B-Side Guys

Persistence takes physical form in Kevin Koplar’s latest single “If You Knock Hard Enough,” a track that bursts with raw determination despite its folk-rock framework. The St. Louis native, who spent six years in Thailand before settling in Los Angeles, brings a worldly perspective to American roots music that feels both familiar and fascinatingly foreign.

Standing at just five feet tall but delivering what he aptly describes as “five cannons loud,” Koplar occupies an intriguing intersection in the contemporary Americana landscape. There’s an undeniable Dylan-esque quality to his approach—the way he treats lyrics as both poetry and proclamation—but filtered through a more modern, Jack White-adjacent intensity that gives his sound a compelling edge.

What makes “If You Knock Hard Enough” particularly striking is how Koplar transforms the act of knocking into both literal action and metaphorical persistence. The production choices complement this duality, with rhythmic elements that punctuate the arrangement like knuckles on wood. This percussive quality creates momentum that carries listeners through the track, mirroring the determination described in its title.

The song itself serves as a statement of artistic arrival after Koplar’s global wanderings. It suggests that while opportunities might not immediately present themselves, continued effort eventually forces recognition—a fitting message from a musician who has traversed continents to pursue his craft.

“If You Knock Hard Enough” manages to balance folk tradition with contemporary energy, creating a sound that respects its roots while refusing to be confined by them. It’s a promising indication that Kevin Koplar isn’t just knocking—he’s beginning to break through.