INDIE SPOT
Exclusive Get to Know “Hobday”
How did you come by your stage name?
My stage name is Hobday, which is my last name. My full name is Andy Hobday. For as long as I can remember people have called me Hobday, so when the time came to launch this project it felt like the natural choice.
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
I could probably write a near novel about how near and dear I hold the electronic music community in my heart. I still remember experiencing for the very first time the likes of Zeds Dead, Pretty Lights, and Big Gigantic. These acts blew my mind wide open. I honestly didn’t think having THAT much fun was even possible.
I couldn’t fathom it. As a young adult, I struggled a lot with self-confidence, but the bass music scene was so welcoming and open. It really felt like I could be whoever I wanted to be and I leaned into that feeling 100%. One night I was at a show dancing my booty off, and all of a sudden this serene calm washed over me. For a moment I couldn’t even really hear the music. Everything sort of froze in time. And there I was looking around at all the beautiful, smiling, dancing souls and then to the DJ on stage doing their thang.
And this thought and feeling washed over me: “I want to do THAT. I want to be on that stage.” And all at once, I realized what my purpose on this planet was: To bring joy and meaning to the people of this planet through the creation and performance of music. In many ways, it was the beginning of what has become a lifelong pursuit and passion.
Get to Know Hobday
To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
After I graduated from high school I spent a year in Paris through an exchange program. It has been almost 9 years since I returned from living abroad and even to this day, I get goosebumps just thinking about it. That was very impactful. I would say my style is always developing. I like taking chances and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
On your current project, how did you come up with the concept?
Honestly, for me, the creative process is something that really happens in the moment while I’m producing. Rarely do I have a crystal clear idea of the things I want to create. Often it’s the process of actually sitting down and starting to make music that generates the inspiration.
For the moment I’m just making music that I like and sounds good to my ear. I’m definitely a fan of vocal melodies and they are heavily present in much of my new music. I have also worked through quite a bit of depression and anxiety in my life, and music is oftentimes an outlet for those feelings. Translating my depression into melodies is one of the most soothing experiences I know.
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
Anyone who knows me well knows that I have a pretty intense work ethic and an obsessive personality. I see it as a gift and a curse, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything because it gives me the capacity to pursue my passions with every ounce of energy that I have.
Most of the time it’s pretty fun. But, where I get myself into trouble though is when I don’t listen to my body when it’s telling me that I need to take a break and then I burn myself out. So, lately, I’ve been really trying to be more aware of my feelings in that regard and slowing down a bit when it starts to feel like I’m heading to a negative place mentally. It’s easier said than done though, and luckily I have some amazing people in my life who have my back and help me keep myself afloat.
Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?
I am so unbelievably FAR from the best at what I do. In many ways, it feels like every day is day one, and every time I learn something new it opens up a door that shows me truly how deep the creative rabbit hole goes. I do my best not to compare myself to others, but I’m not perfect and sometimes I can’t help myself. It’s not worth it though. When I’m at my best, I’m only concerned with being a better version of myself than I was the day before, and leaving all other thoughts at the door when I enter the studio.
What are your plans for the near future?
The goal right now is to continue making new music and build hype for the new project. I released my first single and it feels really good to have something tangible out there in the real world. Just trying to keep at it every day.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
There are probably 200 people I could thank off the top of my head. I am without any doubt a product of the amazing people in my life. I am 100% certain that I would not be anywhere near this point without the support network I have in my life. So very, very grateful. Infinite shoutouts to my Dad, my Mom, my sister Amy, my cousin Tommy, my best friend Jungle Bear, my friends Grant and Casey, my very good friend and mentor Megan Hamilton, and to all the people who supported me on my journey thus far. You know who you are <3
How can fans find you?
I can be found on all social media @HobdayOfficial and on all streaming platforms. Here is the link: https://linktr.ee/itshobday
What suggestions do you have for other artist like yourself?
The most important thing I’ve learned to this point is that some days are good and some days are bad. If things are going really well, there are probably some difficult days around the corner and vice versa. The only way to lose is to quit. Just keep swimming.
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