‘Ain’t nothing like a comeback’ for Delaware’s Hockaday
Kyle Hockaday is known by many in the state by his longtime rap moniker, Kae Hock. He’s been a force in the tri-state music scene for years and amassed a catalog of music larger than most local artists can claim in their entire careers.
His last project, “1738,” was released in 2015, and since then, Kae Hock the artist went through a transformation.
The first part of his transformation came in the form of a name change.
With nine full projects under Kae Hock, he decided to change his name to simply Hockaday. Friday, the rest of the world will experience the musical transformation that the artist has gone through when he releases and performs his tenth full project, “The Bane of Fear” live at World Cafe Live at the Queen in Wilmington.
His first single, “Setback,” has a vintage Delaware club feel, reminiscent of the sound that local pioneers like Sap’s and Jahlil’s beats created. The lyrics tell another story, of the setbacks Hockaday has endured in the last year. But like he says in the song’s hook, “ain't nothing like a comeback.”
I will be the host of the event, which will feature a live band, DJ Tactics, and performances by Dot Summers and Sebastian Graves. We spoke recently about Hockaday’s setbacks, his name change and what to expect from his new project.
Q: It’s been about a year since your last album “1738” came out. What has been going on in your life since then, and how has it affected your music?
A: Well, just like most humans I have my own set of issues and they definitely affect my music. All I can really say is life is real (laughs). Especially when it comes to finances. But no matter what happens I seem to hold it down and make it through.
Q: Is that what your new single “Setback” is about?
A: Exactly, I think setbacks are something that most people can relate to. I have had my share of setbacks and continue to have them – and I continue to get through them. Obstacles are there for you to jump over, so I will always continue to overcome. One of the biggest decisions I made was to go into music full time. So with that comes the struggles of being an entrepreneur. That’s really what this song is all about.
Q: What is the difference between your new album “Bane of Fear” and last year’s project, “1738”?
A: “1738” had a more melodic, chill 1990s feel to it. With this new project, I really wanted to show a different side of me. “The Bane of Fear” has a more modern hip-hop feel and has a newer-age vibe. The difference in this project is really what compelled me to make the name change.
Q: Speaking of that, why change from Kae Hock after so many years?
A: I wanted to make a separation from Kae Hock the cool cat that everybody knows to the artist Hockaday. I really had to “Sam Hinkie” my career by blowing it up and starting from scratch. Hockaday is a new me, so I had to begin the rebranding effort so my fans can get acclimated to what I’m about to put out.
Q: How did you hook up with Kazi Jones to produce your project?
A: Me and Kazi have been making music for a long time. I met him back in my college days at Delaware State University. He was one of the first producers I starting working with and has done a lot of my earlier music. Kazi was a perfect choice to nail the sound I wanted for this project. It’s been a long time coming so it was only right we hooked up for this album.
Q: Why the title “The Bane of Fear?”
A. To be the bane of something means, to be the demise or death of it. Stepping out full time as an artist was something that was always a fear. So when I finally made that decision I killed that fear. We as artists and people have to be the bane of fears of existence. I also had to take my sound and adapt it to what was more marketable in today’s music industry. “The Bane of Fear” means I put those fears to rest and can now give my fans the full picture of who Hockaday is.
Q: When you hit the stage Friday, what do you hope to see when it’s all said and done?
A. I just want there to be positive vibes, good music, and even better people. I hope to see a whole lot of Delaware folks in the building because it’s important I have the support of the home state.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Hockaday’s “The Bane of Fear” album release concert, hosted by King Dom, with performances by Dot Summer and Sebastian Graves
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday (doors open at 7)
WHERE: World Café Live at the Queen (Upstairs) 500 N. Market St., Wilmington
COST: $15
MORE INFO: Tickets at the door and online at queentickets.worldcafelive.com