Pigeon Opinion Featuring an Interview with Ho Jo Fro

When Did You Knock? by Ho Jo Fro is a striking example of minimalist storytelling through sound, built entirely around intention rather than traditional rhythm. By deliberately removing bass guitar and drums, the track creates an unusually open sonic space where every detail feels deliberate and symbolic.

Interview with Ho Jo Fro

1. What inspired the decision to remove both bass and drums entirely from the arrangement?

Drums and bass felt like too much interference. I wanted the focus on the lyrics.

2. How did the idea of “knocking” evolve from metaphor into actual rhythmic structure?

I never actually say "When did you knock?" even though it's the title of the song. We thought it would be interesting to create a knocking pattern to symbolize someone - my sister - trying to get my attention. It's a cry for help from my sister and because I am angry at her, I don't hear the knocking at first.

3. What role did Tim Ryan play in shaping the percussive sound design?

Tim created the knocking at my request. We incorporated the knock as much as possible, hoping to get just the right sound.

4. How did Brianna Tam’s cello influence the emotional direction of the track?

Brianna Tam's cello was the key. Without her cello, the song would have been shelved. I first saw Brianna when she was busking with her cello on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, Virginia. She could loop her cello and she was playing barefoot. I was on my way to point B and I stopped and listened. I knew within seconds of hearing her that I needed her on this song. That's why I started and ended the song with just her and her cello.

5. Was Kleidi Buroz’s vocal contribution written as contrast or continuation of the lead vocal?

Kleidi Buroz lives in Caraccas, Venezuela and she has become a regular music collaborator with me as Ho Jo Fro and my band LY@TT. Her voice works perfectly with mine. She sings what she feels. She especially shines on other songs of mine. I was so focused on Brianna's cello that I did not mix Kleidi to the level I would normally mix her. I even apologized to her afterwards because she has such a wonderful voice that she deserves to be front and center.

6. How do you maintain tension in a track built on minimal instrumentation?

I was tempted to keep adding things. I tend to pile on instruments when I'm in the studio. In this song, in addition to foregoing bass and drums, I removed extra guitars, keeping them in only for the guitar instrumental near the end of the song. As for the tension, I didn't want anything to distract from the vocals and lyrics. The lyrics cause me some discomfort because I feel I am revealing too much. Some days I wake up and cringe at what I do in the studio. Tim Ryan, the engineer, is amazingly patient with me. I strive to create "ear candy" and I love utilizing stereo to its fullest.

7. Do you think silence is an instrument in this song?

Yes. I was worried that near the end of the song, the silence would make people think the song is over and they might click away without hearing Brianna's wonderful reprise on her cello.

8. How does your podcast work inform your approach to narrative songwriting?

My podcast - Derringer Discoveries, A Music Adventure Podcast - allows me to meet and talk with people all over the world. I interact with some people who have created collaborations as a result of our podcast. One musical duo formed after both were listeners of our podcast. I love to bring musicians together. Plus, back to your question, I feel that having to interview people on the fly helps me to become more creative- my songwriting has improved, I think.

9. Was the lyrical vulnerability intentionally heightened by the sparse arrangement?

I think the sparse arrangement made the lyrics more exposed. I fear that every word is understandable. I fear that I have revealed too much. As noted, it makes me uncomfortable.

10. What does the “knock” represent emotionally in the context of the song?

In the song, I am telling my sister that she has failed to meet me in the middle- that I feel I have to do all of the heavy lifting in the relationship. I picture her saying that she has knocked on my door in the past, meaning she has come to me. My response is "Oh yeah? When did you knock on my door?" But, as soon as I say it, I realize there are other forces at work in our estranged relationship.

(•)> That's all, Folks! Check out Ho Jo Fro - When Did You Knock?  on the Pigeon Opinion Playlist