Following on from the huge response to his 2020 EP 'The Cyclic Nature of Love', fast-rising singer and songwriter Sean Hobbes is back once again to unveil his latest uplifting cut 'I'm Not Sorry'.
Lifted from his forthcoming new EP 'Things Feel Slow', which is expected later this year, 'I'm Not Sorry' is a warm and vibrant return for the artist. Jam-packed with soaring hooks, bold textures, and a killer brass section to boot, be prepared to have this one in your head long after first hearing it.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I started playing guitar when I was twelve. I learned a lot of basic chord shapes and just started playing around with what sounded cool to sing melodies over. I start writing almost all of my songs on guitar because it really lets me focus on making a strong melody.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I went to so many alt-rock concerts in Philadelphia and I think that seeing those shows is a big part of why I want to perform my own music.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The Tarzan soundtrack by Phil Collins. I would make my parents play it in the car on road trips and it never disappointed.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Never Too Much by Luther Vandross. The story that gets told in the verses is so endearing and universal, then the chorus hits and it’s just perfectly suited for Luther Vandross’ voice. My band does it in our live sets and the recording seems so effortless, but that song is not easy.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I don’t know about habits, but when I go to write new music I always have my guitar and a voice memo ready. From there I kind of mess around with chords and melodies until I find something that catches my ear and then I can start to be intentional about the lyrics that are going to go along with it.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Stevie Wonder, Etta James, Bill Withers and then also Amy Winehouse and Adele.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Opening for Leon Bridges would be a dream-come-true show for me.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I think the most rewarding part of being a musician is knowing that people want to hear more from you. This past year especially, when we were live-streaming and selling t-shirts, just hearing from people online who said they can’t wait to see us in person or hear what we have coming next was huge.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I think the most frustrating part is putting in the time. People work for years to break out in music and it’s hard to remember that when you’re moving fast. I’m ambitious, but I have to remember that things take time.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Become friends with other musicians. Networking is so important and I’ve found that other artists are some of the most reliable fans when you show them love. Independent artists have to support each other.
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Sean Hobbes' new single 'I'm Not Sorry' is available to stream now. Check out the new video for it in the player below.