Meet Toby Hobart, a newcomer to watch with his new single, i think i’m in love with u

Header image by Mitch Lowe.

We're always searching for artists that feel like a snapshot of the future, and it's perhaps why Brisbane-based musician Toby Hobart feels so exciting to come across. The 19-year-old musician isn't exactly a new addition to Australia's musical world - there are singles dating back to 2019 worth taking a look at - but in the last 12 months, he's used the instability of the world to hunker down and work on evolving his musical project and the sound it carries, working alongside super-producer James Angus through the process of doing so.

Throughout this time, he's made a handful of wins that will feature on his debut EP expected sometime soon, but for now, his new single i think I'm in love with u provides a suggestion of what to expect, and if what's on the way is anything like this song, then there's a strong chance Toby Hobart is someone that'll soon be a dominative force in Australian pop by the end of the year.

It's the type of single that just feels like a spark being ignited and with it, comes an introduction to the artist and person behind said spark. I think I'm in love with u flirts with joyful and rich energy, blending textures of pop, R&B, electronica and hip-hop together to create this exciting sound that feels synonymous with the kind-of genre-blurring next chapter of music - something already well underway thanks to musicians like Hobart. It's a step up from what he's already shown us too, capturing his growth and evolution across the course of just a year or so, in a way that will no doubt continue to be unveiled as Toby Hobart further introduces himself with more to come.

In the meantime, i think I'm in love with u is near-perfect, and a worthy excuse to discover someone new. "This track is just super fun, not too serious, just makes you feel a type of way," he says on the single. "I think that's super important for this release. I'm just some regular guy who experiences normal things just like everybody else. Really just want to radiate as much happiness in this release as I can."

In saying that, the musician does suggest that there are some darker, more reflective songs to come; we'll just have to wait and see. "There's definitely a time and place for more serious/sad/personally significant tracks and I will always continue to write and release those as well, however, I just really want to show people more of who I am most of the time."

I think I'm in love with u will put a perk in your step, and with everything going on right now, it's the perfect song to fall into for a bliss few minutes of escapism. Do so below, and underneath, introduce yourself to Toby Hobart as he arms himself with a one to watch status for the year ahead:

Tell us about yourself?

My name is Toby Hobart and I’m a 19 year old singer, songwriter and producer from Brisbane, Australia. I began learning piano when I was 6 years old and just fell in love with music from then on. I kept wanting to learn more and more… so I began learning drums, alto-saxophone, guitar, ukulele and the list goes on. After buying some production software in grade 10, I began putting all of these ideas down and turning it all into my own music.

Initially, writing and producing my own tracks was just a natural way for me to vent and release built up emotional baggage that I’d be carrying around. Whilst this is still a huge part of that for me, it has become such a powerful and beautiful method for me to express moments, feelings, places and people.

What’s your music like? What does it sound like? What kind of themes does it usually cover? 

I find categorising my music quite challenging as I have so many influences on my sound. I’d definitely say it’s down an avenue of pop, with hints of hip-hop, rock, indie and RnB. I love being able to merge my favourite elements from different genres into a single track. The music that currently reflects where I’m at is definitely more upbeat, energetic and overall happier than it has ever been. From teenage heartbreak and falling in love to mental health struggles and growing up, my music is set out to be as relatable as possible. At the end of the day, I’m just another normal teenager going through the ups and downs of growing up and learning about life.

What are your production and writing processes usually like? 

The last couple of years I’ve been fortunate to work with award-winning, Platinum-accredited producer James Angus (The Veronicas, Jai Waetford, Carmouflage Rose).  I’m used to writing and producing all of my tracks so having another main collaborator has been a huge step in my musical development.

I almost always begin writing on just guitar or piano. If I fall in love with a track in its purest and most stripped form, I know it’s in a great place to build up with production. Once I have produced the track to where I’m stoked, I go into the studio with James and we pretty much just nit pick at every single element to ensure that each sound has a purpose and effect. I’ve learnt so much being in the studio with James and he is able to bring so much extra life and emotion out of my tracks that I didn’t know was even there.

Can you tell us about your latest single, i think I’m in love with u?

My latest single i think i’m in love with u is pretty much just about falling in love with someone and not knowing how to tell them. I’m definitely one to catch feelings super easily and I just struggle to sometimes open up and express that. The track is a letter to that person and covers the internal conflict of wanting to express my love to them. This track is just super fun, not too serious, and just makes you feel a type of way. I think that's super important for this release. I'm just some regular guy who experiences normal things just like everybody else. I really just want to radiate as much happiness in this release as I can.

What do you have planned for the rest of 2021?

I’m currently working on a music video for i think i’m in love with u directed by the talented Taine Noble, so I’m super excited for that to be shared. I’m also in the process of finishing an EP as well, all co-produced by James Angus. Depending on COVID, hopefully will be doing a mini tour for the release of the EP towards the end of the year.

What do you want people to take away from your work? 

Bottom line, I just want to allow people to feel something when they listen to my music. For this release I really want the listener to smile, dance and just scream it out whilst driving. I want for people to be able to just let go a bit and become fully engulfed in the music. The world at the moment is a pretty crazy place and I know so many people are just struggling to keep a smile day to day. If I’m able to lighten up 3 minutes of someone's day, I’ve achieved what I’ve set out to do.

That being said, there's definitely a time and place for more serious/sad/personally significant tracks and I will always continue to write and release those as well. To be able to spark an emotion within a listener is what I really try to do. I aim to take you back to a certain time and place; a moment. I feel like music for me has been a way for me to relive moments, places and people. 

Where can we find more of your music?

You can check me out on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube and pretty much every other streaming service out there! 

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