Greg Hoy‘s new single, ‘The Wheel’ taps into a lesser-known layer of this artist’s expansive identity.
While Greg Hoy’s sound can often be boisterous and rollicking, tracks like ‘The Wheel’ allow him to reveal a different side to his personality. Fans may not be aware of it, but Hoy has studied mindfulness and spirituality – in particular Buddhist teachings – for more than a decade, and even co-authored a book on the subject.
Hoy’s latest single, ‘The Wheel’, maintains an Americana feel, while incorporating an eastern vibe (think late stage Beatles), with steady percussion, rhythmic guitars, and layered harmonies. Written during the Covid-19 Pandemic, the song taps into the widespread disarray and feelings of hopelessness we all experienced at that time. Six years down the track and the despair is sweeping over us again, with institutions and governments operating with no coherent plan, so it’s appropriate that Hoy releases a song that calls out a society that has “fallen asleep at the wheel again”. Too many people somehow find it easy to ignore the suffering around them, falling into a passive acceptance, instead of being awake to what’s going on. As Hoy sings, “So let’s buckle up and ride” – he knows the journey ahead of us is rough, but there is wisdom and compassion to be found in Buddhist teachings, and they’re there for those willing to seek it.
Recorded, edited, and directed by Hoy himself, the music video for ‘The Wheel’ sees him continue the thread of astute observation of society, as he comments on the current state of play in the United States. While it might be heavy subject matter, Hoy and his bandmates are having the time of their lives on screen, playing in front of Hoy’s ancient Sony Handicam. Hoy’s crown, cape, glasses, and microphone are touched with bright red, while the drum set is lit up with blue, in a symbolic distraction from the otherwise black and white clip; serving perhaps as a metaphor for the diversions offered by the US government, and a reminder to turn the wheel, and return our focus on the things that really matter.
‘The Wheel’ is out now, and you can watch the video below. Find out more about Greg Hoy and his music online on his official website, Bandsintown, Instagram, and Twitter.
