Audrey Hobert’s Music Journey: More Than Just a Stroke of Luck

Audrey Hobert is ready to embrace her destiny as a pop star. At just 26, Hobert reflects on her journey during a recent rainy morning at Swingers Diner in Hollywood, stating with passion, “I had been sitting on all of this music long enough that there was like a tiny man in my soul beating down the door of my soul.”

The Los Angeles native is gearing up for her “Staircase to Stardom” tour, which will take her across North America, Europe, and Australia. This week, she will perform at the El Rey Theatre in Miracle Mile on Thursday before heading to Inglewood’s Intuit Dome the following day for Jingle Ball. Her tour features songs from her debut album, “Who’s the Clown?,” which was released under RCA Records in August.

Despite a successful year in music, Hobert’s path was not always clear. A 2021 graduate of New York University with a BFA in screenwriting, she initially worked behind the scenes in a Nickelodeon writers’ room for the now-canceled “The Really Loud House.” Everything changed when she began collaborating with childhood friend Gracie Abrams on tracks for her 2024 album, “The Secret of Us.” Following that, she signed a publishing deal with Universal Music Group, transitioning from writing for others to creating music that resonated personally.

Hobert teamed up with producer Ricky Gourmet to find the right balance between bubblegum pop and appealing arrangements, including saxophone solos. Though she did not land lead roles during her time as a theater kid, her music radiates “main character energy.” Her debut single, “Sue me,” a vibrant anthem about wanting an ex’s attention, climbed to No. 26 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay Chart, while the accompanying music video showcases her playful spirit and directorial talent.

Although she has performed only a handful of shows, the artist has already garnered a dedicated fan base eager to sing her self-aware lyrics during live performances, whether that involves the fiery chorus of “Sue me” or playful references in “Sex and the City.” Over French toast and coffee, Hobert reflected on a career she hadn’t anticipated.

This conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

**On adjusting to life as an emerging pop star:**
I still feel like a girl who enjoys being at home in her creams and nightgown, but I also love the high-energy feeling of working hard. I think it can dip into dangerous territory if you enjoy that too much, but it doesn’t feel like partying. I recently spent four days shooting a music video, staying up until 3 a.m. with a “skeleton crew.” I sense that I’m on the brink of something, even though I don’t quite feel like I’ve fully arrived yet.

**On performing in Los Angeles:**
I’m going to be incredibly nervous because most of my friends and family will be in the audience. I’ve decided to keep the details of the tour secret from them so they can experience it without any hints. I believe I’ll receive the best feedback if they witness it for the first time.

**On the nerves of performing for loved ones:**
Nervousness and excitement feel similar to me; it’s intensely exciting to perform in front of people I know, which was true during my shows in Australia and Amsterdam. There’s a sense of freedom when performing in places where I don’t have those personal connections.

**On her performances so far:**
I never pictured myself as someone who would perform alone with just a guitar, but many of my songs are written that way. Performing on “Jimmy Fallon” gave me a taste of what it’s like to be in front of an audience enthralled by my music, even if it was different from performing for a crowd of my fans.

**On hearing fans sing her lyrics:**
It’s pretty wild. I remember how hard I worked on every line, wanting to achieve the best version possible. When people sing my lyrics back to me, I feel such joy and validation. It’s incredible to know they connect with my work.

**On her song “Phoebe” and her journey:**
I had just discovered my passion for writing songs and had written many tracks with Gracie. I found myself in a transitional phase where I was technically a signed songwriter, but it did not align with what I had imagined for my life. The songwriting process felt cosmic and invigorating; I didn’t doubt that it would lead to something impactful.

**On the release of “Sue me”:**
The release date kept getting pushed back and each time, it broke my heart a little. The moment I put out the song, I felt a newfound freedom. The reception has been encouraging; while “Sue me” may not have been a viral hit, it gained traction, which felt incredible.

**On writing about her life:**
The transition felt natural and effortless—from collaborating with Gracie to writing solo. It’s a different joy when sharing the process with her, but both experiences give me the exhilarating rush of creativity I crave.

**On the nostalgic yet modern sound of her music:**
I didn’t have specific references for this project, as I felt unbound by rules. I used to analyze why certain pop songs worked, but this time, I allowed my instinct to guide me, creating music deeply rooted in my personal experience.

**On her approach to music videos:**
Initially, I thought I would never work with a director, but I’ve come to enjoy directing my videos. I would be open to collaborating with others, particularly with talented people like Dan Streit, who I admire.

**On her movie tastes:**
I love watching movies. I’ve been focusing on keeping social media off my phone and immersing myself in films. I enjoy a mix of genres, from Robert Altman’s “The Player” to Greta Gerwig’s works, which resonate strongly with me.

**On the role of fashion in her artistic vision:**
If asked in childhood, I might have said I wanted to be a fashion designer, influenced by Disney Channel aesthetics. While I appreciate fashion, I feel most comfortable in my own clothes; it helps me maintain my authenticity.

**On her fashion role models:**
Selena Gomez has always been my inspiration.

**On her writing process post-album release:**
I’ve been contemplating writer’s block and whether it exists. I’ve always felt like a writer and know that when I have a song to write, I will. I’m not concerned about my output currently and trust the process will flow when the time is right.

**On the most rewarding aspect of her journey:**
The most exciting part is the connection with fans. It’s more thrilling than any attention from media or accolades, reminding me of why I’m pursuing music in the first place. It’s truly one of the coolest experiences of my life.