In a world spinning faster by the scroll, Noble Hops frontman Utah Burgess is tapping the brakes with a simple message: wake up with purpose, work hard, be kind, and make every second of the dash between birth and death count. That message roars to life in the band’s new single “Life By the Numbers”—a gritty, gospel-tinged anthem that’s equal parts barroom wisdom and Sunday morning soul. With lyrics that double as a working-class blueprint for living and a guest vocal from Pittsburgh’s own Lady of the Blues, Miss Freddye, the track is already resonating across stages and streaming platforms. We caught up with Utah to talk about the inspiration behind the song, what it’s like working with producer Jazz Byers, and why Noble Hops is more than just a band—it’s a mission to connect, one honest song at a time.
Utah, your song “Life By The Numbers” is full of real-world wisdom and heartfelt grit. What inspired you to write this track, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
I look around and I see a lot of people lost. They are just going through life like they are looking for some purpose, but don’t know how to find it, or they don’t have the tool set so to speak. I think that some of the time tested principles still apply and we’ve lost our way from some of those. Wake up with a purpose. Do something productive. Don’t look for short cuts to making a good life for yourself. Take time to enjoy all the good around us. Make the 2 sides to that dash worth every minute.
There’s a beautiful simplicity in the message—hard work, kindness, responsibility. In a world that can feel so divided and complicated, why was it important for you to return to these foundational values through music?
I pretty much covered most of this with the first question, but to expound a little, I find music to be the one medium that transcends all language, all barriers, all differences we have, so hopefully this simple message can resonate with somebody who needs to hear it, who gave it a chance because it was in song instead of something being delivered in a manner that isn’t as engaging, or friendly for that matter.
Let’s talk about Miss Freddye. Her voice brings so much soul to the bridge. How did that collaboration come about, and what did it mean to you to have her join the track?
Yes, lets talk about Miss Freddye! She just won Readers Choice for the Best of 2025 in Pittsburgh for Best Blues Artist/Group. There is a reason they call her Pittsburgh’s “Lady Of The Blues”! But anyway, that bridge part is where the message is just hammered home and I felt it was just lacking in conviction so I needed some Gospel thrown down on it, you know? Miss Freddye was the first person I thought of and thankfully she was open to the idea. She came in to the studio on Mother’s Day after working a full shift at the hospital and belted that out for us. It’s simply amazing, and I am forever thankful for her lending her incredible talents to this song that means so much to me.
You recorded this at Rattle Clack Studio and brought in Jazz Byers again. Tell us about that studio chemistry and what makes this production team so special.
When I record, I want an engineer who can also serve in a producer role, and also be an additional member of the band if they are hearing something, some element, that can make the song better. Sort of like adding a voice like Miss Freddye, Jazz has the ability to add these extra elements, no matter what instrument he is hearing. We of course have veto power over anything, but so far I feel he is fitting in right where it is needed, just adding the filler to the cracks, bringing the song and sound out with a bit more depth. It is also very comfortable recording in his studio, the whole band feels at ease, and he offers us beer too. We will miss Demi though.
I love how this song isn’t just a tune—it feels like a guidebook for life. Was there a particular moment, personally or professionally, that sparked this need to write a “life anthem”?
As I eluded to earlier, I just see too many people kind of wandering around somewhat lost. I look back at my own life, and there are times when I was the same way, and when I ask myself why I am not that way now, I revert back to the basic lessons I learned in life. Things about hard work, doing what you say you are going to do, showing up – on time and staying around, and realizing and accepting that we are the drivers of our own lives. Those are core principles to me, and I felt I just needed to say them in this manner.
The cover photo captures this sunny, relaxed moment with the band outside a tavern. What does that image say about who Noble Hops is—not just as musicians, but as people?
I love this question! There is actually a lot going on in that photo, different things for people to look for and try to identify. I love, and miss, album art. I wanted to create something that captures those old images you just sit and stare at. So I contacted my great friend Linda Weber who has done all of the song art to date, and she came up with the general concept and we added various elements. Ultimately what you see though, is 4 cool guys who have a band together, are friends, enjoy laughter and living, and don’t take themselves too seriously. So from me, Cheers! to THE Brad, Johnny “Sleeves” Costa, and Tony Villella! And thanks to Liberty Corner Tavern in Freeport PA for putting up with us!
Noble Hops has been building momentum across your region with shows and releases. What’s been the most rewarding part of that journey, and how do you stay grounded in your mission as a band?
We have intentionally not played a lot of shows in our home area, opting to hit the road instead within a 2 to 3 hour radius, playing our music in front of people who don’t know us. The purpose being to see how the music and our band is received. It has paid off in a big way, as we have now quickly built up fan bases in those areas. That has been so very rewarding, and we are looking to tap into other areas in 2026. As for staying grounded, its simple. We are four real, genuine guys who just like to make and play music for people to enjoy, and enjoy a cold beer during the process.
Utah, you’ve always written from the heart. What’s next for you and Noble Hops—and how do you hope your music continues to reach and resonate with people?
We are gearing up for the release of a new single on Veterans Day. It’s one that has been strongly received anytime its been played out live. I remember once a veteran even getting up with tears in his eyes after hearing it, as he had to walk outside for a bit and process and regroup. I’ll be dedicating the song to him and others like him. I hope we can discuss it more down the road, and thank you so much for the interview.
