Operating under a slew of alternating monikers over the past few decades, rocker/singer-songwriter Greg Hoy is taking his birth name for a spin this time around. After over a decade in Brooklyn, NY, Hoy relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area as a part of the 2010’s tech boom. Relentless with his prolific music output, Hoy’s experiences working there informed his music with a rising consciousness of the triumphs and woes of mankind’s progress. Yet with over 30 albums released, Hoy can tackle any imaginable topic candid lyricism and authenticity of sound.
Exploring Modern Societal Woes: Yay For Effort
With his most recent album, *Yay For Effort*, Hoy lends his humor, wit, talent, and sincerity to contemplating modern societal woes, like climate change, the pandemic, love, and mental health. An upbeat track from his recent album *Yay for Effort*, “Comfort Vendetta” is Greg Hoy’s fuzzy, 90s-inspired reflection on dating an emotionally unavailable partner. The song launches out the gates with a sunny synth motif over a guitar and bass strutting in parallel. With the strain and grumble of his voice, Hoy brings to life the agony of constantly stretching out a compassionate arm to a partner in continuous withdrawal. Despite its difficult topic, the song begs to be sung and danced along to—a product of a skilled songwriter balancing emotional tension with infectious musical energy.
Collaborations and Acclaim
East Bay, CA-based songwriter Greg Hoy – who’s recorded with Steve Albini (Nirvana, Pixies), Sylvia Massy (Johnny Cash, Tom Petty), and John Vanderslice (Spoon, Nada Surf) – toured 25 dates across the US in the fall of 2021 supporting his latest vinyl LP release ‘Cacophony’. Comparisons to Jack White, Tom Petty, and Brittany Howard aside, the veteran songwriter has been a long time critical favorite. Hip-hop icon Ice-T appeared in his recent music video for ‘Can You Take It?’ which was nominated for a California Music Video Award. Picked to take part in the 2021 Durango Songwriters Showcase for Film & TV, his songs have been heard on networks such as the CW, HBO, and MTV, as well as in commercials for Pinterest, Adobe, and American Express. Time Out NY says ‘Hoy’s music is fueled by straight up melodicism.’ Red Red Wine on a Sunday says ‘Greg’s records are deep – like peeling layers off an onion – each song is a revelation!’ Broken 8 says his work ‘shines with a focused punk rock swagger.’
Social Links & Website:
https://www.thegreghoy.com/
https://youtube.com/GregHoyOhYeah
