Audrey Hobert is not easing her way into the spotlight. With the release of her debut album Who’s the Clown?, out now on RCA Records, the 24-year-old singer-songwriter makes a bold entrance and she is doing it on her own terms.

The album brings together Hobert’s breakout singles “Sue me,” “Bowling alley” and “Wet Hair” with new songs that show the full scope of her sound. Her latest track, “Thirst Trap,” arrives with a self-directed video showcasing her talent behind the camera as well as in front of a mic.

Hobert first grabbed attention last year with “Sue me,” a razor-sharp pop track that went viral and shot her into the streaming stratosphere. The single has racked up more than 33 million streams worldwide, while the accompanying video, also self-directed, has topped 850,000 views. That momentum carried her to sold-out shows in New York, Los Angeles and London this summer, where she proved her songs could fill a stage as easily as they could dominate a feed.

For Who’s the Clown?, Audrey Hobert pieced the songs together from voice notes, half-finished lines and lyrics scribbled in coffee shops. The album’s title and cover art came to her in a flash one morning, setting the tone for a project that explores performance, identity and the masks people wear.

A lifelong singer and dancer with a love of musical theater, Hobert first stepped into the pop spotlight while working with close friend Gracie Abrams. She co-wrote standout tracks for Abrams’ 2023 record The Secret of Us, including “I Love You, I’m Sorry” and “Risk,” and directed their music videos.

With Who’s the Clown?, Hobert seamlessly shifts from playful and sly one moment, to stripped down and vulnerable the next. She is staking out her own space and inviting listeners along for the ride.

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