HODJE, an indie-pop singer-songwriter based in Chicago, has released a gorgeous new single, “Voicemail for My Dad.” Penned about an active shooter lockdown that she experienced while in college, it shines a light on the people we turn to when we’re scared, the loved ones we want to reach out to in times of fear and anxiety, and the things, big and small, that we want to tell them. The gentle vocals plainly share the story, and the stripped-back instrumentation lets the message stand out in stark, stunning relief. It’s more effective for its simplicity, and the impact, with all of its aural softness, is a thought-provoking punch in the gut. It’s songwriting perfection. We sat down with HODJE recently to get some of the details of this song.
Hi, HODJE! You have an amazing new single out in April called “Voicemail for My Dad.” What was it like recording this single? Any great studio stories? Who played on it with you?
This one was very different from my more upbeat songs. I wrote it pretty simply, just voice and chords, so when we brought it into the studio, the main goal was to protect that emotional core. We kept the production really restrained and intentional so nothing would distract from the story. Jake Finch, my producer, and I recorded it in one take.
What kind of a vibe were you going for with this one and what did you do to achieve that?
I wanted it to feel like the intimacy of receiving a voicemail from a loved one in a very difficult time. I hope we achieved that by keeping the arrangement minimal, leaving space in the track, and letting the vocal sit forward in the mix. We tried to make sure nothing was over-performed.
What do you hope this song’s message is to those who listen to it?
It comes from a very heavy experience I had during a lockdown in college, but at its core, the song is about love and who you reach out to when you’re scared.
Have you played this song live? If so, what has the reception been like to it?
I haven’t played it live yet. It’s a heavy song, so I want to be really intentional about how, if, and when I introduce it in a live setting. I think it’s something that requires the right space and time.
How do you feel you’ve changed or grown as an artist/writer/creative person since you started making music?
I trust myself more now. Early on, I second-guessed my instincts and relied more on other people’s opinions. Now I feel more confident following what feels emotionally true, even if it’s less conventional. I also think I’ve gotten better at protecting the core of what I’m trying to say.
You are very much into the visual aspects as well. Why is that important to you, and how do you feel cover art, artist photos, and things like that impact or are related to the music?
The visual world is an extension of the music to me. It helps create context and invites people into the emotional space of the song. Especially with songs like this, where the subject matter is heavy, the visuals can guide how the story is received and understood.
Are there any artists who inspired what you did on this song, be it lyrically, musically, or both?
I’m always inspired by artists who are willing to be really honest. Mon Rovîa comes to mind. That stripped-back approach definitely influenced how I handled this song.
How does it feel to be releasing this single into the world for all to hear? Was it difficult to share this story?
It was definitely difficult. I carried a lot of internal conflict about whether I should release it at all. But at a certain point, it felt more important to be honest about this experience and the complex feelings it has evoked in me.
What has been the most exciting thing to happen for you in the past year? What are you most looking forward to in the coming months in 2026?
This past year I’ve gained a lot more clarity around my voice and the kinds of stories I want to tell. I’m releasing “Voicemail for My Dad” as a sister song to “An American Horror Story,” as they feel like two sides of the same coin. I’m excited to continue expanding this world, both musically and visually in the future.
Got any tour plans? Where can fans see you on the road?
No official tour plans yet, but I’m definitely hoping to start playing more live shows soon. For now, the best way to stay updated is through my social media.
Website & social media links:
Website: https://www.hodjemusic.com/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/hodjemusic
Instagram: http://instagram.com/hodjemusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2vDPj47W2xfG6go3vax0Nq
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/hodje/1296047670
