Emerging act Hopeful. makes their K-LOVE Radio debut with “Everything Is Better,” a shot of optimistic surf rock. The five-piece — comprised of Randy James (lead vocals), Hunter Jackson (lead guitar/vocals), Eddie Buelna (bass), Rafael Bastos (rhythm guitar) and James Barragan (drums) — hails from Southern California and actually has ties to newcomer Carly Ann Taylor. (James is Taylor’s older brother and now legal guardian, whom she proudly calls “Dad.”)
A season of chronic illness and subsequent depression led to the emergence of Hopeful. and the birth of “Everything Is Better,” a breezy, summertime reminder that God’s plans are always superior to ours.
“In 2020, I was overcome with depression and anxiety and almost gave into the voice that said to give up on the dreams God had placed in my heart,” James candidly shares. “Instead, me and my friends started a band called Hopeful. with one goal: to write music that kicks hopelessness in the teeth… Thank you for being on this journey with us.”
James and Jackson wrote “Everything Is Better” with Josh Farro (Poets & Prophets) and Scott Mills (Colony House), who also produced the buoyant anthem. “It takes a village to make a song that has the potential to reach people with a message of hope, and we are beyond grateful for everyone who was involved in this process,” James remarks of the track currently climbing the Christian charts. “Remember: Everything is better in the center of God’s will.”
“Everything Is Better” is slated to appear on Hopeful.’s 12-song debut, “The Art Of Letting Go,” releasing July 31, 2026. The LP also includes “Wild One,” featuring Carly Ann Taylor.
Following appearances at Rock The Universe and NightVision, the indie alt-rock outfit will perform at Unity Christian Music Festival in August.
