A Q+A With Hoodzy

Image Courtesy of Sony Music Australia

Speaking on your newest single ‘Worth It’, talk me through the process of being open and vulnerable on this track. What was it like?

In all honesty being open & vulnerable in my music comes very easy for me. I feel as if I can be myself & tell my story the way I want to tell it. 

You mentioned dealing with thoughts about whether being yourself was 'worth it.' Could you talk through the challenges you've faced in this aspect of your life? 

I guess the thoughts of not being ‘worth it’ stemmed from a low self esteem I had for myself. I’ve struggled with that my entire life & still do. Within the last couple years my confidence in myself has gotten a lot better but it’s still something that I deal with today. 

How has your music helped navigate big personal changes in your life regarding self-acceptance?

My music has definitely helped a lot. It’s my escape from my own thoughts. 

What has been the most challenging aspect of releasing your new single ‘Worth It’, and what was the most rewarding aspect? 

The most challenging thing about releasing Worth it was the change of genre. If I’m being honest I was a little scared to release it because of how different it was to my other releases but after putting it out it felt like a massive weight was lifted off my shoulders.            

 I understand that you’ve been torn between two worlds your whole life - New Zealand and the west coast of Australia. How do these two homes come through in your music? 

I feel as being torn between these two homes have really come out in my recent music. Feeling displaced & lost, especially in my song Worth it. It’s been hard to settle but I’ve found my own home in Melbourne now so things are looking up from here. 

Your discography seems to blend the genres of rock, rap, dream pop and techno. What were your biggest musical inspirations within these genres behind these releases?

It has definitely been a roller coaster of sounds for me this year but I wouldn’t have it any other way but one of my biggest musical inspirations would have to be Santigold. Her music is so electrifying & different. Definitely a sound I gravitate towards when writing. 

If you had to convey the essence of your latest album in a scent, what would it be and why? 

Cigarettes in the rain. For me that scent gives off a sense of freedom & carelessness similar to my latest project. 

What is the most memorable fan encounter you have had so far in your career? 

My most memorable encounter with a fan was when I had a girl come up to me saying that they really related to my song “Worth it” and had a similar experience with coming out whilst having a religious background. It’s a crazy feeling being able to relate to my audience.

What's a surprising skill or hobby you have that most people don't know about, and how, if at all, does it connect to your music?

I can recite lyrics from songs super quickly so I guess that really helps when I’m performing live shows. 

Do you have a specific songwriting ritual or way to approach writing a song?

To be completely honest I just sit & listen to instrumentals that I’m vibing with in the dark. I can’t work with any light on. I’m not sure why but I feel like I’m in my own world when I’m in the dark, it settles my mind when writing music. 

Finally, if you could summarise the message you are trying to convey in your music in a couple sentences, what would it be?

I feel as if my music is very much a coming of age vibe. I get to share my story throughout it all from being carefree & having fun to heartbreaks & self acceptance. My music journey has been a roller coaster, the same as my life.