Hypnogaja

13. "Looking Glass"

Formed in 1999 by vocalist Jason Arnold (ShyBoy) and pianist Mark Nubar Donikian as a studio project that merged Arnold’s electronica/metal influences with Nubar’s pop friendly piano style, today Hypnogaja is a rock outfit amassing fans across the country due to their unique and diverse sound. Their new album, Below Sunset, is adrenaline rock with a soft side. The pop hooks and electronic flourishes add depth to a grunge palette, which dives into themes of alienation and political discontent.

Was there a conceptual theme to Below Sunset?

Mark: In a way it’s become a concept album because the listener goes on a journey from start to finish. Even the title Below Sunset refers to a couple different things. Almost like being “below sunset” in darkness, and also “below sunset” as in Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles: the above Sunset “bling bling” where everyone’s super rich and then all the rest of us in the trenches, below Sunset. Ironically, I live above Sunset, but not in a very good neighborhood, like in a matter of inches.

What was your influence in writing “Looking Glass?” Was it Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” or Lewis Carrol?

Jason: Actually, both of those are inspirations. I love the “Looking Glass” story. “White Rabbit” has always been one of my favorite songs. I just wanted to dip into some psychedelic stuff and tell the story for a minute.

Mark: You know, the first time that I heard it, I had to sit down for a minute because it was so different than what we were doing and I really like it a lot. I love story songs and I’m always going to be a purveyor of taking the listener on a journey. So I’m glad you like it. I really felt like that was something fun for us to do and it’s a bit different because we’re not a happy sounding band. I think it broadens your audience that way to because we don’t want to limit the people who listen to our music.

Press Info

"Enthralling, first-rate modern rock." -OUTBURN

"Great energy, depth and talent." -BEHIND THE BEAT

"Pushes boundaries." -DENVER POST

Hypnogaja's commitment to making honest, lasting music is evident in its rich history and constant evolution. Fueled by lyrically compelling songs, dynamic arrangements and soaring, melodic vocals, the Los Angeles based quintet has toured the U.S. extensively, sharing stages with the likes of 311, Shinedown and Cold, among others. Their music has been featured in hit films and TV shows such as NBC's Las Vegas, FX's Dirt, CW's America's Next Top Model and many more. Below Sunset, the band's latest studio album ranges in style from bracing rock to quiet piano ballads with a thread of symphonic elements and atmospheric electronics inherent throughout.

Upcoming U.S. Tour Dates

Apr 24, 2007 The Knitting Factory Hollywood, CA
Apr 25, 2007 The Dome Bakersfield, CA
Apr 26, 2007 Fat Cat Music House Modesto, CA
Apr 27, 2007 Time Out Bar Concord, CA
Apr 28, 2007 15th Street Pub Vancouver, WA
Apr 30, 2007 The Central Saloon Seattle, WA
May 2, 2007 Club Vegas Salt Lake City, UT
May 3, 2007 Eagles Lodge Casper, WY
May 4, 2007 The Zebra Bozeman, MT
May 5, 2007 FOE Building Billings, MT
May 8, 2007 The Lava Lounge Sioux Falls, SD
May 12, 2007 Tops & Tails Creve Couer, IL
May 13, 2007 Scanlan's Rockford, IL
May 18, 2007 TNT's Clinton Township, MI
May 19, 2007 The Arlington Bay City, MI
May 20, 2007 Mac's Bar Lansing, MI
May 24, 2007 Outland Columbus, OH
May 25, 2007 McGuffy's Dayton, OH
May 26, 2007 Harry's Hideaway Lima, OH
May 27, 2007 The Groundsphere Allegan, MI
Jun 1, 2007 JC's House of Rock Wichita, KS

For more information on Hypnogaja, please visit the following websites: