By: Staff
HODD unveils the captivating new single "Eavesdropping on your Soul," blending raw emotion with a haunting violin arrangement.
We had a chance to check out the YouTube official video for "Eavesdropping on Your Soul" by HODD and absolutely loved the opening violin. The video immediately pulls you in, with the protagonist's eyes being so genuine and developing a deep connection with the viewer. There's something in the eyes that tells a deeper story, a direct emotional link between the artist and the viewer. It’s like an actor commanding the screen in a movie—HODD nails that connection, making it clear that this song is deeply personal. Right from the start, we’re hit with beautiful vocals that pair perfectly with the song's opening.
When the lyrics hit: “Tell me what you think is going on here in the half-life 'cause in your eyes I see this faith is strong,” it ties everything together—emotion, music, and meaning. The vocals and violin are beautifully intertwined, like stripes on a candy cane, moving together in perfect harmony. The video’s intimate close-up style brings you face-to-face with HODD, creating a strong sense of attachment as if you're right there with them. I can’t imagine how powerful this artist must be in person if they can convey so much through video! The raw emotion and connection that HODD displays in "Eavesdropping on Your Soul" is just breathtaking. If a video can pull you in this deeply, experiencing them live must be an entirely different level of intensity and energy. The way they engage with their audience through such a personal and intimate performance makes it clear that HODD’s live shows would be unforgettable.
As the song progresses, HODD's emotional performance builds and evolves with intensity. One standout moment is when HODD joyfully grabs an everyday piece of clothing and puts it on, and genuine happiness leaps off the screen. It's raw, heartfelt, and perfectly captured in one take. This video will bring an uplifting moment to your day if you're looking for a feel-good vibe!
In short, HODD delivers an unforgettable performance in "Eavesdropping on Your Soul." The raw emotion, masterful pairing of vocals and violin, and the way the video captures these moments make this a must-watch for anyone seeking something deeply personal and artistically excellent.
Cultivated in the singer-songwriter circles of Ireland, but now immersed in the UK music scene, Stephen Hodd, known professionally as HODD, delivers a deeply personal and soulful sound, blending his life's experiences with his signature style. His latest project, "Eavesdropping on Your Soul," delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and personal acceptance. Inspired by a mix of cathartic life events and a love for guitar-driven storytelling, HODD has crafted music that resonates with emotional depth and raw authenticity. His collaborations with top musicians such as ex-Iggy Pop drummer Mat Hector showcase the expansive quality of his work.
You can find this release on any major platform, see below for links to take you straight to some of the profiles. Make sure to playlist, stream, and share Eavesdropping on your Soul by HODD.
Powerful Quote about this artist:
“Hodd captures the essence of a romantic’s journey, where one soul intuitively senses an intimate connection before the other has even begun to perceive it. The song beautifully touches upon the need for caution when navigating such powerful emotions.”
Wait….. there's more!
We caught up with this exciting and emerging artist, for:
“The Cage” Music Blog, to talk about music and learn more about them.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview
Hello HODD, we’re thrilled to have you for this interview. We've enjoyed diving into your music and learning about your work, but we're eager to discover even more about you personally and professionally.
Is there a story behind how you chose your artist name?
Hodd is my surname. I didn’t choose it, but I did choose to embrace it. I'm in a phase of my career where I’m working on accepting who I am. In the past, my surname was always an issue for me—it was something kids would tease me about, rhyming it with all sorts of things. It was different, and as a kid, I wanted a more common name like Smith or Jones. But now, I'm glad I have an unusual name. Odd rhymes with Hodd, after all! In fact, you could even rhyme my name, Stephen Hodd, with "Even Odd" if you wanted. These days, it doesn’t bother me at all.
I suppose the most important statement I can make is that this is a moment where I fully accept who I am, and I stand tall with all the facets that make me, me—warts and all.
Can you tell the fans something they might not know about you and why you create music?
When I was a youngster, I did one of those ear tests in school to assess my hearing and whether or not I should play an instrument. Apparently, I scored much higher than my teacher, which is why I jumped up in assembly and announced that I wanted to play the violin. I’ve always felt that my ability to remember music far outweighs my ability to remember names and faces. Despite this, I still can’t read music. It’s just part of who I am and what I’m used to. And also likely why my violin teacher decided to call me a 'fekin eejit'. It was character building I swear!
Was there always a desire to create music, or did you have an event in your life that made you realize this is what you want to do as a profession?
This question comes at an interesting time for me, as it takes me back to an event when a friend of mine disappeared into a river when we were around 20. At the time, I was working on a song called "Colours of the Rain," and writing it brought me great comfort during that difficult period. The cathartic nature of the song was a balm to my troubled soul. I ended up singing it at his funeral in what felt like a surreal moment. Surrounded by mountains and mourners, I realized that I might be able to turn my ability to craft meaningful phrases into cohesive songs that could provide relief and release.
From that moment, I felt able to explore the dark tunnels of the mind, mining psychological gemstones from the walls and bringing them into the light to better understand concepts. In turn, I hoped to gift that understanding to others who might be struggling. This is why I keep doing it. This is why I seek to continue working with the wonderful burden of being a songwriter.
We read: “This poignant track captures the profound moment when two hearts recognize their mutual connection—a realization that one was hopelessly in love long before the other even noticed” That’s an incredibly powerful statement. Can you tell us if this is something that happened to you in real life?
It certainly has. I write songs from experience, so I have to acknowledge that this has been a recurring theme in the past. I also feel that the thematic nature of such events might reflect the breaking of a relationship, where one feels they can read the soul of another and see that it's over. In fact, when I perform the song live, I often change the last chorus from "I'm just a boy who fell in love with it all" to "I'm just a boy who fell in love with the fall." There may be some truth in the idea that I’m addicted to heartbreak.
As a young man, I was always coming up with romantic lines that would be snatched from the wreckage of a broken relationship. Over time, I’ve evolved—though I can’t help but notice that the word "evolved" contains the word "loved." Perhaps my healing journey isn't yet driven by pure intention.
We read: “ The track features a stellar lineup with ex-Iggy Pop drummer Mat Hector on drums, Mark Neary on bass, and a stirring string section performed by Benjamin Lee (violin/viola) and Gabriel Waite (cello)”
How did you wind up with such an incredible lineup of artists?
I’ve been involved in the UK music scene professionally for years and discovered Mat Hector’s incredible drumming skills through a mutual friend who was playing bass with Mat in Iggy Pop’s band at the time. Mat and Mark Neary run Jackdaw Studios, where they use their considerable talents to craft amazing tracks for the lucky artists who find them. I highly recommend their services—they play with passion and record with grit. The result is a massive sound.
I’ve known Ben Lee for a long time. We spent some time on the road with Lou Rhodes (LAMB). Ben is officially the world’s fastest violinist! Though he didn’t need to use that particular skill set for my recording. Ben works with Gabriel up north (UK) on many top-tier projects.
What instrument do you use as the foundation to start your musical creations with?
I’m a firm believer that truth is found with a pen, paper, and a guitar—although, to be honest, it’s not a 100% rule! More often than not, I pick up the guitar and let the instrument massage my heart. From this connection, the lyrics flow. The flow takes over. I used to host a podcast called Tapping the Flow (due for a rebirth), where my guests and I would discuss the existence of a constantly streaming flow of creative energy. As songwriters, we’ve honed our skills to tap into this flow and draw from a shared, experiential flood. For me, the guitar is my tool, cutting deep into the flow.
We read:
“Renowned guitarist and former Passenger/Lou Rhodes collaborator, Stephen William Hodd”
Can you tell us about your love for guitar and some notable experiences you have had in your career?
Ah, it's been a long journey, full of great shows, recording studios, road trips, and songs. I first fell in love with the guitar when I heard Dire Straits' Alchemy Live album, but I decided I wanted to play when I saw Thin Lizzy in Tralee, Co. Kerry, at age 14. Phil Lynott had already passed away, but seeing them live made me realize I needed to do this. From that point on, I fronted a few bands and eventually opened for artists like Mark Knopfler, Bonnie Raitt, Damien Rice, and Rodrigo y Gabriela. That was magical!
I later moved from Ireland to London and toured the globe with LAMB singer Lou Rhodes and then Passenger. Now my own music is taking off, so it’s far from over! I’ve played some big shows—70,000 people at Party in the Park in Leeds, which was mental. Most bands were miming, but with Passenger, we decided to play live, and then the sound system failed. It was crazy! And playing Glastonbury with Lou Rhodes was unforgettable—the sun came out as we played. Great times.
What instrument do you not play, or play leisurely, that you wish you could master?
Piano. I compose with it, but I often move the notes around afterward. I wish I could play with more fluidity. My first instrument was the piano! It was delivered to my house on a forklift truck when I was five, and I immediately bashed out Chopsticks from memory. But I never developed the skills to play at anthing near Grade 8 level—that would be amazing, and it's something I hope to master later in life.
I’ve got my eye on a Dave Smith Prophet 5 for future composing, but to justify that, I’ll need to really sharpen my skills. It's funny that the first song I ever played was Chopsticks, yet I still don’t have the "chops"!
What was the most challenging part of bringing this project to life, from the initial idea to the final recording?
Staying true to the intention of the material is always the hardest part. These songs are simpler than those on my previous album, Ode, and I often tried to overcomplicate them, which led to derailment. I had to pull myself together numerous times along the way to keep believing in it. To be honest, the most important thing when creating is to find your own love for the project—at least, that’s the case for me. I was so unsure about this album, and still am to some degree, so I constantly sought feedback from my friends, wrestling with identity.
But now, I’ve reached a point where I don’t need external validation to appreciate it myself. It is what it is, and it’s reaching people. My task now is to share it with love and respect for its purity.
Is any part of your music's message or your personal purpose you feel fans should know more about? If so, what is that element, and why is it so important to you?
I believe we need to do more to talk about mental health issues. The reason my upcoming album is called Better Man is that I personally needed help with mental struggles. The process of making this album was a healing experience for me, especially following the loss of my older brother to suicide. I hope my music can provide a path from darkness to light and inspire people to support one another. Without community, we are lost souls adrift in a sea of disdain. We must be open to seeking the help we need and also be willing to offer support to those who need it.
What part of the music-making process is the most stressful, ie the creation, the actual release date, etc?
Ah, that auld chestnut. You only know what's inside when you crack it. Making music is always pure joy as long as you're in touch with the essence of the idea. But when it comes to release strategies and how to actually get it in front of the right people, I can get a bit out of shape. At my age, I struggle to see myself engaging with new music strategies like TikTok lip-syncs or hanging upside down from a waterfall with an umbrella attached to my foot while mouthing lyrics (though that might work!).
So, I have to find ways to stay true to who I am. What happens is that I often veer off and end up creating some heavy metal anthem just to pass the time. I can be the pontif of procrastination when I’m not feeling motivated! Haha.
Which of your already released songs is the most important to you, or had the most impact on your life or career and can you tell us why?
That’s a good question. I’d probably choose a song like “Monument,” which exists in two forms: a live-looped version recorded in a church and a live version played into a single mic. I might be besotted by it because it thrives both in a raw, stripped-down version and in a transcendent, out-of-body version. I feel deeply in tune with my capabilities as an artist when I play it—both lyrically and experimentally. You can hear it on my YouTube channel; stay tuned to the end as it gets quite intense! One live take was recorded at St. Mary’s Church, Woodbridge. It’s full of energy, with totally heartfelt lyrics and gently finger-picked guitar parts played on a Les Paul.
Where do you see your sound and artistry heading in the future? Are there any exciting new directions you're exploring?
I believe the next phase will be a sublime one. I’ve just created a commercial record of heartfelt, impactful songs that fit the singer-songwriter mold perfectly. They’re fun to play live and bring joy to others. My next project might involve expanding on my work with “Monument,” which forms a core part of the project. I plan to take a collection of songs—already written—and bring them to the stage with a string quartet and other musicians, capturing the moment live. It will be challenging to bring this to the stage, as it tends to scare people, but I believe that beyond the fear lies an ever-evolving river of pure truth and healing.
Of course, for now, my focus is on getting Better Man to as many ears as possible. This new project will likely fall under my alter ego, Ragged Rebel City, which runs alongside my other work. There are some scattered mentions of it online if you look.
Was there ever a time when you emotionally felt, “I can’t do this anymore”? Can you tell us why this happened and how you found the strength to continue?
This happens all the time. It’s a feeling that grows stronger every year. I’ve been doing this for ages and haven’t achieved the financial success I once hoped for. The way music is shared has changed so dramatically that I worry I might not have a place in it. But I keep going because it’s all I know, and I can see the positivity in my music lifting people out of dark places. So my role as a songwriter remains vital. As long as the songs keep coming, I will continue. And even when the pen is lost, I’ll scrape the words into the earth until I can scrape no more.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Do not let your edges be smoothed by another. Edges make us who we are.
What is your favorite song to cover?
I must admit that I am not much of a cover song enthusiast. But, i do a mean looped version of 'Gallows Pole' - inspired by the Led Zeppelin version.
What is your favorite quote?
This Calvin Coolidge quote is on my dads headstone :
" Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. "
We have experienced that many people perform acts of selflessness each day. Once your artistry has reached far and wide, how will you use that more powerful voice to have a bigger positive impact on our world?
I believe that achieving fame and success on such a grand scale isn’t something I can realistically aspire to. All I can do is act in the present and use my music to bring healing to those in darkness. My focus is on diving deep into the psyche of the self, mining it for nuggets of truth, and presenting them as beacons of hope to the hopeless. If I were to strike gold, it would be in the form of a sacred nugget of truth rather than financial gain. That said, I do aim for some level of financial success, at least enough to make touring and releasing records a regular occurrence and one that grows. Building a community of fans who can support and nurture each other, and who also feel the love, would be a goal. And with that comes responsibility.
What is the most inspirational thing a fan, or anyone, has told or shown you about your music?
Someone once told me after a recent show that there were moments when they were in tears of sadness and others when they felt tears of joy. By the end of the gig, they felt as if they had experienced a form of healing.
That was just about the most incredible validation for why I continue to make music to this day.
HODD, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
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We’re thrilled to have shared this artist’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
Now, click the links below to experience their incredible work firsthand!
Check out this latest release and listen to more of HODD on Spotify & YouTube.
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