, so audiences are getting a glimpse of what comes next.
We’ll continue releasing new music, and we’re always eager to hear people’s thoughts and feedback.
Outside Hupo, our members are also working on individual projects. Our producer and guitarist Yan Shuai has just released a new album with his instrumental project Salty Mountain, which will soon begin a China tour, joined by our drummer Li Guanyu. Meanwhile, Hupo will continue performing at festivals and venues across China after this album tour.
Most importantly, we’d love to take our music beyond China. Playing in more countries has always been one of our biggest hopes, and we look forward to sharing these songs with audiences wherever they may be.