Singled Out: John Hanifin's Stop, Drop & Roll

Keavin Wiggins | Published 01-18-2023

Single art

John Hanifin just premiered a music video for "Stop, Drop & Roll", the first single from his forthcoming album, "Clean House" (out April 21st), and to celebrate we asked John to tell us about the song. Here is the story:

Since I could not find a way to progress with this guitar motif, I have been haunted by it for years. My mind was reminded of a quote I once heard which stated "you never write what you know" so I began by producing the track as if it were for someone else. I was able to take a step back once I created the hiccup syncopation with the 808 & kick simply dancing around each other in sync, and suddenly there it was - "the hook".

The cello has many theories that explain why people love it so much, and my favorite is the simplest one of all - it's the closest instrument to the human voice. To better serve this all too familiar human plight, I could not pass up the opportunity to stack 'em' in the bridge and let them cry in the final chorus.

Having the opportunity to film "Stop, Drop & Roll" in London was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Seeing people I had never met before vibe to my track that no one had heard before was exhilarating to say the least. The Moth Club was beyond accommodating, the cast & crew were incredible, and it was incredible to see people I had never met before come together to support my work. In my record Clean House, I reverse how I used to approach looking back on my past by conceptualizing time in a reversed way. Canto Studios UK and I discussed in depth prior to filming what better way to serve that concept than with a video where people can watch me as I watch myself. I am thrilled with this video because Orla and Charlie (the lead actors) were exactly like me. For me, it was a truly humbling experience that I'll never forget. As it turns out, Ebenezer Scrooge was not the only one who was able to journey back to London's past.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen and watch for yourself below and learn more about the album here