Hippie Van Pop

Magazine: Sound Odyssey Weekly

Q: I'm here with Mr. Landon Everett AKA Xeraw, and host / curator of Landon's Lounge. Landon, tell me about this "Hippie Van Pop" playlist you've created. Where did the idea come from, and what is "Hippie Van Pop"? How would you describe it? Is this a sub-genre of music or ... what's the deal?

Landon Everett:
Thanks for having me! The idea for "Hippie Van Pop" came out of a nostalgic longing for a particular sound and feeling—a kind of soundtrack for hitting the open road with the windows down, cruising through life with a carefree attitude. It’s rooted in the early 70s AM radio hits, where folk, soft rock, and pop blended effortlessly. It’s not so much an official sub-genre as it is a vibe—one that captures the spirit of freedom, adventure, and acoustic-driven melodies.

"Hippie Van Pop" is like a musical time capsule. Imagine driving through the desert in a van with friends, guitars packed in the back, nowhere in particular to be, and the sun setting on the horizon. It’s about music that feels relaxed but meaningful, songs that tell stories, evoke emotions, and feel like they're meant for drifting through open landscapes. So, yeah, it’s not an official sub-genre, but it’s definitely a mood and a journey.

Q: So, what makes a song "Hippie Van Pop" as opposed to Soft Rock or Yacht Rock, which I think some of these songs might also be categorized as? How did you choose these particular songs and leave off others that seem like they might also fit?

Landon Everett:
That’s a great question! The line between Hippie Van Pop, Soft Rock, and Yacht Rock can definitely blur, especially since they all have that easygoing 70s vibe. But I’d say Hippie Van Pop is more earthy, acoustic-driven, and feels like it was meant to be heard through a van’s dusty speakers as you roll down a two-lane highway. Yacht Rock is smoother, more polished, with slick production and often features a lot of electric instruments and synthesizers, while Soft Rock can straddle both worlds.

For this playlist, I chose songs that have a stripped-down, organic feel, often with prominent acoustic guitars, harmonies, and lyrics that speak to themes of freedom, travel, and introspection. There were a lot of great songs from the era that could have fit, but if they felt too polished or like they belonged on a yacht instead of a van, I left them off.

Q: What would you say is the quintessential "Hippie Van Pop" song or album? Is there a quintessential "Hippie Van Pop" band or artist?

Landon Everett:
That’s a tough one, but I think if I had to pick, "Take It Easy" by The Eagles really captures the spirit of Hippie Van Pop. The combination of acoustic guitars, a laid-back attitude, and the feeling of being on the road without a care is quintessential. As for an album, something like America's self-titled debut or Seals & Crofts' Summer Breeze captures the full vibe of the playlist—there’s a sense of space, freedom, and reflection woven into the music.

In terms of an artist, Jim Croce is right up there. His songs like "I Got a Name" and "Operator" have that perfect blend of melodic warmth and storytelling, which is really what Hippie Van Pop is all about.

Q: Obviously I can see this playlist being listened to on a road trip, but where else do you feel it's most appropriate?

Landon Everett:
The road trip is definitely where it shines, but it’s also great for those lazy Sunday mornings when you’re just hanging out, making coffee, and letting time drift by. It’s also perfect for campfires, outdoor gatherings, or even just a quiet moment of reflection. The songs have a way of grounding you, making you feel connected to a simpler time, whether you’re actually on the road or just dreaming about it from your couch.

Q: The Big Lebowski famously hates the Eagles. I'm assuming he would not be a fan of this playlist. How would you convince him to give them (and the other artists on this playlist) another chance?

Landon Everett:
Haha, yeah, I can see The Dude raising an eyebrow at some of these tracks! I’d tell him that not all Eagles songs are created equal, but I doubt I could change his mind. He was a roadie for Metallica remember? Hippie Van Pop might not be his cup of tea. But the whole playlist isn’t just the Eagles—it’s got a lot of raw, acoustic beauty that even The Dude might appreciate if he gives it a shot.

If not, hopefully we could still bowl a few rounds together and agree to disagree. 

Q: Is "Hippie Van Pop" dead? Clearly it doesn't dominate the airwaves like it did in the early 70s, does it have a chance to come back, or are there any current bands writing or recording songs like this today?

Landon Everett:
I don’t think Hippie Van Pop is dead at all—it's just not in the mainstream in the same way it was in the 70s. But there’s definitely a modern resurgence of artists who are bringing back that acoustic, laid-back sound with a new twist. Acts like Fleet Foxes or The Lumineers capture that earthy, reflective vibe, even if they’re not directly pulling from the 70s playbook.

People are still longing for that simplicity, that connection to nature and storytelling. It might not dominate the airwaves, but it's alive and well in the hearts of those looking for a reprieve from overproduced music.

Q: What's next? Can we expect a "Vol. 2," or will this playlist continue to grow?

Landon Everett:
That’s a great question! For now, I feel like this playlist is in a good place, but you never know when I’ll stumble across a hidden gem that fits the Hippie Van Pop vibe. There’s always the possibility of a Vol. 2, or maybe even a spin-off that explores different aspects of this sound, like "Hippie Van Country" or a more folk-leaning version.

For now, I’ll let this one breathe, but I’m always on the lookout for more songs that fit that spirit of freedom, nostalgia, and simplicity. So, don’t be surprised if a few new tracks make their way onto the list down the road!