Lydia von Hof

“I think for a lot of queer people, identity is something we’ve had to examine closely in order to truly understand ourselves,” says musician and songwriter Lydia von Hof. “Uncovering my bisexuality was a journey of self-discovery, one that deepened my understanding not just of who I love, but of who I am. That kind of introspection naturally finds its way into my work, bringing a more layered and nuanced perspective to everything I write.” The New York-based artist’s music, which blends folk, rock, jazz, and country, has garnered millions of streams on Spotify. She’s performed at SXSW, the O+ Festival, and venues like Madison Square Garden (as part of a halftime show for the New York Knicks), NYC’s The Bitter End, and The Hard Rock Cafe in Boston. Recently, von Hof was named winner of the ASCAP Writers’ Showcase at Belmont University, her alma mater. The inspiration for her work dates back to watching Glee at 9 years old. “The battles that come with learning who you are, especially in the face of bullying and the already turbulent setting of high school, really stuck with me, and I do believe it played a big part in the acceptance I was able to provide myself when navigating my own identity and sexuality.” The most rewarding part of her career? Connecting with people, von Hof says. “Music is a wickedly powerful bridge, and witnessing its impact in real time has been the greatest affirmation of what it means to be a songwriter.” –LE