Most people choose the instrument they play but in Mark Hoppus’ case, the bass chose him. Although he writes most songs using a guitar and can find his away around a keyboard, becoming a bassist was his calling. He sees the bass as the ultimate connector – a bridge between the drums and the guitar. “The bass sets a foundation for all the melodies laid on top of it – it requires a lot of taste,” he says.
A native of Ridgecrest, CA, Mark experimented with music in his childhood but it wasn’t until he heard the music of The Cure that he knew he wanted to be involved in the industry. It helped him develop his musical taste which presently includes everything from Kayne West to The Beach Boys.
Mark made his claim to fame as one third of the infamous trio that made up multi-platinum selling punk band Blink 182 that released the acclaimed album “Enema of the State” which produced hit singles such as “All the Small Things,” “What’s my Age Again?” and the controversial “Adam’s Song.” Mark, Travis Barker and Tom DeLonge used the popularity of these songs to spearhead their “anti-boy band movement” in the late 90s, recruiting millions of youth that became devout fans. Unlike most bands that broke up in their heyday, the members of Blink 182 went on to take part in critically successful side projects thanks to unwavering fans.
During their hiatus, Mark and Travis went on to create + 44 and Tom started Angels & Airwaves. While both bands made reputable impressions on the charts both endeavors were put on the backburner to focus on even more personal projects, with Mark concentrating on music production.
An avid supporter of new bands/artists in music whose styles are both similar and vastly different than his own, Mark has found time to produce a number of albums throughout the years such as New Found Glory’s “Not Without a Fight,” Socratic’s “Spread the Rumors,” Koopa’s “Lies Tell Stories,” Something For Rocket’s “One Track Mind,” The Matches’ “Decomposer” and co-produced Idiot Pilot’s “Wolves” with Ross Robinson. He’s also written tracks including Less Than Jake’s “The Rest of My Life,” MXPX’s “Wrecking Hotel Rooms” and “Until the Stars Fall” from the Fired Up! Soundtrack with Richard Gibbs.
Most recently, Mark has been in the studio with the band Motion City Soundtrack, producing their fourth album for Columbia Records. Hoppus last worked with the group on their 2005 sophomore release, “Commit This to Memory.” He also recently remixed the Fall Out Boy hit, “America’s Suitehearts” that peaked at # 5 on the Top Songs list on iTunes.
Mark takes his job as a producer very seriously while finding a sincere gratification in helping other artists. “I enjoy finding bands that have a lot of talent and helping them direct their music in the best way I can. I love being in studi...
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