A Dirty Dozen with HODJE – March 2026

Photo credit: Gabrielle Daylor

According to a recent press release: “HODJE is a Chicago-based indie pop artist blending sharp lyricism with vivid, satirical storytelling. Her debut EP, Read My Mind, established her voice as an emotionally candid writer, anchored by the listener favorite “DeluluLand,” which was selected as a Best Of song winner by NSAI in partnership with Tin Pan South. Her work balances indie pop sensibilities with pointed observations about the world around her, exploring themes of existential dread, grief, hope, and the strange reality of living through unprecedented times. She returns with a punchier single, “An American Horror Story,” which conveys her disillusionment with the ever-present and far-reaching violence in the United States, and pulls from her own experience and proximity to a school shooting during her undergraduate years.” We get HODJE to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

“An American Horror Story” is a song about refusing to become numb to the horrors we’re constantly exposed to. It sounds like a punchy indie track, but the song is really about how I believe all forms of violence are connected.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I started writing songs in high school. I loved the storytelling aspect of songwriting, and I think that’s what has fueled me to continue creating music. It’s very rewarding to me.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

It’s hard to name a specific one. I think seeing women who gave themselves permission to be emotional and sharp really inspired me. A few artists that are inspiring me right now include Beach Bunny, Griff, and Chappell Roan.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

It would have to be Chappell! Her voice is so beautiful and emotive.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

I’m a homebody, and I enjoy interior decorating. I like losing hours of my life scrolling home makeover TikToks. It’s weirdly soothing to me.

6. How would you describe your music to someone new? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I write lyric-driven songs, and everything else is secondary. It might sound pop, rock, or folk depending on the track, but at its core it’s all storytelling with different sonic backdrops. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a review or take that I strongly disagree with!

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

I don’t have a full-time band, but when collaborators are around, I’m definitely the one who leans most introvert. My guitarist, Andre, is a social butterfly and really thrives at social events.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

When I met Tabitha Brown. I’ve met her a few times now, and every single time I get nervous. She is so radiant and so beautiful. I love her approach to life and the way she connects with people.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The best part of being a musician is realizing that other people can feel more seen or heard by recognizing themselves in the songs I write. If I wasn’t able to have music in my life, I’d probably channel that same passion into the nonprofit space, with a focus on fighting for animal welfare.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I never expect anything specific; I’m honestly just grateful when people are curious enough to ask questions at all!

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I would’ve vetted people more early on. I trusted everyone at first, and while I don’t want to be jaded, I’ve learned that trust is something people can earn over time.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

The Beatles during Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. I’d love to just be a fly on the wall and observe whatever they did to make that album come to life.

HODJE LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

Category: Interviews