Mogipbob is the moniker of Jason Graves, a musician and storyteller from Hythe, Alberta. His music captures the small, vivid moments of everyday life, blending heartfelt lyrics with inventive melodies that feel both intimate and relatable. Always exploring new ways to share stories, Mogipbob embraces modern tools like AI to bring his music and narratives to a wider audience while maintaining a distinctly human touch.
With the debut album, High on the Hog, out now, we took some time to hear from Mogipbob. Read below to learn more about Mogipbob, the story behind High on the Hog, and what’s to come.
Hi Mogipbob! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
The name Mogipbob was coined by my older brother back in 1989. It doesn’t mean anything specific, but it is certainly unique.
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I was born in Etobicoke, Ontario – grew up in Nova Scotia and now lives in Hythe, Alberta.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
It started as a hobby. I have a 45-minute commute to work every day and thought it would be nice to have some new music to listen to. I thought, “Maybe I could make my own music?”
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
My sound is a blend of folk, country, and funk with influences from the 1970s and 1980s.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I animate cars and trucks to sing popular music. I enjoy long road trips as well.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I’d say my main influences are narrative-driven songwriters like Gordon Lightfoot, funky and soulful grooves from Steely Dan and Hall & Oates, and melodic, harmony-rich 80s pop-rock like Huey Lewis & The News. I love blending storytelling, humor, and small- town life with catchy grooves and soaring harmonies, turning everyday moments into songs that feel both relatable and fun.
What is your dream music collaboration?
As for music, one of my dreams would be to hear professional singers cover my songs. I think it would be amazing to hear how other voices and styles could bring new life to the stories and characters I write.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
One of the proudest moments of my music career so far was hearing about my first radio spin. It was pretty cool and validating to know that my songs were reaching people beyond my own circle and being shared with a wider audience.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that songs take time to write. Sometimes I get stuck, and the best thing is to step away and work on something else for a while. I’ve also learned to capture the little sparks of inspiration. I’ll text myself a line or a rhyme so it doesn’t slip away. Patience, persistence, and trusting the process have been the most important parts of making music for me.
Now onto your release, High on the Hog. What inspired this album?
It was one of those “let’s see what happens” moments. I liked the music and wanted to share it with others.
What is the overall theme of High on the Hog?
The overall theme of High on the Hog is about everyday life, humor, and storytelling. I write songs that capture small-town moments, quirky characters, and the ups and downs of ordinary experiences, but with a playful, sometimes absurd twist. Whether it’s love, mischief, or just the little surprises life throws at you, the album is about finding the humor and heart in it all.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for High on the Hog?
I wanted something simple – not too noisy. After all, it’s a high on the hog hog!
What was the creative process like when making High on the Hog?
I actually use a spreadsheet to help me because I am an Excel geek at heart. One sheet tracks line syllables to keep the rhythm consistent and another serves as a rhyme database to make sure the words flow and connect.
How long did it take to complete High on the Hog?
About a year – although some of the songs (or song pieces) were written years ago.
Is there a specific song on High on the Hog that speaks to you the most? If so, why?
I’d say “Even Steven” speaks to me the most because it really captures the ups and downs of life and how things tend to even out over time. A close second would be “The Longest Goodbye” since it resonates with anyone who has experienced the loss of someone they care about.
What message or messages do you hope fans take away from High on the Hog and your music in general?
I hope fans just enjoy the music and take it with them on their next road trip. At the end of the day, I want the songs to be fun, relatable, and a soundtrack to life’s little adventures.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
Yes! My second album, Like A Viking, comes out on February 18th. Fans can look forward to tracks like “Like a Viking,” a blue-collar anthem about grit and getting the job done; “Unexpected Shores,” a quiet love story that arrives just in time; and “King of the Line,” a tongue-in-cheek celebration of small victories. Each song tells its own story, from heartfelt odes to friendship and nostalgia to playful, absurd, or reflective moments, and I’m excited for people to hear the full journey.
Where can we follow you on social media?
You can follow me on my homepage for updates and news. I’m also on YouTube, Instagram (@mogipbob), and you can listen to all my music on Spotify.
Before you go, let’s ask you an off-topic question. What is your favorite food?
My favorite food has to be lasagna. There is something about the layers, the mix of flavors, and that cheesy, comforting goodness that I just cannot resist.
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
