Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg Hoy.
Hi Greg, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been an active rock/pop songwriter, producer, and touring musician on and off since the late ’90s. My works catalog has hit a little over 600 songs with my music heard via placements on HBO, the CW, and MTV as well as within the brand books of commercial and tech companies such as Facebook, Pinterest, and Adobe.
I’ve worked in the studio with Steve Albini (Nirvana, Pixies), Sylvia Massy (Tom Petty, Johnny Cash), John Vanderslice (Spoon), J. Robbins (The Promise Ring, Jawbox), and many more. My studio relocated to the San Francisco bay area after a decade in New York City. We purchased a cabin in Cook County, MN, in 2021 where I’ve begun doing remote recordings with the full backdrop of Lake Superior as the stunning accompanying visual.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Adversity generally paves the way for greater creativity. Having said that, the myth of the starving artist holds a powerful presence — particularly for those of us in Generation X. Watching the eroded paths of visionary musicians, painters, and actors as their talent and lives squandered to addiction did not have the greatest effect on us. The thought that a healthy mind and body were just as important to creativity as following the muse is far more recent.
My health took an interesting turn due to a tick-borne infection in 2022. It has been a journey of gratitude, vigilance, and patience as the use of my hands and hearing came into question. And while the hardship is not insurmountable, it does make for good creative fodder!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Growing up, pop music was all around me. My three siblings all played instruments. My mother was an oil painter. Most of the time, LP records of all shapes and styles spun on the stereo. James Brown followed by Kool & The Gang followed by Joni Mitchell and the Beatles. Melody became my mantra.
In my work and in producing and writing with others, it is the melody and rhythm that remain paramount. I still DJ vinyl records occasionally for bar owner friends and others. The diversity of genre transcends even those that think they only love ‘one kind of music’.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
There is still so much life in live performance. After the pandemic, people crave in-person interaction and inspiration. We’ve done 6 tours all over the USA since 2021 and nothing quite beats being a part of the ritual of dancing in a room with a bunch of smiling strangers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thegreghoy.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thegreghoy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greghoyandtheboys
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegreghoy
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/greghoyohyeah
- Other: https://30peak.bandcamp.com/
Image Credits
Will Toft and Laura Muus
