Magnapop is an American rock band based in Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1989, the band has consistently included songwriting duo Linda Hopper as vocalist and Ruthie Morris on guitar. Magnapop first achieved recognition in the Benelux countries of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg through the festival circuit and have remained popular in Europe throughout their career. After modest success in the United States in the mid-1990s with the singles "Slowly, Slowly" and "Open the Door" and a series of albums produced by Michael Stipe, Bob Mould, and Geza X, the band went on an extended hiatus due to the dissolution of their record label. They returned with a new rhythm section in 2005 on the Daemon Records release Mouthfeel. The band has continued to perform and record since this reunion and have self-released two more albums. Magnapop's musical style is noted for blending the pop vocals and melodies of Hopper with the aggressive, punk-influenced guitar-playing of Morris and her back-up vocal harmonies.
Magnapop in 2010, from left to right: Scott Rowe, Ruthie Morris, Linda Hopper, and Chad Williams
Linda Hopper's friendship with Michael Stipe would prove important for Magnapop's success. Stipe—depicted here performing with R.E.M. in 2008—produced Magnapop's demo which was later released as their first studio album and premiered the band at a showcase in New York.
Bob Mould (above, pictured performing in 2005) produced the band's breakthrough album Hot Boxing; they can be seen promoting the album with an in-store performance from 1994 (below)
Linda Hopper and Ruthie Morris re-formed Magnapop in 2002 to record and tour. Morris is pictured here performing with the band in Belgium on April 21, 2006.
Linda Elizabeth Hopper is the vocalist for the Atlanta, Georgia-based rock group Magnapop. Her pop punk/power pop vocal style helped to define the band's sound and she has co-written their minor hit singles "Slowly, Slowly" and "Open the Door". Prior to the formation of Magnapop, Hopper was a member of the Athens, Georgia music scene in the early 1980s, which included R.E.M., The B-52s, and her own band Oh-OK.
Hopper sings with Magnapop at Het Depot in Leuven, Belgium on April 21, 2006
Hopper performing the Magnapop song "Favorite Writer" with R.E.M. in 2003