Clayton Waller, the Mississippi-raised, Nashville-based artist known as Rock Eupora, creates a unique blend of gritty rock and shimmering pop. Waller has developed his fuzz pop sound over the course of three full-length albums and an EP – which he wrote, performed, and produced himself.

After the 2019 EP Twirlin’, a sugar rush of grit and gloss that Waller describes as a break in the “regularly scheduled programming” of Rock Eupora, he returns to the more heart-on-your-sleeve, earnest qualities of his songwriting with new singles Hurts to Laugh and Dish Island.

“I think of Twirlin’ as living on a different planet in the Rock Eupora universe,” he explains. “These two songs have some of the glam and attitude of that EP, but I think they will be a nice stepping stone into what is seeming to be a more introspective and subdued future album.”

The singles are two sides of the same coin, tossed in question of our personal significance. In Hurts to Laugh, letting go of the need to be important is liberating, providing some relief from the pressure to constantly perform. Dish Island acknowledges how the same thought is also defeating, making us feel powerless – but tries to take it in stride. Regardless of which side you land on, both songs are power pop anthems suited for a stadium sized sing-along.

In any song he writes, it is evident that Waller really believes every word he’s singing, making it easy for listeners to believe too. This sincerity is what gives Rock Eupora the ability to connect with diverse audiences in a real way – a gift that doesn’t come naturally to all artists. This distinct quality has garnered attention from venerable local media publications such as Nashville Scene and NATIVE Magazine, as well as national outlets like Impose and PureVolume.

The energy of Rock Eupora is fully realized in the live performance. Typically operating as a 4-piece, the band is somewhat of a revolving door of friends. On stage, their camaraderie collides with the electricity of the songs, leaving no room for even a second of monotony. Waller & co. maintain a steady touring schedule, bringing the action-packed show all over the United States.