He picked up the guitar when about twelve, and had his first gigs with local alternative rock bands in Narvik, such as Magnet.
After a few years at the University of Oslo and the University of Bergen studying English language and philosophy, he went to study music with the jazz program at the Trondheim Conservatory of Music (2000–2004), where he participated in jazz the groups Marita Røstad & Velvet Lounge Orchestra, Ping Pong and a trio with Tore Johansen and Roger Arntzen.
[4] Stubø has led band like Nordnorsk Kvintett also known as North, with Trond Sverre Hansen (drums), Atle Nymo (saxophone), Andreas Amundsen (bass) and Jørn Øien (piano), Håvard Stubø Quartet with Knut Riisnæs (tenor saxophone), Torbjörn Zetterberg (bass) and Håkon Mjåset Johansen (drums),[5] JUPITER with Magnus Forsberg (drums) and Steinar Nickelsen (organ) featuring Jonas Kullhammar, Jazz & Fly Fishing, Håvard Stubø Trio with Roger Arntzen and Torstein Lofthus, Wes!
In 2007 he started a record label, Bolage, together with a good friend, Tord Rønning Krogtoft.
[6] Throughout his career as a jazz musician, Stubø has played with many talented musicians, like Tomasz Stanko, Jimmy Owens, Arve Henriksen, Olavi Louhivuori, among others, and appeared on many international Jazz festivals like Kongsberg Jazz Festival, Nattjazz in Bergen Municipality and Vossajazz in Voss Municipality.