Exclusive interview: Singer-songwriter Hovey Otis Brings Small-town Heart to the Big City

Hovey Otis: Hovey is a family name taken from my great grandfather. I never knew the man, but from what I’ve heard and read, he seems like a cool guy. 

AL: I read that you’re originally from Burlington, VT. Was there a bit culture shock relocating to Brooklyn, NY? What do you miss about your hometown? 

HO: It was a total culture shock. Luckily, my brother had been living in NY for a few years prior to my moving, so I was able to visit and dip my toes in the Brooklyn waters. The only thing I really miss about being in Vermont is the nature and open spaces. Vermont is a beautiful place, but there’s no room for anonymity. I was yearning for a newer lifestyle, and I am very happy in Brooklyn. 

AL: How did your relocation effect your songwriting and your life in general?

HO: When I first arrived, I had a ton of time to myself while settling in, finding job and getting used to everything. This gave me a lot of isolated time to write and work out songs to how I liked them. I recorded demo after demo until I had things right for the new EP. Life in general has been a pretty easy transition once you get over the fast pace of the city. But, I still go back to Vermont every few months just to take a deep breath.

AL: What is your songwriting process like?  Who were your biggest songwriting idols?

HO: For me the process is very spontaneous. I could go for months without writing something that I really like. Then, all of a sudden I would be plucking at the guitar and something will just hit me. I’ll get pumped up and scribble out the tune. From then, I like to rework some parts or change the arrangement. Its always an ongoing process until the song is recorded and done. 

In terms of idols, I couldn’t really put my finger on a folk/americana artist that I idolize. Lots of lyricists that standout to me are hip hop or indie rock artists. I just feel like folk singers talk a lot of metaphorical trains or something like that. I’m inspired by new and fresh ideas. 

AL:  Tell us about your new EP, Fool’s Gold?  What’s the significance of the title? How is it different from your first EP, Standing Alone?

HO: The title was pulled from one of the songs from the record. The lyric refers to fool’s gold as something that provides false happiness, which I see a lot of these days. This record is a lot less folk/acoustic and is more of a collection of different genres. Also, I recorded this time in Brooklyn, which for me, was an entirely different recording process from the first EP. 

AL: What are your live shows typically like?  Do you prefer performing solo or with a band?

HO: I mostly perform solo. Sometimes as a duet with a college buddy of mine who plays violin. In the past its always acoustic guitar with vocals. But I am currently preparing a very interactive and engaging backing track/multimedia aspect to my show that I will be taking on the road in September. 

That second part is pretty hard to answer. On one hand, I love playing music with groups of people. I think the collaboration and camaraderie that is archived can’t be matched. However, when it comes to mixing personalities, schedules, and goals, sometimes its better to keep things simple and perform solo.  

AL: With so many singer-songwriters as well as folk-rock and Americana acts out there, what do you feel makes you stand out the most?

HO: I like to add a lot of fun African and Caribbean rhythms to my songs. I also like to have a full percussion palate on the new EP which delivers some good energy.

AL: What’s the significance of the owl in your artwork?

HO: I was curious one day about the origins of the name Hovey and did a quick google search. The name is super old and has gaelic origins. The word describes a man that looks and acts like an owl. I read that and a lightbulb went on in my head.

AL: What’s coming up for Hovey Otis for the rest of 2016?

HO: Well the new EP comes out in July, and I am planning a Northeast tour for September. Until then however, just getting all my ducks in a row with the multimedia based set,rehearsing said set, playing NYC shows and writing or editing new material.