Kung Fu Hippies are Making a Scene

June 2, 2025

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with The Kung Fu Hippies

The new album from Kung Fu Hippies is a vibrant celebration of 25 years of making music together—and it’s their most compelling work yet. With three lead vocalists—Frank Leonovich, Brad Ray, and Chad Kroll—each track offers a unique flavor, while the band’s chemistry ties everything together into a cohesive, standout record.

One of the first songs to grab my attention was “Brutus,” featuring Chad on vocals. It’s a thoughtful, introspective gem that immediately pulls you in. But the next track, “It Seems To Me (That One Song),” really blew me away. Frank’s vocals on this one have a soulful Van Morrison vibe—there’s something in his delivery that’s both familiar and fresh, and the musicianship surrounding it is top-notch.

The band’s experience shines through in every song, and you can feel how long these guys have been playing together. Another standout is “Northwoods Boy,” with Brad taking the lead on vocals. It’s catchy, upbeat, and totally infectious—good luck keeping still once that bassline kicks in! Don’t miss the music video for this one—it’s a perfect visual companion to the song’s energy and spirit.

Kung Fu Hippies have faced their share of challenges over the last five years, including cancer battles, addiction recovery, a serious motorcycle accident, and of course, the global pandemic. But they’ve emerged stronger, more focused, and creatively revitalized. That resilience is etched into every track on their new studio album, North.

With four gifted songwriters in the band, each tune brings its own personality, yet everything fits together in that signature Kung Fu Hippies style—a homegrown Minnesota rock sound they’ve been perfecting since their first show back in 2000.

Give the album a listen—you’ll hear the heart, history, and harmony of a band that’s not just surviving, but thriving.