Having already found huge support for her run of releases recently, Chicago-based artist HODJE returns once again to offer up her stunning new single 'Make Me The Villain'.
Channelling more of that broad and dynamic alt-pop direction she is known for, 'Make Me The Villain' makes for a wonderfully enchanting listen. With its warm 80s-inspired aesthetic, sweeping atmosphere, and her own soaring voice at the helm, she is returning with one of her most impactful offerings to date.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has inspired her most recently.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The piano! I have always thought of it as a very emotive instrument.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I loved 70s and 80s rock because that’s the music my dad played in our house when I was a kid. I also had a soft spot for the rock albums of the early 2000s, like Evanescence’s ‘Fallen’ and Green Day’s ‘American Idiot.’ I am a sucker for anything with an anthemic chorus.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I believe it was a CD of Avril Lavigne’s: ‘Let Go’. It was a gift from my parents. That’s another one of my favourite albums from the early 2000s.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
There are so many songs I wish I could’ve written! One that comes to mind is Billy Idol’s, ‘Dancing With Myself.’ That song is brilliant.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I don’t think I have any specific rituals, though I do utilize the notes app on my phone pretty obsessively when I’m writing a new song. It’s a very convenient place for me to store ideas.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
AJR is one of my favorite groups, so I listen to a lot of their stuff. ‘The DJ Is Crying For Help’ is a song I have been playing a ton lately. I have also been listening to Taylor Swift’s new album, which is fantastic.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Probably AJR or Bleachers!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
There is something very special about taking a painful experience and transforming it into art. Writing a song about something difficult you have gone through also encourages a certain level of introspection I think, which is a rewarding part of being an artist.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part for me has been my experience on the business side of things. There is very little protection for artists, which can make for murky territory to navigate when you are trying to advocate for yourself.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
To let go as much as you can. There are so many things out of our control, and surrendering to that has always been hard for me. The more I accept that, though, the more I can just focus on being creative and having fun.
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HODJE's new single 'Make Me The Villain' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.