Biography

Brian Hobbs is an American songwriter who has been living in Sweden for the past 14 years. Originally from North Carolina, Brian studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. After his studies there Brian moved to New York City where he “paid his dues” by working as an accompanist in an “open mic” bar, selling clothes at Macy’s, and even trading silver and gold options on the New York Commodities Exchange. But music has always been the focus. He was selected as a member of the ASCAP Musical Theater Workshop in 1982 and the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop in 1985-1986.  Applicants to these workshops are chosen by audition, and Brian was one of two composer/lyricists selected out of a total of 20 composers or lyricists who were selected from over 1,000 applicants.  He was also selected to participate in the ASCAP Pop Music Workshop in 1989 and the R&B Music Workshop in 1991.

 

Brian wrote the music and lyrics for POE (a musical based on the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe), which received a showcase production with the Soho Repertory Theater in NYC in 1989.

 

Brian moved to Sweden in 1992 and was signed to MCA Music Publishing. In 2001 he signed an exclusive publishing deal with Multiplay Music Ltd., based in London. During his time in Sweden Brian has had his songs recorded by Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Belgian, Spanish, British, Australian, Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, German and American artists.

 

In 1999 he co-wrote and produced the album, Alabaster Nights, with a female duo; Charlotte & Dea, which was released in Japan and Singapore.

 

He produced his first solo instrumental album with relaxation music in 2001, Music for Balancing Body & Mind.

 

His second instrumental album, Impressions of the Outer Banks, was released in 2003. That same year he co-wrote and produced the debut for Swedish country artist, Monica Silverstrand (Been there, done that). He also wrote a special commemorative piece for wind band, which was performed at the Wright Brothers’ First Flight Centennial on December 17, 2003 in Kitty Hawk, NC.

 

He has just finished a Christmas CD, Candle in the Window.

 

He is now working on projects with soul/funk keyboardist/vocalist, Andreas Aleman, and vocalists and songwriters, Mia Löfgren and Erika Mattsson.