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Simple Creatures
Simple Creatures
from Wikipedia

Simple Creatures was an American pop rock duo that was formed by vocalist, bassist, and keyboardist Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 and vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low.[1][2] Based in Los Angeles, the duo released their first EP, Strange Love, on March 29, 2019. Their second EP, Everything Opposite, was released on October 11, 2019.

Key Information

Biography

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2019: Strange Love and Everything Opposite

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Alex Gaskarth grew up a fan of Blink-182, and his group, All Time Low, eventually toured with the band on its 2016 California Tour. Mark Hoppus, the band's bassist, had become friends with Gaskarth over the years and the two had always spoken about collaborating at some point. Following completion of the California tour dates in 2017, Hoppus fell into a depression, and re-entered the studio hoping to record with artists he had always wanted to work with. He called Gaskarth first, and the two ended up writing several songs in the first sessions together.[3] The project, Simple Creatures, was announced in January 2019, with the lead single "Drug".[4][5][1] The duo's first extended play, Strange Love, was released March 29 via BMG.[6] The duo also announced a four date tour of the US and UK during March and April 2019,[7] alongside two music festivals in Europe during Summer 2019.[8]

In April 2019, shortly after the release of their Strange Love EP, the band confirmed in an interview that they have a second EP and a debut album ready to release in the near future.[9] On June 12, 2019, the band released "Special".[10] Later that day, Gaskarth confirmed that it will be off an upcoming EP.[11] The band later released a video for "Special", and announced their second EP, Everything Opposite, which was released on October 11, 2019.[12]

2020: Scrapped album and hiatus

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Despite teasing an album release for 2020,[9] no album came to fruition. Simple Creatures' official social media pages have been inactive since 2020 and no new material has been released since Everything Opposite, though in 2021 Gaskarth stated that there was a possibility of new music in the future.[13]

Musical style and influences

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Simple Creatures' musical style has been described as pop,[14][15] pop rock,[16] synth-pop,[17] electronic rock,[18] and alternative rock.[19] Hoppus and Gaskarth have described Simple Creatures' sound as "trash pop",[20] which Hoppus has defined as "ratty guitars, big bombastic drum loops, [and] buzzy synths."[21]

Both Hoppus and Gaskarth credited The Cure and its frontman, Robert Smith, as an influence on their first EP, Strange Love. "There were many, many times during the recording process that we referenced The Cure sounds, or the way that Robert Smith writes," Hoppus told Kerrang!. The music of the duo contains programmed drums, guitars, and synthesizers.[6] Hoppus credited his longtime influences the Descendents and Bad Religion as an influence, stating that he and Gaskarth both come from a "catchy punk rock background."[22] Lyrically, the duo hoped to imbue darker qualities and edginess into pop songs. "We’re both deeply sad people on the inside. That dark pop, goth, emo thing," Gaskarth said.[3]

Band members

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  • Alex Gaskarth – vocals, guitars, keyboards, production, engineering
  • Mark Hoppus – vocals, bass, keyboards, guitars, production, engineering

Discography

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Extended plays

  • Strange Love (2019)
  • Everything Opposite (2019)

Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Simple Creatures is an American pop rock duo consisting of , the bassist and vocalist of Blink-182, and , the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of . Formed in late 2017 as a collaborative , the duo officially debuted in 2019 with a sound that merges their roots with and new wave influences, often described as "trash-pop." The band's initial creative process began during the downtime following Blink-182's California tour, where Hoppus and Gaskarth experimented with electronic elements and high-energy tracks in the studio. Their debut extended play (EP), Strange Love, was released on March 29, 2019, via BMG Rights Management, featuring six songs including the title track and "Drug," which highlighted their grimy, infectious pop style. Later that year, on October 11, 2019, they followed up with Everything Opposite, another six-track EP that included singles like "One Little Lie" and "Thanks, I Hate It," accompanied by music videos that emphasized themes of relationships and self-reflection. Simple Creatures supported their releases with a North American headline tour in spring 2019 and appearances. The project provided an outlet for Hoppus and Gaskarth to explore beyond their main bands, with Hoppus noting in interviews that it helped him navigate personal challenges during a transitional period in his career. As of 2025, Simple Creatures remains on indefinite hiatus, with both members prioritizing Blink-182 and commitments, though Gaskarth has expressed enthusiasm for potential future collaborations, stating that the duo frequently discusses reuniting.

History

Formation (2018–2019)

Simple Creatures originated as a side project between of Blink-182 and of , two musicians with shared roots in the genre. The duo had built a friendship over years of their bands crossing paths at festivals, but their formal collaboration ignited during Blink-182's 2018 European tour, when Hoppus, seeking fresh creative outlets amid personal challenges including depression, reached out to Gaskarth as his first collaborator. As Hoppus later explained, "The first person I got with was Alex. He’s been a friend of mine for a long time." This partnership allowed them to explore music beyond the constraints of their primary bands, fostering an immediate creative chemistry. Specific events leading to the project's inception unfolded through intensive songwriting sessions in late 2018 and early 2019. After initial jams, the pair quickly penned three tracks, realizing the potential for something distinctive; as Hoppus noted, "After about three songs we realised that we had something really cool." These sessions took place in various locations, including Hoppus's home studio, where they experimented freely to escape the sounds of Blink-182 and . Gaskarth emphasized their directive: "Let’s not do anything that sounds like our two bands." This period marked the birth of Simple Creatures as a vehicle for "bratty trash-pop" infused with electronic elements, blending gritty guitars, dirty synthesizers, and electronic drums. The band was officially announced in January 2019 via , coinciding with the release of their debut single "" on January 24. Described by Hoppus as "a big, dirty song about being addicted to somebody," the track served as an introduction to their sound and garnered immediate attention. The initial recording process for their debut EP, , occurred at studios in , where the duo handled production themselves to maintain creative control and emphasize the project's experimental edge with electronic flourishes. Early promotional efforts included a trippy for "," directed by Samuel Halleen, which visually captured the song's themes of intoxicating desire through psychedelic imagery.

Debut EPs and touring (2019)

Simple Creatures released their debut extended play, Strange Love, on March 29, 2019, through BMG Rights Management. The EP consists of six tracks: "Drug," "Strange Love," "How to Live," "Adrenaline," "Ether," and "Lucy." Mark Hoppus and Alex Gaskarth served as the primary producers, with additional production and mixing contributions from Zakk Cervini. The lead single "Drug," released earlier in January, introduced the project's synth-heavy, electronic-infused pop sound and received notable airplay, appearing on Billboard's year-end list of top rock and alternative songs. The duo followed with their second EP, Everything Opposite, on , 2019, also via BMG. This release features six tracks: "Special," "One Little Lie," "Need Me," "The Wolf," "NVM," and "Thanks, I Hate It." A for "Thanks, I Hate It" accompanied the EP, emphasizing its playful yet dark thematic elements. Critics praised both EPs for their innovative blend of energy with and electronic influences, often described as "trash-pop." Kerrang! awarded Strange Love four out of five stars, highlighting its infectious hooks, eclectic styles drawing from new wave and '80s synth, and the duo's ability to merge moody introspection with arena-ready choruses. lauded Everything Opposite for expanding this sound into weirder, more playful territory with dirty guitars, grotty synths, and atmospheric alt-pop, noting its exploration of themes like and . In support of the EPs, Simple Creatures embarked on a short headlining tour in 2019, beginning with four U.S. shows in late March, including a debut performance in . They extended their live activities to the with a debut show in in April and a headlining slot on the Avalanche Stage at in June, marking their first festival appearance. Additional performances followed later in the year, including at Good Things Festival in in December. These outings showcased the project's live energy, building on the collaborative songwriting foundation established during the band's formation.

Hiatus and scrapped album (2020)

Following the success of their two EPs in 2019, Simple Creatures began developing material for a full-length , with sessions commencing during the early stages of the lockdown. In interviews, confirmed that the duo had written songs and outlined plans for the project, including collaboration with producer , who had previously helmed their EPs. These efforts built on the momentum from their debut releases but were disrupted shortly after starting. The album was ultimately scrapped due to the profound effects of the , which halted touring opportunities and complicated remote recording logistics. Gaskarth explained in a interview that "we had all these plans, we had music written, we had a full-length album in the works, we had touring plans, and then COVID hit and everything got thrown out the window." Additionally, scheduling conflicts arose from Mark Hoppus's ongoing commitments to Blink-182, including pre-pandemic tour preparations, and Gaskarth's primary focus on All Time Low's album Wake Up, Sunshine, released in April 2020. With the project shelved, Simple Creatures entered an indefinite hiatus in 2020, marked by a complete absence of new releases, tours, or public activity that year. The duo's official channels remained dormant, reflecting the broader industry's standstill amid global restrictions. This pause effectively concluded the band's initial creative phase, as external pressures overshadowed their collaborative ambitions.

Post-hiatus developments (2021–2025)

Following the band's hiatus in 2020 amid the , Simple Creatures entered a period of inactivity from 2021 to 2024, with no official releases or tours announced. During this time, members and focused on their primary projects—Hoppus with Blink-182's reunion and subsequent tours, and Gaskarth with All Time Low's ongoing activities—while occasional interviews referenced the duo's creative outlet as paused due to these commitments and pandemic recovery. In 2025, renewed interest in the project surfaced through Gaskarth's interviews. In an October interview with Tone Deaf, Gaskarth confirmed ongoing discussions with Hoppus about potentially reviving Simple Creatures after their respective band commitments, including Blink-182 and tours. He noted that the pair keep in touch and often joke about getting the band back together, though no specific plans have been announced. These developments were tempered by past challenges, particularly Hoppus's health issues; he was diagnosed with Stage 4 in June 2021 and declared cancer-free in September 2021 after , which delayed collaborative efforts alongside Blink-182's priorities. Despite this, both members conveyed a positive outlook in 2025 statements, highlighting the enduring creative bond formed in 2019. As of November 2025, Simple Creatures has no confirmed releases. A fan account on posted a on November 3 referencing the 2019 track "," tying it to a recent personal event involving the band's producer but not indicating new official activity.

Artistry

Musical style

Simple Creatures' is primarily characterized as "trash-pop," a self-coined genre that fuses with electronic and elements, featuring upbeat tempos ranging from 80 to 170 BPM, infectious hooks, and eclectic production. This blend draws from the duo's pop-punk backgrounds while incorporating modern electronic pulses and synth-driven textures, creating a sound that diverges from the traditional rock setups of their parent bands. For instance, the track "" exemplifies this fusion through its ratty guitar leads, thumping kick drums, and fluttering pop-punk energy layered with subtle electronic flourishes. Production techniques emphasize heavy use of synthesizers, glitching electronics, and drum machines alongside layered guitars, resulting in gritty, neon-tinged soundscapes that balance basement intimacy with bombastic energy. Songs like "The Wolf" showcase Nine Inch Nails-inspired electronic breakdowns amid punk riffs, while the overall approach avoids preciousness about sound sources, integrating traditional recording with digital processing for a "grimy" edge. Vocally, Mark Hoppus's nasal baritone provides mellow, introspective verses, alternating with Alex Gaskarth's higher, soaring register for harmonized choruses and dual leads, fostering a distinctive dynamic that enhances anthemic, arena-ready arrangements. Thematically, the sound reflects motifs of , , and through energetic yet brooding compositions, often exploring toxic relationships, , , and self-awareness without overt optimism. In Strange Love (2019), the style leans more punk-leaning with darker rock influences and urgent eclecticism, as seen in reggae-inflected refrains and moody synths. This evolves in Everything Opposite (2019), incorporating weirder, more playful electronic elements like droning synth blasts and hand-clapping pop belters, marking a shift toward greater in atmospheric alt-pop and varied moods. Without a full-length , their development remains EP-focused, rooted in shared pop-punk sensibilities from Blink-182 and .

Influences

Simple Creatures' music draws heavily from the pop-punk roots of its members, of Blink-182 and of . Hoppus has cited his formative influences as and , emphasizing their role in shaping his approach to catchy, energetic structures. Gaskarth, in turn, credits Blink-182 and for inspiring his songwriting, particularly their blend of humorous lyrics with driving rhythms that informed Simple Creatures' upbeat yet introspective tracks. These foundational elements from their respective bands contribute to the project's core sound, allowing the duo to explore pop-punk without directly replicating their main acts. The duo's influences extend into darker, more atmospheric territories, with emerging as a pivotal reference point. Both Hoppus and Gaskarth have described 's frontman Robert Smith as a key inspiration, admiring his ability to infuse pop melodies with emotional depth and gothic undertones. Gaskarth noted their shared affinity for "dark pop, goth, emo thing," using 's sensibility to lace Simple Creatures' songs with "real emotion and darkness" beneath pseudo-pop exteriors. This influence is evident in the project's thematic exploration of and relationships, diverging from pure punk energy toward a more layered emo-pop aesthetic. Electronic and synth elements further broaden the influences, pulling from 1980s new wave acts like . Simple Creatures incorporated 's "Personal Jesus" into their live sets, highlighting the band's appreciation for synth-driven rhythms and vocal effects that add a modern alt edge to their compositions. Hoppus and Gaskarth referenced '80s broadly during recording, blending it with punk to create a "trash-pop" hybrid that experiments beyond traditional rock boundaries. This nod to new wave contributes to the project's innovative use of keyboards and electronic textures. Critics in praised Simple Creatures for differentiating from their influences through seamless blending rather than imitation, creating a fresh genre-bending sound. Reviews highlighted how the project amalgamates punk grit, , and into "hard rocking with gritty punk attitude," avoiding mimicry of Blink-182 or while honoring their punk heritage. This approach was seen as a successful , with outlets noting the duo's ability to channel diverse inspirations into binge-worthy, unapologetically pop tracks that stand on their own.

Personnel

Core members

Simple Creatures is a duo comprising Mark Hoppus and Alex Gaskarth, who serve as its core and only fixed members, handling all primary instrumentation, vocals, and songwriting without a formal drummer or additional permanent personnel. Mark Hoppus, born March 15, 1972, is the , co-vocalist, and co-songwriter for Simple Creatures. As a co-founder, , and co-lead vocalist of the band Blink-182 since 1992, Hoppus brings a foundational edge to the project, emphasizing raw energy and production elements that ground the duo's sound in traditions. He co-produces the band's recordings, contributing to their polished yet gritty aesthetic. Alex Gaskarth, born December 14, 1987, serves as the , co-vocalist, and co-songwriter in Simple Creatures. Known as the , , and primary songwriter for the band since 2003, Gaskarth infuses the duo with pop sensibilities, including melodic hooks and lead vocals on tracks like "Adrenaline." His contributions highlight accessible, radio-friendly elements drawn from All Time Low's style. The duo's dynamic is an equal creative partnership, with Hoppus and Gaskarth collaboratively writing lyrics that explore themes of relationships, heartbreak, and youthful struggles, blending their respective punk and pop influences into a cohesive "trash pop" sound. Their pre-formation synergy stems from shared experiences, including All Time Low's time on and joint tours such as the 2016 co-headlining run with Blink-182, which fostered their musical rapport.

Collaborators and touring support

Simple Creatures, as a side project between Mark Hoppus and Alex Gaskarth, relied on a limited network of ad-hoc collaborators rather than permanent additions to their core duo, reflecting the band's informal origins and focus on electronic-infused pop-rock production. The duo co-produced their debut EP Strange Love (2019) with Zakk Cervini and Dylan Bauld, with Cervini also co-writing the title track "Strange Love." For the follow-up EP Everything Opposite (2019), Cervini served as primary producer on five of the six tracks, with the duo and Dylan Bauld co-producing "One Little Lie." No major vocal guests appeared on the EPs, maintaining the project's streamlined duo focus, though session contributions included programmed drums and keyboards to replicate live electronic elements in studio recordings. This approach avoided extensive guest features, prioritizing the core members' vision over expansive collaborations. For their 2019 live performances, such as the debut shows supporting the Strange Love EP release, Simple Creatures performed as just Hoppus and Gaskarth onstage, augmented by pre-recorded backing tracks and production for drums, synths, and additional guitar layers to preserve the electronic sound without a full live band. No dedicated touring musicians were added long-term, underscoring the side-project's flexible, non-committal structure. Beyond production, other collaborators included video creators for promotional visuals; for instance, Gaskarth directed the music video for "Special" himself, while the lyric video for debut single "" was handled internally by the project team. Live sound support drew from familiar networks, including crew members associated with All Time Low's tours, to facilitate the duo's intimate yet production-heavy shows. This collaborative model remained sporadic, with no formal expansions to the lineup through 2025.

Discography

Extended plays

Simple Creatures has released two extended plays, both under , marking their complete studio output to date with no full-length albums issued. These EPs, consisting of 12 tracks in total, were distributed in digital download, streaming, and limited-edition vinyl formats. The debut EP, , was released on March 29, 2019. Produced by in collaboration with band members and , the EP features six tracks blending and elements. Writing credits primarily go to Hoppus and Gaskarth, with Cervini co-writing the opening track "." The EP debuted at No. 9 on the Heatseekers Albums chart. By 2020, its songs had amassed over 10 million combined streams on , with the title track "" alone exceeding 18 million streams as of November 2025.
No.TitleDurationWriter(s)
1"Drug"3:15Hoppus, Gaskarth, Cervini
2"Strange Love"2:31Hoppus, Gaskarth
3"How to Live"3:10Hoppus, Gaskarth
4"Adrenaline"3:21Hoppus, Gaskarth
5"Ether"3:32Hoppus, Gaskarth
6"Lucy"3:36Hoppus, Gaskarth
The second EP, Everything Opposite, followed on October 11, 2019, also produced by Zakk Cervini with Hoppus and Gaskarth handling primary writing duties and additional co-writes by Cervini on select tracks like "NVM." This six-track release continued the duo's "trash-pop" sound and was made available in the same formats as its predecessor. No certifications have been awarded to the EP or its tracks.
No.TitleDurationWriter(s)
1"Special"3:12Hoppus, Gaskarth
2"One Little Lie"3:15Hoppus, Gaskarth
3"Need Me"3:12Hoppus, Gaskarth
4"The Wolf"2:34Hoppus, Gaskarth
5"NVM"3:28Hoppus, Gaskarth, Cervini
6"Thanks, I Hate It"2:57Hoppus, Gaskarth

Singles

Simple Creatures released their debut single "Drug" on January 24, 2019, serving as the lead track for their upcoming EP . The accompanying lyric video premiered the same day, showcasing the duo's "trash-pop" aesthetic with gritty, electronic-infused visuals. The song received radio play on alternative stations and was later named one of 's 25 best rock and alternative songs of 2019. On February 21, 2019, Simple Creatures issued "" as a promotional single and the title track for their debut EP. An official , directed by Ethan Luby, featured surreal, dreamlike imagery of the band navigating distorted urban landscapes, emphasizing themes of desire and disconnection. The track contributed to early streaming success, with "" and "" collectively surpassing 3 million streams and 1 million views by the EP's release. The lead single from the second EP Everything Opposite, "Thanks, I Hate It," arrived on August 30, 2019. Its music video, directed by April Salud and featuring technology, humorously depicted the duo in absurd, internet-meme-inspired scenarios, amassing over 250,000 views. The song charted on alternative radio and garnered 14.4 million streams as of November 2025, highlighting its viral appeal through satirical lyrics on modern dissatisfaction. "Drug" was followed by "Adrenaline" on March 25, 2019, another single from that built on the EP's promotional momentum. For Everything Opposite, the follow-up single "One Little Lie" was released on October 7, 2019, accompanied by live performance clips from festival appearances, including Good Things Festival. Simple Creatures released no singles after 2019, as the project entered a hiatus amid members' commitments to their primary bands. The singles were instrumental in promoting the EPs, securing placements on editorial playlists like New Music Friday and driving cumulative streams exceeding 60 million across key tracks as of November 2025.

References

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