What has been your most favorite compliment about your music?
Sometimes it’s someone saying ‘oh you remind me of so-and-so’ and it’s someone I really admire. That is a huge thing. The real truth is when someone calls out a particular element to the recordings, or the arrangements and sonics of the songs because I spend a lot of time trying to make things sound as great as we can. Honestly, anytime anyone pays *any* attention to my music it is my favorite complement. There’s so much content competing for everyone’s ears and eyes. I’m grateful for any response.
Who do you make your music for?
You! And me. Mostly me. Artists tend to make their art for themselves. I’ve recently gotten into acrylic painting because, let’s face it, my house needs more art. And so far, I’m like 1 in 4 paintings are decent enough to be hung on the wall!
Talk to us about your latest track?
The new, new is a song called ‘Highway 101’ coming out in a few weeks along with a video. It’s a story song – something I’m dabling around in writing – about firsts, about young love, a road trip when I was 14 and visiting California for the first time, and of course a first kiss. It’s melancholy and it’s nostalgic: two words that for most of my songwriting career I would probably throw up for saying. But I’m creeping into middle age now so thinking back on stories is fun fodder for song material!
Where were you emotionally in your life when you created it?
Thank you for this question because it really is jarring the cobwebs off my brain. ‘Highway 101’ was written about 10 years ago. I was in a bummer relationship living in an old farmhouse from the 1800’s near Woodstock, NY. I remember the chords are sort of the same as ‘Waiting on a Friend’ by the Rolling Stones. I also was in this phase of playing drums along with songs I loved. In the case of ‘Highway 101’, I played drums along to ‘Take Me With U’ by Prince, recorded that drum take, then wrote the whole song around the drum part. So emotionally, I was ready to leave a toxic relationship while listening to Prince to help save me.
What studio experience could you relay to the artist early on in their career?
Studios are magical places. We toured the US in 2019 in an old Airstream RV and did the studio tours at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, Sun Studios, The Ryman… any room works as a studio, but not every studio works, if you know what I mean. It’s the vibe, the people, the players, the space. Get to a studio as early as you can. Find others to believe in making music with you even if you’re paying them.
What is the next goal for you?
Right now it’s touring the US, and getting back to live music. It’s so funny to think that this time last year, I didn’t know if I’d ever do it again… if ANYone would ever do it again. And now it’s like all the touring musicians are wild horses chomping on their bits to get back in the vans and play rock n roll to ear-hungry strangers again. Hallelujah! Bring on that energy!
Give us your links to find you:
Since we just added TOUR DATES to the website via SongKick, you can find them and all the things, at www.thegreghoy.com, and instagram.com/thegreghoy, and twitter.com/thegreghoy. YouTube too! https://www.youtube.com/GregHoyOhYeah/
For Press Inquiries: bsquaredmgmt@gmail.com
End of Interview