Showcase: Homeless Hill
Published on February 18th, 2013 | Jonny Abrams
Homeless Hill are starting to give their recent Invincible album an overseas push, so we fired them over some questions to find out a little bit more about them…
How would you describe your music, if pushed?
Hook-n-riff rock-n-roll with an edge. Some of the greatest bands in rock history were memorable because of their guitar riffs. We’re all about that. We also like to create moods within our songs and are also big on writing melody lines that stand out. It’s not always a conscious effort. Much of it is off the cuff.
Where are you based, and what do you use to record with?
We are based out of Middle Georgia, USA. We live in Warner Robins. We record at a small home studio called Symmetry Studios and have also done work at Shadow Sound Studio in Macon.
Are you signed to a label? If so, how did you come to their attention?
We are currently not signed to a label, however we have a manager – Hugh Hession from Hession Entertainment Group. Hugh is an artist manager and concert promoter among many other things in the industry! Basically, there comes a point with a band, that you can’t take on everything yourself. Wearing all those different hats takes the focus away from the creativity aspect (songwriting, performance). We knew we could only do so much. That’s the fallacy of the DIY thing. Sure, as a band you can take on all that responsibility, but you only have so many hours in the day.
We did our part and built the foundation in Middle Georgia and as a result, we have a great fan base who supports us and comes to our shows. But to take it to the next level, you need a team around you. Hugh had heard about Homeless Hill and saw that we had something going. We contacted him and had a series of meetings before anything was signed. The cool thing, is Hugh is a musician and a producer, so he not only understands the business, but also has a firm grasp on the creative side.
Is there a full album in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it? (Feel free to be as abstract as you like…)
We actually have 2 full albums out. Our first was recorded in 2010 called Set it on Fire. The second album Invincible was released stateside in June 2012 and we are now starting to push it to overseas markets. Set it On Fire has done well – as of now, we only have a handful of those CDs left, out
of around 2500 printed. To us, that’s a success on an indie level, particularly when most CDs in the marketplace don’t sell anything over 100 copies. Our writing on Invincible, however, is more seasoned. We spent a good deal of time crafting those songs in and out of the studio. Invincible is a great album!
Where can we hear your music online?
Of course. You can check us out on our website, at www.homelesshill.com. We are also on Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/homelesshill. Broken Bones, one of our more popular songs on Invincible is on YouTube – http://youtu.be/SA7XP3L3Smw
You can also purchase both albums on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon and CD Universe. We are also on Spotify!
Which have been your most exciting gigs and/or overall moments so far?
Our CD release event last June was incredible. Over 300 people showed up for that, at an intimate theatre in Macon, GA called The Cox Capitol Theatre. Also, last May – a show we did at Jack Rabbits in Jacksonville, Florida. Standing room only and the crowds were very enthusiastic. We’ve also opened for Southern rock legends Wet Willie.
Got any more coming up? (Gigs, that is…)
Yes. We have been rehearsing our new show for the last couple months, and also working in our new guitarist, so we’re ready to get back out again! Upcoming shows are Smiths Old Bar in Atlanta and also Cox Capitol Theatre in Macon, GA opening for ZOSO – the best Led Zeppelin tribute band around!
Are there any obscure and/or up-and-coming acts that you’d like to recommend or give a shout-out to?
Ledfoot Messiah out of Atlanta, GA. Good friends of ours and these guys can ROCK. Great original show. They just played the KISS cruise not long ago on the main stage. They are like the modern day Black Sabbath (Dio version)!
http://www.reverbnation.com/ledfootmessiah
Finally, if you were forced to spend the rest of your days in solitary confinement, but were allowed to bring the entire works of five different artists along to tide you over, whose would you choose?
Wow. Good question, since we are so eclectic. Led Zeppelin without a doubt. Alterbridge and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. U2 is another. Lastly a great compilation of all the great hair bands – Whitesnake, Motley Crue, Queensryche etc.
Homeless Hill, thank you.
About the Author
Jonny Abrams Editor of Rocksucker and the website's founder, Jonny is passionate about the music he listens to, both good and bad, as well as interviewing his favourite musicians.
