Audrey Hobert: The Indie Folk Storyteller

Audrey Hobert is an American indie folk singer-songwriter known for her intricate lyricism and warm, resonant vocals. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, she achieved a significant commercial milestone when her 2018 album Rust & Gold debuted at number 12 on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart.

Early career

Born in 1990, Audrey Hobert began her musical journey in the vibrant Pacific Northwest coffeehouse scene. Her self-released debut EP, Paper Anchor, recorded in a home studio in 2013, caught the attention of the independent label Birchwood Records, which signed her the following year.

Breakthrough

Hobert's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with her sophomore full-length album, Rust & Gold. Released on Birchwood Records, the album's lead single gained traction on adult alternative radio and propelled the LP to sell over 500,000 copies in the United States, earning it a Gold certification from the RIAA.

Key tracks

Northern Lights — This haunting lead single from Rust & Gold became her first track to chart on Billboard's Adult Alternative Airplay list.

Portland in the Rain — An early fan favorite from her debut EP that remains a staple of her live performances.

Secondhand Sun — A key deep-cut album track celebrated for its complex narrative songwriting.

Brave the Tide — This 2021 collaboration with The Decemberists showcased her growth into a more expansive, orchestral folk sound.

Following the success of Rust & Gold, Audrey Hobert embarked on extensive touring and began collaborating with established artists. Her 2021 follow-up, The Long Way Home, featured production work by Tucker Martine and included the collaborative single Brave the Tide with fellow Portland act The Decemberists.

Fans of Audrey Hobert's brand of literate, melody-driven indie folk should also explore the work of First Aid Kit. This Swedish duo shares Hobert's emphasis on close-harmony singing and detailed storytelling. The intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics of Iron And Wine offer a clear parallel to her earlier acoustic material. Listeners may also appreciate the warm vocal tone and folk-pop sensibilities of Lucy Dacus, another artist known for sharp, observational writing.

Audrey Hobert's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly across adult album alternative and independent music radio stations. Her singles receive regular spins on non-commercial public radio music programs and curated online folk radio streams, connecting her with a dedicated audience of listeners.

You can discover the evocative indie folk of Audrey Hobert by tuning into the radio stations featured right here on our website. Listeners can explore her catalog, from early EPs to Gold-certified albums, through the various online radio stations available on onairium.com.