Artist Spotlight – October 2022

The Hobbs Sisters – October Artist Spotlight

For my October Artist Spotlight, I am SO excited to introduce you to The Hobbs Sisters. I was introduced to this country duo last year and was blown away by their voices and how well they harmonize. I have loved getting to know these ladies and listening to their music over the last year. As a broadcaster, it’s always so exciting when we get to meet new artists and watch them grow as persons and professionals.

The Hobbs Sisters, Hannah and Lauren, were born on May 17th in Indianapolis, IN but were raised in Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh, also known as “the Steele City,” is located in western Pennsylvania at the junction of 3 rivers (Allegheny River, Monongahela River and the Ohio River). It got the nickname “Steele City” for having over 300 steel-related businesses. You also may have heard the city called the “City of Bridges” as it has 446 bridges. Although the girls are based in Nashville now, they will always consider Pittsburgh their hometown.

As far back as they can remember, the Hobbs sisters were always wanting to sing and dazzle their family any chance they got. As like many singers, the started singing in church and then eventually participated in their school choir. By the time they graduated Peters Township High School, The Hobbs Sisters had started writing songs, learning how to play guitar, sang in the choir and also sang in a barbershop quartet. Playing guitar was inspired by having the desire of wanting to put their new lyrics to music. From that point on, The Hobbs Sisters have been writing songs in hopes of sharing with others. As they entered into college, these ladies had that strong bond (like most twins do) but they also always knew they wanted to be a country duo, not separate individual performers.

The interest of being involved in music continued during their college years by singing in a women’s Christian acapella group called Minor Variation. Hannah and Lauren both graduated from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC with majors in communication. Unlike the traditional college students, The Hobbs Sisters were also starting to play professional gigs at local open mics nights and then later at small festivals around their hometown while attending classes and keeping up with schoolwork.

The Hobbs Sisters are considered independent recording artists. Being an independent artist means that they are responsible for all of the business side of things (for example; marketing, booking, managing the production of albums and etc.), not just the singing and performing. All the marketing tools they learned through their educational courses have served them well
with marketing and promoting their music. As young new artists, they are taking on the challenge and being ambitious about running their own business. They are absorbing as much as they can from the leaders in the business. While staying true to their roots and hoping to master the skills they learn to become successful in the music industry, they are developing
the best path to making their dream come true.

As songwriters, Hannah and Lauren find themselves writing upbeat songs that are fun to sing and that incorporate pieces of their lives. Making sure that all emotions are expressed and felt through their songs, the ladies have found it much easier to create songs from their personal experiences. It all happens easier when they are able to write in the co-writers’ home studio in Nashville, TN. In 2017, The Hobbs Sisters, Hannah and Lauren spent three months in Nashville to see if they wanted to make the big move and live in Nashville full time. During that time, they decided to enter and compete in a songwriting contest called Nashville Rising Star. As you can imagine, they won the competition and were grateful for the wonderful experience. That moment was the turning point for them – the point in which they felt confident enough in their artistry and their writing to make the decision of moving to Nashville.

The support and backing from their parents and younger sister are why Hannah and Lauren see them as their biggest inspiration in their lives. After speaking with their mom, it is very obvious to me how much their mom loves and hopes all the best for her daughters. The strong foundation built by the parents is definitely based on love, hard work and strong principles. Their parents have always believed in them and their dreams even when it felt like no one else did. The advice and encouragement from their parents are what has helped them in many ways and kept them motivated to keep chasing their dreams, even during the hard times. The Hobbs Sisters have always seen Shania Twain as their biggest musical inspiration. Shania Twain has written many of her own songs, is an incredible entertainer and has had a long-lasting career in country music.

This summer of the 2022 The Hobbs Sister got the opportunity to open up for Jo Dee Messina at the amphitheater in Morgantown, WV. It was one of the largest crowds they have played for, and it was such a magical night for them. They played mostly original music, and we got an amazing response from the crowd. It was so encouraging for both Hannah and Lauren to be able to sing their music and get a positive response.

Before any show, The Hobbs Sisters have made it a ritual to find a quiet spot to do makeup and get ready together. This is the time the warm their voices up and talk their set plans out. These ladies love to be on stage! They have played at the Bluebird Café in Nashville, and it continues to be one of their favorite spots to play. It feels special to them every time they play there because it is such an iconic Nashville venue that has so much history with songwriters. They are hoping one day they will have the opportunity to play at the Ryman in Nashville, TN. It would also be a dream come true if they could play at the Acrisure Stadium in their hometown of Pittsburgh, PA.

The Hobbs Sisters would tell any up-and-coming new artist that “the answer is always no if you don’t ask”. They have learned this over the years – whether it’s asking for a gig, connecting with someone in the industry or just asking for something you need in your career and they themselves have always tried to follow that advice every day. Be brave, ask for what you want
because it could end up getting you further along in your career.

Fast Firing Fun Facts:

What is your favorite Holiday and why?

They both chose Christmas because they get to come home and get
together with the whole family!

Who is the taller one? Lauren is taller by just 1 INCH!

Who is the oldest? Hannah is the oldest by only 1 MINUTE!

What is your dream destination? Lauren – Italy Hannah – Maui

What is your favorite type of car? Neither one of them are big car people, so they will take the tour bus!

Do you have a hobby outside of music? Both loves to read during their free time or are flying to their next gig.

What is your favorite kind of Ice Cream? Hannah – Chocolate Chip Cookie dough Lauren – Mint Chocolate Chip

What is your favorite junk food? Lauren – Doritos Hannah – Cheez-its

Do you have any pet(s)? Their family dog is named Chip.

What is your favorite book that you read or author that you like to read?

Hannah – ‘Read Verity’ by Colleen Hoover over the summer and couldn’t put it down!

Lauren – Her favorite books this year was ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

News or Upcoming news from artist:

The single called ‘If You Wanted To’ was just recently released. It was written by themselves, The Hobbs Sisters, and produced by Forest Whitehead. This song is the first of several new songs that will be on an upcoming EP!
Keep an eye out for another single from the EP to be released this month!

Website for artist, tour dates and/or merchandise:

Check out the artist/band website for all their new songs, tour dates and merchandise. The best way to support our local broadcasters and artists are through their sales – CDs, albums, shirts and etc. Let’s show our support – go check their website. www.thehobbssisters.com