CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City’s folk-rock scene has a new anthem of raw storytelling and soul-stirring melodies courtesy of Hollywood Folk Hogan. Their latest single ‘Hobo’, out March 7, is now available on all your favorite streaming platforms and on Bandcamp.
‘Hobo’ is a poignant reflection on the fleeting encounters we have with those living on the fringes of society. Like a lullaby under the city lights, the track draws you in with slow, deliberate guitar strums, carrying you into a dreamlike yet sobering narrative. It paints a vivid picture of life on the streets—the people we often ignore and the struggles we fail to see. Through a seamless blend of folk roots, rock, and blues, Hollywood Folk Hogan delivers a song that is as melancholic as it is powerful.
“Encounters with hobos are common,” shares the band, reflecting on the song’s inspiration. “A lot of times we just let the brief contact pass us by, not giving a thought about how these people ended up in their situation.”
Penned by vocalist and primary songwriter Ricky Coyoca as a challenge to expand his songwriting and expertly mixed by guitarist Llywi Ripper, ‘Hobo’ carries a different weight from the band’s previous releases, reaching its emotional peak in the haunting line, “I turned my back and as I walked, heard a cry / the old hobo got stabbed, left to die.”
Hollywood Folk Hogan’s music has always been rooted in folk music but remains fluid and exploratory, incorporating rock and blues influences to craft a sound that feels fresh yet familiar. The band openly tests their songwriting repertoire with various genres to find the perfect fit.
The cover art for the single likewise tells a story — an image of a caroler from Cebu’s famed Colon Street captured in a fleeting moment. “The cover came in late, just a day before we submitted the release. We saw a caroler singing a jukebox hit in the streets of Colon—a perfect image for the song’s theme of encounters with vagabonds,” band manager Mia Lora recalls.
‘Hobo’ isn’t just a song—it’s an experience, a glimpse into lives often unseen. Yet again, Hollywood Folk Hogan proves how powerful music can be as a medium for storytelling.
Stream ‘Hobo’ now and immerse yourself in a song that demands to be felt as much as it is heard.
