Biography
Raised in Hamilton, Ontario’s steel-making hub, the singer-songwriter embraced a range of instruments during childhood and had mastered the majority by age four. Throughout adolescence he kept honing his skills, composing original material and staging it locally while also joining other musicians in various ensembles. Following secondary school he earned a journalism diploma from Carlton University. His first collection, Under Your Feet, appeared in April 1994 yet attracted scant attention. By 1996, now based in Ottawa, he had composed and performed the score for the long-running theatrical work Anarchy and the Dalmation while simultaneously playing with the local ensemble Hennessey. In 1999 he issued Confused & Bleeding through Puddle Thief Music; the record drew stronger critical notice and established him as a sought-after draw on the Toronto and Ottawa club scenes. Two years later he appeared at the North by Northeast Festival and delivered Drake Motel, produced by John Switzer—whose prior credits include the Waltons and Jane Siberry. The album earned widespread acclaim for its blend of folk, country, and roots rock. Hobbs has also shared bills with Bob Egan and Gregory Hoskins.
Albums
