Last October, I was introduced to Florida-based band The Hip Abduction at the LEAF Festival in Asheville, North Carolina. They artfully blend reggae, African, and indie-pop music. I interviewed lead vocalist and guitarist, David New, to learn a little bit more about how the band makes music and what music means to them.

Sophie Harris: Tell me a little bit about how the band formed.

David New: I started as a solo artist about nine or 10 years ago and slowly I picked up one new band member at a time. We officially started in 2010-11.

SH: What is your songwriting process like?

DN: Of late, it usually starts with me in the studio messing around on a keyboard. Playing around with sounds or interesting chord progressions that spark that special vibe. It can also start with a lick from one of the west African instruments. Once we find some sort of hook we tend to work backwards, as in finding the strongest catchiest piece of the chorus first, then adding your first verse which will be a play on the chorus hook. Maybe it's a different chord progression but similar mode of the lick. We typically write the bass line last. Vocal melody and chord structure first.

SH: Think of your favorite song you've ever written. Why is it meaningful to you?

DN: It's not a song we play live but the song Awake has a ton of significance to me. It's about my mother's relationship with my younger brother. Due to his condition, he will always need to be cared for. For his and subsequently her entire life. It's a special bond that few humans ever attain. She knew early on that her son would be next to her side her entire life. That's next level.

SH: My personal favorite song of yours is "Stand Up For Love." Can you tell me about your thoughts behind that? 

DN: We wanted to create a song that was made for a festival. Something that brings us all together and makes you wanna hug your neighbor and dance your ass off. To be appreciative of what we have and to never take for granted all the good people out there. We wanted an anthem for all the good folks out there standing on the right side of history. Power to the people! Womens rights, civil rights, gay rights, indigenous rights, and many others that have been fighting for basic necessities that some of us tend to take for granted.

SH: What is your favorite way of interacting with fans while on stage? 

DN: It's very important for us to get the crowd involved. Whether it be singing, jumping, or clapping it's def gonna make the show better for everyone.

SH: Have you had any conversations with people who connect to your music that really stand out to you?

DN: Absolutely. One, in particular, was a guy whose son has a crippling disease and so far hasn't been able to communicate through words. The song Come Alive is special to him because he plays and sings it to his son when they are out on walks, hoping one day he will be able to speak with his boy. Kind of heartbreaking. Also, wolves are mentioned in the song and he has always thought of wolves as protectors or guides to the next life.

SH: What kind of social messages do you want to convey? 

DN: Positivity. Togetherness. Environmental protection and awareness. There's too much out there to bring you down. Why should music?