A QUICK CHAT WITH TOBY HOBART

Your new single "Feel The Same" has a captivating blend of melodic hip hop-pop with introspective lyrics. Can you walk us through the inspiration behind this track and how it fits into the narrative of your upcoming EP "Don't Ask Me Why"?


I’ve always wanted to write a darker melodic hip-hop-pop type of track. For me, this year is about expanding my sonic horizons and sharing all the different genre-fusions you can expect to hear in the future. I’d written some of the lyrics of this song over a slower, more ballad type track years ago. Fast forward, I made this beat and loved how it felt so I started freestyling melodies and ideas over it and naturally came back to that first song I’d written. 

 

"Don't Ask Me Why" is a mysterious title for your debut EP. What's the story behind it? Does it hint at a particular theme or message you're exploring throughout the collection of songs?

The title kind of says it all. All of the songs it includes have been written from very raw and personal places making the project like a mini snapshot into my mind. I essentially don’t want to give any more meaning or purpose to these songs other than how they are interpreted by those listening. 


Australian music has a rich tapestry of influences. How has growing up in Australia shaped your sound and musical identity?Definitely. I’ve been so blessed to not only be surrounded by some of the most talented and creative friends but to have also grown up listening to some amazing local talent. I still vividly remember seeing Shag Rock as the first gig I went to and was just so inspired. From The Kid LAROI to Troye Sivan, Clinton Kane and even Oliver Cronin recently are just a few of the artists that have most likely influenced my taste.


Your journey in music seems to be a mix of consistent and dedicated hard work. Can you share a memorable anecdote from your early days as an artist that had a profound impact on your artistic development?

My old guitar teacher strongly encouraged me to start performing before I really thought I was ready. He helped set up a band with a few of my friends and pretty much lined up as many school performances as he could. Whilst at the time I was absolutely terrified, it really did teach me the importance of preparation. I either bombed my performance and embarrassed myself in front of all my school friends (worst case scenario am I right?) or I practised and prepared to ensure I was ready and confident to play to the best of my ability and hopefully provide some sort of value to the people watching! 


Collaboration is a powerful tool for growth and creativity. Are there any artists or producers you worked with on "Don't Ask Me Why" that significantly influenced the direction of the EP?

I must give my man James Angus a whole lot of love. We’ve been working together since 2020 and he’s definitely helped me level up as a writer, producer and artist in general. Typically I write and produce all my songs on my own until they’re at a place I’m happy with. Then, with James, we’ll dig into each track and refine it further, combining what I’ve done with his incredible ear and experience. 


"Feel The Same'' brings to life this emotional battle of a fading love and longing for what it once was. Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked the creation of this song? How do you hope listeners will connect with its message?

I think I was just reflecting on a current relationship at the time. Writing this song actually gave me a lot of mental clarity and relief regarding how I was feeling. I find most of my music tends to land as an internal monologue or just an emotional dump of everything I’m thinking in that moment. Feel The Same almost feels like a letter of everything I needed to say to that person to share how I was feeling.


As you prepare to release your debut EP and share your music with the world, what do you hope listeners will take away from your songs? And what's next for Toby Hobart after "Don't Ask Me Why"?

If people are left feeling something after listening to my music then I’m happy.