In the ever-evolving landscape of American rock and alt-country, few bands embody authenticity and resilience quite like Noble Hops. What began in 2010 as a humble acoustic duo covering barroom favorites has transformed into a seasoned four-piece powerhouse rooted in original songwriting and emotional honesty. At the helm is Utah Burgess, a Western Pennsylvania native whose journey through personal loss, pandemic introspection, and a rekindled creative fire has redefined the band’s sound and purpose. Now aligned with MTS Management Group and making waves across new markets, Noble Hops is charging into 2025 with a raw, no-gimmicks approach to music that’s equal parts working-class grit and heartland soul.
Noble Hops was formed back in 2010—how would you describe the evolution of the band over the last decade, both musically and personally?
[utah] The band started as an acoustic bar band duo, playing covers. I started having a writing spree in 2015 and that is where more focus on original music first took place. After the death of my friend Mo Nelson, as well as others, and coming out of the pandemic and just getting older every day, I realized I needed to do something more with the music I was creating. So, I assembled 3 amazing musicians I’ve known from the Pittsburgh area and we shifted the direction of Noble Hops to what it is today… a straight up American rock band with some alt-country leanings.
Your latest single, “Kelso Beach,” has a strong sense of place and emotion. Can you walk us through the inspiration and story behind the song?
[utah] I’ll refer to the pandemic again, and the sense of unity that many of us ended up building amongst our core circle of people. There was a lot of nonsense that took place. It was around that time that I reconnected with a couple of people from way back in my past also. I was sitting alone in a cottage on the shore of Lake Erie during an incredible Winter storm in the middle of February, and this just came pouring out. The cottage is located on Kelso Beach in Erie PA, so I named the song “Kelso Beach”.
Noble Hops has a unique blend of American rock and alt-country. How did that signature sound come together, and what influences shaped it most?
[utah] I will harken back a bit to my friend Mo Nelson, and the kind of music he wrote, but also I have very varied interests in music, as do each of the other members. I can write a song that I hear one way in my head, but once the band gets a hold of it and all theirinfluences get poured into it, they end up making the thing even better than I had conceived it. I am very fortunate as relates to that.
Signing with MTS Management Group is a big step. What does this partnership mean to you at this point in your career?
[utah] For someone wanting to get their music heard, and to get great opportunities like this to speak with Skope, it is huge for independent musicians. MTS has immediately spread our sound globally, and people are taking notice. It’s a pretty big deal for us.
From childhood nostalgia to social commentary, your songwriting spans a wide emotional range. Is there a particular theme or message you find yourself returning to in your work?
[utah] Most definitely. I fully embrace the ideals of liberty. Taking responsibility for yourself and persevering through this thing we all go through… life. I think those are strong traits to have, and I like surrounding myself with those of that mindset.
https://open.spotify.com/track/2dKe01nHypOMnNz7ZmZGre?si=d3150ae4ca16410a
You’ve taken the band from Michigan to Florida and back home in Western PA. What’s been your most memorable show or tour experience so far?
[utah] This is probably the most difficult to answer. Every show seems to have something special about it. A moment, a person you meet, some feedback you hear, or just the band nailing it that night. Typically though, the festivals are my favorite, where we get to share the stage with and meet other musicians.
Shady Lady Studio has also been a big part of your journey. How does your background in production influence your approach as a musician and bandleader?
[utah] It affects it greatly. As much as we joke around as a band, at the end of the day we are professional. We act that way, we carry ourselves that way, and it garners attention and a level of respect. It is important. It is important to look like you belong on that stage, not a couch. It is important to interact with those who take an interest in your music. It’s also important to be grateful and humble, that we get to do this thing called music.
Noble Hops mixes originals with both well-known and lesser-known covers. How do you choose what songs to bring into your live sets, and what do you hope the audience takes away?
[utah] Most of it is personal preference, meaning songs we personally like or enjoy playing. We aren’t looking to play the same cover songs everyone else is playing, even though the reason every other band is playing them is because people like them. That’s just not us. There is so much good music out there, and it is always fun introducing people to some other music they may not have heard before.
Looking ahead to the tour dates across Pennsylvania—what can fans expect from a Noble Hops show in 2025? Any surprises in store?
[utah] We’ve been having a pretty good run North and South, and so this year we are looking to go a bit more East and West. We’ll be making our way out to mid-Ohio and the middle part of Pennsylvania, so new towns and new faces, and we love that. We are still working on new material and will be debuting some of that at our shows. As for surprises, we have a pretty solid plan for continuing to drop music this year, so we will be offering up quite a bit.
Finally, for those just discovering Noble Hops—what’s the one thing you’d want them to know about the band and your music?
[utah] We are about as real as it gets. No gimmicks, just songs straight from the heart delivered in a raw, working man style. We think you’ll walk away wanting more.