Greg Hoy

With a deep understanding of what it takes to make heads turn toward an artist, Hoy holds the secret to musical greatness, creating songs destined to be met with great success. "Jet Black, Get Back!" is full of classic rock n roll features, like heavy guitar riffs and driving drum backbeats. Still, with a catchy melody with the captivating powers of some of the best pop artistry, listeners do not need to be all-in rockers to enjoy this smashing single. Anyone hearing this song will feel a strong desire to sing and dance along with its tuneful melody. After all, that's what Hoy does best.
MUSIC-NEWS

I always need some deadline or consistent schedule to write songs. In the case of the last LP ‘Cacophony’, I booked a week in the studio then went in the garage the weekend before the session with my suitcase kick drum, a pot of coffee, and a guitar. There was a writing burst in January when I began meditation practices. Sometimes, I need a theme. That can be knowing the players involved if it will be a full band session. Or sometimes, I get a new guitar and it has songs in it waiting to be written.
ESSENTIALLY POP Q&A

You can’t help but admire the chutzpah necessary to wrestle with such long-established standards. Greg Hoy doesn’t sound intimidated at all. Instead, he sounds galvanized by the challenge and lays down four twists on Neil Young’s vision that I can’t help but think the Canadian Hall of Famer would praise without restraint.
MELODY MAKER

Greg Hoy’s four covers provide more surprises than many much longer collections.
COLIN JORDAN

“Old Man and the Cinnamon Girl” shows off Greg Hoy’s soulfulness for he creates a world that feels so vivid and real.
BEACHSLOTH

'Part of why I enjoy recording songs mostly live in the studio is that once the ideal take is recorded, you’re mostly finished. It’s too easy with technology to keep doing version after version, take after take, fix after fix. My goal is always to get the freshest version of a song (even if it’s one – as it is in this case – that I’m re-recording)!' 
Interview with SCOPE

Photo: Hi Dive Denver by Karson Hallaway

'If everything's going smoothly, I think my stage banter is pretty on point. I'm probably more of a secret stand up comedian than musician, anyway.'
Interview with The Indie Source
 

'Highway 101' video premiere at Buzz Music LA

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Q: How are you keeping focused when there is so much to do! 
A: 'The term is probably ‘ruthless prioritization’: what is the best use of my time right now?
Sometimes that means saying no… a lot. Like, a LOT lot.
In fact, saying no to things might be the most amazing gift you can give yourself. Try it!'
Interview with VENTS MAGAZINE

Awesome chat with Kelly at Rising Star on the Atari 2600, touring, listening to LP records, and a whole lot more!

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Rock is being served.
BSQUARED MAGAZINE

 Mental health effects us all. My own journey continues. In the spirit of vulnerability, Rethink Mental Health Incorporated's Samantha talks about making music during the pandemic, mindfulness, toxic masculinity especially with the triggers we all felt this past year, and more.
 

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Greg Hoy has grown so much as an artist since I first heard his music. I love this new album. The inspiration is realistic and heartfelt with a unique perspective. As always he approaches his music with humor that isn’t obvious but fitting for the story.
INDIE MUSIC SPIN 

Greg formed his music tastes through listening sessions with his mother who had a subscription to the Columbia House monthly CD series. Together, the two soaked up the sounds of Huey Lewis and the News, INXS, Chicago, and Led Zeppelin. Those were epiphanic moments for Greg as a budding music fan, and they’re treasured times he spent with his mother.
NALUDA MAGAZINE

The beats are danceable, the guitar riffs are muscular and catchy, THe melodies are designed to grab the listener by the collar, and Hoy performs like he’s right there in front of you and determined to reach you. “Move Along” isn’t quite as frantic as some of the other pub rock party-starters on the set, but the beat is rock solid, the tune is irresistible, and Hoy’s performance is nuanced, smart, and immediately appealing. 
NEW NOISE MAGAZINE

LET'S 'MOVE ALONG' WITH GREG HOY 'This has been a trying year for everyone — imagine if we didn't have the internet for it? Because of technology, I've met new friends and fans all over the world. I appreciate all of the new attention coming to my music and goofy videos. Keep supporting independent artists, and when the time comes & it's safe for you, go see live music'
HOT SOUNDS IN THE CITY 

  'There’s gotta be a hook! Either musically, rhythmically, or melodically. Otherwise I get bored. I’m inspired all the time. Sometimes a friend is going through something and it turns into a song about heartbreak. Sometimes my daughter laughs and it turns into an anthem. Inspiration is all around you if you keep your eyes peeled.'
VOLATILE WEEKLY

THE GOALS OF GREG HOY 'EMAILING Sylvia Massy in 2019. Would you be up to remix some songs? I’d admired her work & artistic approach for years and had listened to some podcast interviews where she talked about working with Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, and Tool. She was just the sweetest person, and she was happy to work with me. I flew to her studio in Oregon and it was like a crash course in how to mix and be humble even as you’re telling someone a story about working with Prince.'
NEW FIRE MUSIC

'We recorded and mixed the whole new record at Tiny Telephone Studio using 2 inch analog tape. So once a mix was done, it was DONE. No computers were used until we were ready to get the files into the digital world.'
CELEBRITY ZONES 

Interview: Greg Hoy talks about the many hats he wears in music
'My house was full of music all the time. Grace Jones. John Phillip Sousa. Nat King Cole. Barbra Streisand. Led Zeppelin. The first single record I bought with my own money was ‘Cars’ by Gary Numan. INXS. James Brown. Eddie Van Halen is a huge one for me. I remember my folks getting me a Yamaha Portasound Keyboard. It had a horn sound on it that was a little like ‘Jump’ so that was the first song I learned ON IT.'
TALENT IN BORDERS 

Greg guests on the AWESOME 'kingdom of rock' podcast

Greg Hoy celebrates his daughter & Women's History Month with 'Here Comes The Light'. “Here Comes the Light” rocks with the best of them. The gritty sound is evocative of Frank Black’s rough edged rambling, and in true Pixies-style, the track is something of a shapeshifter. Strumming might hook a listener, but the break into a melody more electronic will keep you coming back. 
New Sick Music

Greg Hoy gets it. The multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer and record label owner’s latest release “Cacophony” is a great collection of very catchy songs. The first EP has six songs that are smart, pop radio friendly, and funky with melodies so infectious you’ll find yourself singing along to most of them before they are over.' 
The Wrecka Stow

'Opening on crunching rhythm rolling into a stripped-down garage-rock melody, “Cacophony” travels on dirty, chugging guitars topped by Hoy’s Weezer-like observations of what’s going on. Sugary backing harmonies imbue the tune with retro-radiance of creamy doo-wop.' 
XS Noise

'Can You Take It?' feat. Ice T video
*nominated for a California Music Video Award 2020* 
Ice-T kicks off the “Can You Take It?” clip with words of affirmation; Hoy’s fiery music handles the rest. The San Francisco rocker has built a reputation for inexhaustible energy, singalong choruses, and thrown-elbow verses, caustic Costello-style wit, and sharp, gleaming hooks, but we don’t think he’s ever been quite as frantic, or immediate, or catchy, as he is here. 
BEACH SLOTH

Greg Hoy collects digital obsession and desperation in ‘Messed Up World’ Multi-instrumentalist and resident rocker Greg Hoy was thrust right into emotional upheaval when a dear writer and mentor died from the virus. Meanwhile, he anticipated the birth of his daughter. Such a twisted dichotomy is not lost on him. “The prospect of bringing life into this schizophrenic deathwatch mess considerably changed my creative mind" 
B-Sides & Badlands

 Through his new release “Messed up World”, Hoy exposes viewers to the juxtaposition of wild fun with the containment of the creative spirit that so many artists are encountering due to the pandemic. Since Greg says that live music is “mindfulness without even trying” it makes sense that the theme of his newest music would be self-described as “self-reflection and motivation during these times of severe isolation and disconnection.' 
American Pride Magazine

'Cacophony' Track by Track REVIEW on Twitter by Allie L. or check it out over here.

'A wonderously vivacious brand of pop-rock has the ability to invade your brain and take it over and all with the greatest of ease. The EP packs one hell of a youthful rock n' roll punch and each song seems to compliment the last the more you dig in. And we advise you to dig in. The noted single dubbed "Messed Up World" is a colorful indie rock romp complete with with an edgy attitude and a chorus that you'll be singing long after it's ended.  Quirky and tasteful guitars riddle the track with added spirit and it's hard to get enough.' 
The Sound Won't Stop

 Interview: 'Making stuff keeps me grounded and connected. I'd posit intense creativity is the only thing that's going to save the species. People need to tap into their own artistic selves and get back to doing things with their hands. I don't mean Instagram posts and cat.gifs (even though those things are fun).' 
Divide & Conquer 

Interview: Greg & drummer Jason Slota  
'My brain works in a way that gets me lot of highs from making music.' 
BHW

Interview:  'We’re in an age where everyone’s reactionary. Everyone’s lizard brain is being bombarded. Yet by taking the time to live with a piece of art — a full album, a 90 minute movie, a book — we expand our minds and our outlooks.' 
Pro Media MaG

Interview: 'There is a real language and community that music transcends. My wife and I were in New Zealand recently and any time we were in a bar with a live band, I instantly had an in to chatting, hanging out, and communicating. I mean, they speak English so it’s not like it was super far fetched. But I think you know what I mean.' 
American Pride Magazine

Podcast Interview: Greg talks jerks with Jacqueline Jax.

'UNDERTONES OF CLASSIC PUNK ROCK ACTS SUCH AS SEX PISTOLS AND THE CLASH, MIXED IN A MORE POLISHED AND CONTEMPORARY FASHION.' 
PWRMOVES

'A JAGGED-EDGED PIECE OF CLASSIC ROCK COOL...
AT TIMES RECALLING TELEVISION’S CASUAL STYLE' 
BEACH SLOTH

'NAVIGATES THE FINE LINE BETWEEN STADIUM AND STUDIO!' 
VMS

'SHINES WITH A FOCUSED PUNK-ROCK SWAGGER' 
BROKEN 8

'PAY ATTENTION TO THE ATTITUDE AND WIT' 
STEREO STICKMAN

'WHAT ROCK AND ROLL IS ALL ABOUT.' 
ABSOLUTE POWERPOP

'GREG HOY & THE BOYS DEMONSTRATE THEIR ABILITY TO KEEP THINGS VERY ENGAGING.' 
INDIE SPOONFUL

INTERVIEW '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.' 
INDIE MUSIC DISCOVERY 

 'FOMO YOLO ONO IS A SHINING EXAMPLE OF WHY ROCK N’ ROLL WILL NEVER DIE, AND WHY SO MANY PEOPLE LOVE THE GENRE SO MUCH. IT’S FILLED WITH CATCHY RIFFS AND GREAT INSTRUMENTATION AS WELL AS LYRICS THAT DOCUMENT THE STRUGGLES OF THE COMMON MAN... ADDICTED THE FIRST TIME I HEARD IT.  
DIVIDE & CONQUOR

 'GREG HOY HAS BEEN A POP CHAMELEON THROUGHOUT THE LAST DECADE, RELEASING NUMEROUS ALBUMS WITH STYLES AS VARIED AS STRAIGHT-UP POWER POP, SUN RECORDS-STYLE ROCKABILLY, AND NEAR-HEAVY METAL. THIS TIME AROUND HE'S GONE WITH GROOVE, WITH THE RESULTS RESEMBLING THE MINIMALIST-YET-MELODIC BEATS OF SPOON.' 
ABSOLUTE POWERPOP

'EVERYTHING FLOWS. HIS ALBUMS NEVER SOUND LIKE A DISJOINTED COLLECTION OF TRACKS' 
DELUSIONS OF ADEQUACY

THE RECORD PRODUCER REPLACING THE ARTIST HAS BEEN TOSSED ABOUT IN THE PRESS LATELY, AND IT SEEMS THAT MANY HAVE FORGOTTEN THIS IS AN AGE-OLD CONCEPT IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY (SEE MOTOWN). PRODUCER GREG HOY TAKES STAGE FRONT AND CENTER TO PERFORM HIS FINE WEEZER-BY-WAY-OF-THE-BEATLES TUNES. 
VILLAGE VOICE CHOICE 'BEST OF 2003’

'HOY'S CLEAR-EYED ROCK IS FUELED BY STRAIGHT-UP MELODICISM' 
TIME OUT NY

'FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL HOOKS THAT'LL BOUNCE THROUGH YOUR HEAD
WELL AFTER THE ALBUM'S END' 
PUNK PLANET

'ON HIS SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM, HOY HAS CREATED, RECORDED, AND PERFORMED TWO HANDFULS OF POWER-POP TRACKS WITH INSTRUMENTAL ELEMENTS OF THE 70S, 80S, AND 90S AND SURPRISING, DELICIOUS LYRICAL POP CULTURE REFERENCES. THE ALBUM HAS A LOT GOING FOR ITSELF, AS DOES ITS ORIGINATOR. HOY SHOULD PLEASE MANY POWER-POP FANS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO GOT INTO THE GENRE OVER THE LAST DECADE THROUGH SOME OF ITS REVIVALISTS.’ 
DELUSIONS OF ADEQUACY

'GREG HOY WRITES THE KIND OF LEFT-OF-THE-DIAL ROCK THAT
THE REPEAT BUTTON WAS DESIGNED FOR.' 
INTERNATIONAL CORK

‘IMPRESSIVE -- ACCOMPLISHED INDIE POP THAT TOUCHES ON A WIDE SPECTRUM OF SOUNDS. HOY IS THE BRAINCHILD, SOMEWHAT PREDICTABLY, OF GREG HOY OF LAST TOWN CHORUS AND YEARBOOK FAME. HOY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OF THE INSTRUMENTATION ON HIS SOLO DEBUT, AS WELL AS THE RECORDING ITSELF.' 
SPLENDID EZINE

'HOY USHERS IN THE REBIRTH OF SLACK WITH HIS LO AND LOWER-FI INDIE POP THAT RECALLS A LESS AMBITIOUS WEEZER OR A MORE AMBITIOUS PAVEMENT. THIS IS FORTIFIED WITH 10 ESSENTIAL HOOKS THAT'LL BOUNCE THROUGH YOUR HEAD WELL AFTER THE DISC'S END.’  
PUNK PLANET

'Hoy' has to be the best power pop record I've ever heard recorded entirely by one person. Is he for real? What it sounds like is a rocking quartet with Hoy's full-throated singing leading the charge. Sign me up for the next gig & see you in the front row!' 
Jack Rabid at THE BIG TAKEOVER