Jupiter-4 are three; Troupe Gammage [keyboards, vocals], Nick Hurt [guitars, vocals], and Jake Stewart [drums]. All natives of Austin, TX, they shook out of the game of high school musical chairs together and took the name of the vintage analog synthesizer featured in their songs.
Each member brings a unique musical perspective to the group. Troupe was raised on soul, but produces indietronica as a solo artist, and composes music for video games professionally. Nick, meanwhile, is studying classical guitar performance at the University of Texas and has roots in the work of David Bowie and John Lennon. Jake draws from The Who, Charles Dickens, and more modern bands like Bloc Party.
Their influences meet on a common ground inhabited by the likes of Radiohead, Sigur Rós, Arcade Fire, Björk, and The Shins, although, more recently, Jupiter-4 have been seduced by the hypnotic dance-oriented music of Daft Punk, LCD Soundsystem, Of Montreal, and Ghostland Observatory. The resulting sound combines classically informed harmonic textures with lush keyboard-driven melodies over upbeat jams. Jupiter-4 believe pop can be “smart†and doesn’t have to sacrifice musicality or innovation to be catchy and fun.
