Moby HHV Records 17 Items

Great-great-grandnephew

The great-great-grandnephew of Herman Melville, the famous author of Moby Dick, Moby grew up in Darien, Connecticut, and had a unique childhood. This family connection to literary greats inspired his stage name. From a young age, Moby showed a keen interest in music. He began learning classical guitar at the age of nine, and eventually taught himself other instruments, including piano and drums. In his teens, he played in several local punk bands and immersed himself in the DIY ethos. Moby’s journey into electronic music began in the late 1980s, when he experimented with synthesizers and drum machines. He moved to New York City, a vibrant center of musical innovation, where he joined the emerging rave and club culture. Moby’s tireless dedication to his craft led him to produce his first solo album, Moby (1992), which featured his distinctive blend of electronic, ambient and dance music. Although Moby’s first releases were critically acclaimed, it was not until the release of his album Play (1999) that he made his international breakthrough. The mix of electronic music and samples from old blues and gospel recordings struck a chord with audiences around the world and catapulted Moby to the forefront of the electronic music scene.

Breakthrough and reflection

In 1991 Moby released his self-titled debut album, combining electronic beats and samples with elements of punk and alternative rock. However, it was his fifth studio album Play (1999) that propelled him to international fame. With iconic tracks such as Porcelain, Natural Blues and Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? the album seamlessly fused electronic sounds with soulful melodies, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success. On subsequent vinyls, including 18 (2002) and Hotel (2005), Moby continued to experiment with different genres without changing his distinctive sound. 18 showcased his versatility, with tracks ranging from ambient instrumentals to collaborations with guest vocalists. In 2009, Moby released Wait for Me, a haunting and introspective vinyl that represented a departure from his previous work. He removed the commercial gloss and returned to a more raw sound, creating a deeply personal and atmospheric album. Moby’s discography also includes notable releases such as Destroyed (2011), Innocents (2013), and Everything Was Beautiful, and Nothing Hurt (2018), all of which offer a unique sonic experience while maintaining his artistic integrity. His 20th release came out in 2021 and is called Resound NYC. In this vinyl he has reinterpreted and orchestrated 15 of his most legendary tracks. Moby is accompanied on this album by great artists such as Nicole Scherzinger, Gregory Porter, Ricky Wilson and Amythyst Kiah.

Champion of an ethical way of life

With his unique blend of ambient, techno and dance music, Moby has consistently pushed boundaries and reshaped the landscape of electronic music. The album’s worldwide success marked a pivotal moment for electronic music, bringing it to the forefront of pop culture. In addition to his musical contributions, Moby has also made an impact with his commitment to the environment. He is an outspoken advocate for animal rights, veganism, and sustainability, and uses his platform to bring attention to these issues. His commitment to ethical living has inspired countless artists and fans to rethink their own choices and consider the far-reaching implications of their actions. His pioneering approach to music production, incorporating both analog and digital elements, has been adopted by countless producers seeking to capture his signature sound. Through his groundbreaking music and passionate activism, he forever changed the landscape of electronic music and inspired generations of artists to explore new sonic territories.