Over the years they have "grown and contracted" and now include Caroline Easther on drums and vocals and multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Hamish Graham.
Joass notes they have also gone through a divorce.
"It was all a bit Fleetwood Mac there for a little while. We've come through all that so that was a point where we may or may not of gone on."
Although, despite all that, they are very much family.
"We've known each other for years and years and we hang out socially together still, we all really like each other so it makes it fun to go away.
"Musically, we have evolved over the years and kept it really interesting and challenging, otherwise I don't think you would bother really," he said. "You're certainly not doing it for the money. You've got to love what you're doing and we really do."
Their seventh album; Blue Sky Songs was released last year and features a "whole bunch of new material".
Joass, who also teaches guitar in schools takes inspiration from Neil Young, Crowded House, and Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly, as well as Americana.
His "short attention span" means his favourites are usually the most recent, namely; Every Single Day, Good And Ready and a cover of Good Luck Charm.
"Because we change vocals, it keeps it quite interesting, again in that Fleetwood Mac way. It makes it interesting, it is not just one person. We are a really good team in that way."
Hobnail will perform at the Common Room on Saturdayat 8pm. For more information visit: www.hobnail.co.nz.
