July 16, 2026

Volume 244

Art That Takes New Forms

Pocket Change

San Diego-based jazz-fusion trio.

Pocket Change is a San Diego-based jazz-fusion trio comprised of pianist John Hooper, drummer Hunter Bragg, and bassist Hunter Hartmann - the latter two members also happen to represent the Imperfects fulfilment team (deemed here at HQ as “the Hunters”).

To know our music is to experience it live - it’s an evolving collection of our individual musical inspirations, with compositions that take new forms each time we play. In that way, it’s best described as jazz - but it pulls influence from genres ranging from neo-soul, funk and hip hop to electronic, latin, afro beat, and world music. What began as an experiment composing short form media for social media in HB’s parents’ backyard, has evolved into a project that continues to push its members, listeners and itself.

We currently have two EPs released on all streaming platforms and are currently working on a studio album. You can find us on socials @pocketchangemusica and if you’re ever in the shop you’ll run into at least a third of us by calling out “Hunter” (unless we’ve already left for a gig).

We’re a busy group. With two weekly residencies here in San Diego in addition to performing at venues and festivals, we’re always looking ahead to fill our calendar. At this moment, we’re looking forward to our debut performance at The Music Box this coming Tuesday as a part of DoSD’s Summer LaunchPad Series - a complimentary show featuring local San Diego Artists. If you’re in the San Diego area, we’d love to have you - more information can be found in our socials and online. Additionally, we’ve got some collaborations cooking with the Imperfects crew, including a launch for the new retail spot in OB… so stay tuned for that.

What's been keeping you grounded?

HH: I’ve been trying to get in the water for regular surfs lately, the ocean always makes me feel at home.

HB: My dog, best friend and accountability officer: Leila. My schedule is at best insane; she keeps me outside and moving when I’m drained and always reframes my priorities.

JH: Getting in the gym and running, getting into my body really is one of the most grounding things for me. I also really often try and catch vinyasa classes at Yoga Box.

What are you into lately?

HH: I’ve been really into dialing in my pedal board for my bass tone. It’s been fun to take time and make myself sound like I hear myself in my head.

HB: The beach, playing the mandolin, learning to DJ and the World Cup in no particular order. I’m proud to have been a slight push to stream games in the office and push for team viewing parties.

JH: Biohacking and athletic performance have been a major interest of mine recently. I’ve also been getting into human biology, particularly neurochemistry.

What I'm Rockin'

I’ve personally been rocking the Mr. Lynch easy rider pants searsucker lately with the half and half night shirt. - Hunter Hartmann It’s summer, so between the courier shorts, easy rider shorts in stretch courd (Irish Racing Green ftw) and the shop tees, I’m doing my best to stay cool. - Hunter Bragg I’ve been wearing the Shepherd’s shirt in Indigo Hickory Stripe for almost every other big show! It’s my favorite piece. - John Hooper

Mr. Lynch's Easy Rider Pant in Summer Seersucker

Mr. Lynch's Easy Rider Pant in Summer Seersucker

$228.00

Courier Short in Craft Canvas {7” Inseam}

Courier Short in Craft Canvas {7” Inseam}

$119.00

Shepherds Shirt in Indigo Hickory Stripe

Shepherds Shirt in Indigo Hickory Stripe

$199.00

What are you up to Health Wise?

HH: Focusing on making most of the food I eat aside from the occasional daily burrito.

HB: Getting back in the water. I’ve started to run again and recently got into kettle bell and calisthenics but there’s nothing like paddling out with friends.

JH: I’ve been training pretty seriously in the gym recently, although I do feel like slowing down and getting out in nature more would do me wonders.

What are you reading?

HH: I’ve been “reading” Live from Malibu by Yussef Dayes pretty much on repeat for the last 9 months. It’s like reading but for your ears, and there’s actually no words at all.

HB: I’ve been finding myself drawn to autobiographies and non-fiction recently. I’m currently making my way through Questlove’s “Music is History” - a really thoughtful examination into contemporary music in the last half-decade. It’s only taking so long because I continue to put down the book to look up artists and listen to music I was otherwise unfamiliar with. I’m also a huge podcast guy, The Daily, Acquired, Tape Notes, Broken Record and Good Hang with Amy Poehler make up the soundtrack to my walks with Leila.

JH: Napoleon Hill has probably been my biggest read of the year (author of The Law of Success). I often read little snippets of his writing in the morning to set a precedent for the day, as he talks a lot about mindset, vision and persistence.

What are you drinking?

HH: I’ve had this bottle of glacier frost Gatorade I’ve been slowly drinking since 2014, but it’s almost gone so I’ll probably try a new flavor. 

HB: As much water as possible (shout out to my Owala), cold brew coffee and Modelo. 

JH: Celcius has been a go to before hitting the gym, I’ve also been drinking Recess’s “mood” drink

What are you listening to?

In the Queue - Pocket Change

Quote of the Week

Quote of the Week

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” - Wayne Gretzky -Michael Scott