Nick Hodgson Criticizes Email Culture in the Music Industry

Changing professional relationships and fewer opportunities for musicians to connect in person have reshaped the music business, according to Nick Hodgson, frontman of Everyone Says Hi. Speaking to Music Week ahead of the band's second album release on October 9, 2026, the former Kaiser Chiefs drummer discussed industry challenges, artist development and the value of personal relationships in securing opportunities.

Hodgson, who left Kaiser Chiefs in 2012, said the industry's shift toward digital communication has reduced the informal interactions that once helped musicians and executives build professional connections. He argued that exchanging emails alone is not necessarily enough to establish the relationships needed to advance a band's career.

Reflecting on the importance of meeting people in person, Hodgson described the changing social dynamics of the business.

"A lot of the good stuff used to happen when people were out and about and drunk" Hodgson said.

He emphasized that musicians need to participate in social settings and develop genuine relationships rather than relying entirely on formal business correspondence.

"You've got to be out there having fun," Hodgson said.

The musician also expressed doubts about how easily new bands can establish themselves in the current industry. His observations draw on experience dating back to the early 2000s, when Kaiser Chiefs, previously known as Runston Parva and then Parva, began releasing music.

Everyone Says Hi's latest record reflects a different approach to making music, with Hodgson producing the album in his North London home studio. The 11-track release follows the band's self-titled 2024 debut and features Pete Denton, formerly of The Kooks; Ben Gordon, formerly of The Dead 60s; Glenn Moule of Howling Bells; and guitarist Oli Swan.

Hodgson said the new album was influenced by the freedom associated with artists who controlled their own recording environments. He cited 10cc as an inspiration for the project's creative approach.

"I love 10cc," Hodgson said.

He explained that the group's independent studio environment encouraged experimentation and allowed the musicians to shape the recording according to their preferences.

"Just go for it, record it, make it how you want." Hodgson said.

The album's production marks a departure from the band's debut because the full record was made in Hodgson's home studio, a space he had previously used for songwriting and demos for approximately 10 years. The band encouraged him to record the complete project there instead of booking a conventional recording facility.

Discussing the sound, Hodgson described a production style influenced by 1970s soft rock, with instruments from that decade contributing to the album's character. He also said he deliberately avoided pursuing technical perfection.

"Specifically, I didn’t want to make this a perfect album – I don't believe in that." Hodgson said.

Hodgson handles most of the songwriting, typically creating numerous initial ideas before selecting material to develop into demos for the group. He estimated that approximately 90% of his initial material is eventually discarded.

Once he identifies a song worth pursuing, he presents the demo to his bandmates, who then contribute to its development. Hodgson described the band's internal relationships as supportive, contrasting them with the jealousy he sometimes experienced during his earlier career.

He highlighted drummer Glenn Moule's recent television performance as an example of that supportive atmosphere. Moule, who has toured live with Brandon Flowers, appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, prompting encouraging messages from his bandmates.

"Grrrr, someone's doing something!" Hodgson said, recalling the jealous reactions he associated with his previous band experience.

Everyone Says Hi is releasing Funny Cos It’s True through Chrysalis Records. Hodgson identified Jeremy Lascelles, CEO of Chrysalis Records and Blue Raincoat Music, as his main contact at the label and described his enthusiasm for working with someone who genuinely engages with the music.

Hodgson said securing a record deal remains difficult, with many industry professionals initially showing little interest in a project. He explained that Lascelles reconsidered early demos from the band's first album after listening to them again.

"A lot of modern-day A&Rs think that they’ve got to tread so carefully" Hodgson said.

Hodgson's comments also reflect his broader view of artist development, in which personal engagement and an informed musical perspective remain important despite changes in how the industry operates. He has emphasized live audience demand over chart performance and continues to value traditional A&R involvement.

Released on October 9, 2026, Funny Cos It’s True is Everyone Says Hi's second album, following the group's 2024 self-titled debut.