Interview - Shobsy

Shobsy, the Irish prince of pop, is making waves once again with the release of his second UK single, 'Hold Me Up'. With a sound that effortlessly blends the shimmering nostalgia of Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Kylie with the modern allure of The Weeknd and Harry Styles, Shobsy is carving out a space of his own in the pop landscape.  

His journey as an artist is shaped by a deep appreciation for legends like Bowie, U2, and Queen, alongside a passion for pushing musical boundaries. As he continues his rise, MeloDrift sits down with Shobsy to talk about his influences, songwriting process, and dreams of world domination—of the nicest sort, of course.  

Welcome to MeloDrift. Can you tell us a little bit about your musical background? 

My musical upbringing was quite vast. My father is a real music fan, and he showed me such an eclectic mix. The main musical obsessions of my childhood were U2, Queen, Elvis, and The Beatles. David Bowie. Bruce Springsteen. Pretty Classic! 

If your life had a theme song, what would it be? 

'Where the Streets Have No Name' by U2.

Who or what have been the most impactful influences on your musical style and sound?

I would say Bowie is my biggest influence regarding how I am approaching my career as a solo artist. He is the Beatles of 'solo artists'. His vast career, spanning many sound and image changes, is highly influential to me. 

How do your life experiences shape your songwriting, and what emotions or ideas do you hope listeners connect with in your music? 

I try to channel all emotions on the spectrum into my work. From writing about champagne to a song like 'Hold Me Up', where I'm essentially on my knees begging for help from God/The universe, whatever you like to name it. 

Each phase of music-making—writing, recording, rehearsing, and performing—has its own unique rewards. Could you share a memorable moment from each stage?

Writing - Doing my first writing session in the amazing city of Berlin was quite an incredible experience. 

Recording - I remember setting an alarm for 5 am to get up and do a vocal recording because I thought it might give my voice a particular low tone, which suited the song. But I ended up sounding like I had just got out of bed. Do not recommend it! 

Rehearsing - Rehearsing with David Bowie's band for our upcoming show in the 3Arena Dublin was incredibly special to me. 

Performing - Playing on the Late Late Show for the first time! 

Is there a song of yours that holds particular personal significance? We’d love to know more about the story or the inspiration behind it.

My latest song 'Hold Me Up' is extremely important to me. I wrote this song at a time when I was quite low in my life. I tried writing the song I felt I needed to hear. I wrote it in an attempt to pick myself back up. I hope it can do the same for others.

If you could swap lives with any musician for a day, who would it be and what would you do? 

Great question! I'd be Freddie Mercury on the day of their Live Aid performance!

What’s a guilty pleasure song you secretly love but might surprise your fans?

I love 'A Million Dreams' from The Greatest Showman. If this comes on at a party, I will force the room to watch me perform it.

Looking ahead, what are some goals or dreams you have for your music and career?

World domination, of the nicest sort of course...only joking kinda. I'd love to really tour the world someday; that would be wonderful.

Finally, is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers before we close?

Tell your friends you love them...today!

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