Graham Hobson’s life. Growing up in a modest North Queensland home, he was surrounded by a symphony of sounds. Pianos, organs, guitars, and ukuleles filled the rooms, and his family—all musicians in their own right—ensured he was never far from an instrument or a melody. This immersive environment wasn’t just a backdrop to his youth; it was the foundation upon which he would build a career that has spanned decades.
His father, a foreman at a nickel refinery by day and a gigging musician on weekends, was Graham’s first musical influence. At just four years old, Graham made his stage debut, singing alongside his dad at charity events. By the time he was a teenager, he was a regular performer in his dad’s band, cementing his path in music long before his school days were over. While other teenagers might have been drawn to different career paths, for Graham, the decision was simple—it was always going to be music.
He pursued this passion with unwavering focus, enrolling in a classical music degree at James Cook University in Townsville. Here, rather than specialising in a traditional instrument like voice or violin, Graham chose to major in composition. This decision highlighted his fascination with the creative process of music, a fascination that continues to drive his work today. To fund his studies, he played in piano bars, building on the experience he had gained from a young age playing in bands at local bars.
A pivotal moment in his early career came in 1994 when he and his brother formed a band called “Spur of the Moment” for the Queensland Country Music Awards. Their last-minute entry defied expectations, and they won the festival. This victory not only solidified their place in Charters Towers’ history with a statue of the winners, but it also launched them into the recording world. Their original music found its way onto local radio, leading to a year-long stint in Melbourne before Graham returned to Townsville to complete his degree.
Graham’s multifaceted career has seen him master multiple instruments, though he considers his primary instruments to be singing, piano, and keyboards. This instrumental versatility, combined with his background in composition, has allowed him to venture into diverse projects. In the mid-2000s, he delved into the world of film and television, composing music for documentaries on a range of subjects from Queensland Origin football to Filipino politics. This work provided a unique challenge, requiring him to balance his creative vision with the demands of directors and clients.
The art of composing for a client, Graham found, was a delicate dance. When working directly with a director, the process was relatively straightforward. However, when a client was also involved, the creative landscape became more complex. He recalls the difficulty of trying to please three “masters”—the client, the production company, and his own artistic sensibilities. Yet, these challenges also highlighted the immense satisfaction of a successful collaboration, as seen in his work on a podcast theme song where he was given complete creative freedom. The result was a theme song that listeners adored, providing a memorable and rewarding experience for him.
Beyond his compositional work, Graham has built a successful live entertainment business that caters to the wedding and corporate sectors. Recognising the unique needs of the wedding market, he meticulously crafted a website and brand identity that was warm, elegant, and tailored to couples seeking a refined musical experience. His business offers a variety of configurations—solo, duo, trio, or full band—allowing him to adapt to the specific atmosphere and requirements of each event.
In the fast-paced world of live performance, Graham has learned to be a chameleon, adapting his setlist to the mood of the audience. He thrives on this connection, whether it’s a packed dance floor where he’s playing crowd-pleasers or a quiet evening where he can showcase more nuanced, lesser-known songs. He finds equal satisfaction in both, valuing the energy of an engaged crowd as much as the appreciation of a handful of people enjoying a quiet drink. This ability to read a room and deliver the perfect musical experience is a hallmark of his professionalism.
One of the most memorable experiences in his performing career came from a last-minute booking for Michael Bublé’s Australian tour. Receiving a call from a major tour company, Graham was hired to perform for VIP ticket holders in the “Cotton Club” before each show. This unique opportunity allowed him to see Bublé perform up close, and he was captivated by the artist’s masterful stage presence and audience interaction. He was particularly struck by Bublé’s final encore, where he sang the last chorus of a song a cappella, without amplification, to a silent stadium—a moment of stillness and pure talent that Graham describes as one of the most memorable he’s ever witnessed.
Graham’s love for music is deeply rooted in a fascination with harmonies and interesting arrangements, sparked by his early obsession with The Beatles and later, bands like Queen and The Police. He believes that the limitations of older recording technology often fostered greater personality and ingenuity in music, a quality he feels is sometimes lost in today’s overproduced digital landscape. He sees modern artists as brands, often constrained by their own established image, whereas he believes true creativity often flourishes when resources are limited, forcing a focus on what can be done exceptionally well.
Looking to the future, Graham has exciting projects on the horizon. He plans to record and release his own original music, pursuing two distinct paths: a solo, piano-based project and a more energetic, guitar-driven band. While these recording ventures are still in the early stages, they represent a return to his compositional roots and a desire to create for the sheer joy of it. In the meantime, his entertainment business continues to thrive, fueled by the unwavering passion of an artist who understands that the true measure of a performer lies not just in their talent, but in their ability to connect with and serve their audience.
