Greg Hoy is an artist currently based out of San Francisco, CA. Several of Hoy’s songs have been featured on network television on shows such as “One Tree Hill” and MTV’s “Made”. He was a host for the original Arlene’s Grocery Punk Rock Heavy Metal Karaoke in New York City. He has run a record label called 30 Peak since 2007 and does production and soundtrack work under the name earhopper. You can follow Greg Hoy & The Boys on Facebook and follow check out their website for news and updates.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Greg Hoy about the new release, new projects and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
First of all please introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a human musician currently touring the country in an old Airstream performing in many places. I’m trying a lot of local foods, and really getting to know the array of tire stores across the United States. We’re video recording a lot of the trip and releasing short travelogue episodes on the ‘Limited Mileage’ tour website. If you enjoy national parks, RV porn, and music, you may enjoy watching it.
Who or what inspired you to launch ‘Greg Hoy & the Boys?’
The motto of the band is ‘Plug in and Play’. My mom named us even though sometimes the band is myself and a bunch of ladies. The name conjures up all sorts of voodoo. Sometimes people think we’re a country band. Sometimes they think we’re a group of plumbers which is interesting because we certainly are adept at laying pipe. With the live GH&TheBs, often the shows are booked first, then we poke around our tribe to see which rhythm sections might be available. In the live setting, it’s myself and a wide cast of trusted fellow creative travelers looking to get you off your butt, aspire you a bit, and dance a lot.
Our readers would like to know more about the band members and their roles in the band?
The fall Rocktober northeast tour is featuring the amazingly talented Natalie Sweet on bass guitar and David E. Richman on drums. Natalie put out her own catchy-as-all-get-out LP this year called ‘Oh, By The Way’. You should check that out immediately. David E. has been in several incarnations of GH&TheB’s and his drumming is loudly featured on our upcoming album. Steve Sutherland is drumming for the Twin Cities and vicinity shows. My band in Pittsburgh has been the same for 20 years: three of the funniest jokers you could ever want to have a beer with & then gather for a group hug.
Tell us about your recent release, “Brilliant Jerk.”
That’s a song about the idiot we all know — the guy that got lucky possibly by accidentally doing something smart. Maybe he made a lot of money, or gained a lot of influence, or power through this action. But in the end we all know he’s just a huge asshole with no real talent or soul. He’s probably never gonna have a realization that he could help others with his gifts. He’s just gonna piss all over everything. The thing is a lot of people like getting wet.
What kind of response have you received from the release?
We’re hitting a lot of small towns on this year long cross country tour. It’s amazing how many people still have record players in their homes and tape decks in their old cars to be able to listen to it. Reviews are pretty great: I’m always humbled when someone takes the time to listen to my music, and even more so to have an opinion on it. A lot of folks are comparing this double LP to ‘the best of the 90’s rock’. I think of it as more a continuation of classic rock n roll, the kind with drums and guitars.
Working in studios or performing on stage, what attracts you more?
I am a recording studio junkie. I’ve had a home studio of some sort for years. I also be sure to spend a few weeks every year in a really big room. In the last decade, that’s mostly at Tiny Telephone in San Francisco geeking out with my pals Jason Slota, Dennis Galway, and the stupendously talented engineer Jacob Winick on drum sounds after drinking too much of JV’s coffee. He usually has some nice sativa to help balance out the jitters as well. Last month I flew to Oregon to work with Sylvia Massy on remixing our new album. She’s just the best.
Performing is a whole other part of my brain where it’s about interaction and moving the air together with band and audience. I get antsy when I’m not playing. I need both sides of making music to thrive. Live, I get to practice what my dear friend Greg The Monk says is ”the power of intention and the vigor of happiness’ with both my band and the room. That’s a fulfilling moment.
Any plans of touring in recent future?
I’m answering these questions laying in Fargo, North Dakota. Today we’ll travel to Minneapolis to rehearse this week for our shows around the area. Steve and I may do a bit of recording at his studio, too. October is intense all over the north east and just in time to watch the Fall colors, too. Check out the internets for all our dates on the Limited Mileage tour up all the way and up until our big New Years Eve shindig.
Are you working on any new projects?
We’re currently mastering the 6 song album ‘Enjoy The View’ which will be out in time for the Rocktober tour. We recorded it with the very legendary Steve Albini in Chicago some years back, and went to Studio Divine to remix the best tracks. It’s got some of my favorite songs on it which we’ll be performing along with songs some of the band are choosing from my 30 or so releases. Our theme is ‘hey, let’s dance’ because let’s face it: you’re not having fun just staring at your phone.
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