Moby (real name — Richard Melville Hall, born September 11, 1965 in Harlem, New York, USA) is an American electronic musician, DJ, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. He is one of the rare artists who managed to blend electronic music, ambient, techno, downtempo, trip-hop, and gospel samples into a unique, instantly recognizable sound.
Worldwide fame came with the legendary album “Play” (1999) — one of the most successful electronic albums in history. His songs appeared in hundreds of films, advertising campaigns, TV shows, and became part of the musical DNA of the 2000s.
Early Years and First Projects
Moby grew up in Connecticut. His parents nicknamed him “Moby” after the author of “Moby-Dick” — Herman Melville, to whom he is distantly related.
Since childhood he played guitar and piano, listened to punk, post-punk, classical music, and early electronic artists, and performed in punk bands such as Suburban Youth and Vatican Commandos.
His interest in electronic music developed later — Moby taught himself synthesizers, drum machines, and programming.
The Beginning of His Electronic Career (1989–1995)
In the late 1980s he DJed in New York and began releasing electronic tracks under various aliases. His early hit “Go” (1991) — built around a Twin Peaks sample — became a breakthrough and entered dance music history.
During this period, Moby created techno, house, and hardcore rave under names such as:
- Voodoo Child
- Barracuda
- Brainstorm
- Lopez
He toured actively and became part of the U.S. and European rave culture.
Experimentation and Critical Recognition (1995–1998)
The albums “Everything Is Wrong” (1995) and “Animal Rights” (1996) strengthened his reputation as an experimental musician capable of combining electronic music, punk, and ambient.
But his true global breakthrough was yet to come.
Global Breakthrough: “Play” (1999)
“Play” became the defining album of Moby’s career and one of the best-selling electronic releases of all time.
Key features of the album:
- use of 1930s blues and gospel samples
- minimalist electronic production
- trip-hop and downtempo elements
- emotional, cinematic sound
Hit singles:
- “Porcelain”
- “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?”
- “Natural Blues”
- “Honey”
- “Find My Baby”
Fact: all 18 tracks on the album were licensed for films, commercials, and TV — an absolute record.
“Play” sold over 12 million copies and turned Moby into a global superstar.
The 2000s: Peak of Fame
After the success of “Play,” Moby released a series of strong albums:
- “18” (2002) — multiplatinum release with “We Are All Made of Stars” and “Extreme Ways” (the main theme of the Bourne films)
- “Hotel” (2005) — a mix of downtempo and post-punk aesthetics
- “Last Night” (2008) — a dance-oriented album inspired by New York club culture
He performed at the world’s biggest festivals — from Glastonbury to Coachella — becoming a cultural symbol of the electronic scene.
Ambient, Philosophy, and Personal Life
Moby is a vegan, animal rights activist, and supporter of environmental initiatives.
He published autobiographies:
- “Porcelain” (2016)
- “Then It Fell Apart” (2019)
In private life, he is known for his introversion and spiritual pursuits — often creating music as a form of “psychological antiseptic.”
Film Work
Moby composed music for or contributed to the soundtracks of:
- the “Jason Bourne” franchise
- “Heat”
- “The Beach”
- “The Butterfly Effect”
- “Southland Tales”
His tracks are among the most licensed pieces of music in the industry.
Style and Influence
Moby’s music blends:
- electronic music
- ambient
- downtempo
- soul samples
- trance aesthetics
- post-punk influences
He influenced:
- Massive Attack
- Röyksopp
- Air
- The Chemical Brothers
- Tycho
- Bonobo
- ODESZA
Moby Discography (Studio Albums)
Studio Albums
- 1992 — Moby
- 1993 — Ambient
- 1995 — Everything Is Wrong
- 1996 — Animal Rights
- 1999 — Play
- 2002 — 18
- 2005 — Hotel
- 2008 — Last Night
- 2009 — Wait for Me
- 2011 — Destroyed
- 2013 — Innocents
- 2016 — These Systems Are Failing (as Moby & The Void Pacific Choir)
- 2017 — More Fast Songs About the Apocalypse (same project)
- 2018 — Everything Was Beautiful, and Nothing Hurt
- 2020 — All Visible Objects
- 2021 — Reprise (orchestral versions of hits)
- 2023 — Resound NYC
- 2024 — Always Centered at Night
Key Compilations
- Go – The Very Best of Moby (2006)
- Moby Remixed (1995)
- MobySongs 1993–1998 (1998)
Moby is one of the most important electronic artists of our time — a musician who transformed ambient, blues samples, techno, and philosophical downtempo into mass culture. His legacy includes multiplatinum albums, dozens of hits, and a profound influence on electronic music. He remains an artist unafraid of experimentation, shifting genres, composing soundtracks, performing with orchestras, and inspiring new generations of listeners around the world.
