What are your names?
Isaac Hill, Heidi Hill, Ian ‘Jack’ Hill, Colin Hill, Faith Hersey, James Bristol, Chris Fazio, Joey Schuller, Jose Ochoa
How did you come up with your name ‘The Hills and The Rivers’
Partly because Pittsburgh is defined geologically by the many hills and confluence of rivers, partly because of the Hill siblings and how the other musicians in the band flow.
What is your genre of music?
We have been called a street folk family band, a post-apocalyptic folk band, Appalachian guerilla folk ensemble, and river folk, but we’re still waiting for the right genre name!
Give us a little bio about you as individuals and as a band.
Isaac is the oldest brother of the Hill siblings, writes most of the songs and does a lot of the booking/managing. Heidi is the second oldest and makes most of the merch, sings lovely harmonies and yells at people. Ian is the goth middle child, and Colin looks cute. James is our artist, he makes all of the beautiful art and is also a tattoo artist. Faith keeps the tempo of the band with the djembe, Joey is our silver tongued jolly punk, Chris Fazio is always making salads and making us wait for him, but makes up for it by being the best musician in the whole band, and Jose is the newest member, is very sweet, and has a van.
What made you go in to music?
The Hills were raised in a musical family and have always been in to music, the others have likewise felt a pull in this direction for a long time.
Are you a signed?
Heck no
You release your new single “The Fool” tell us more about it.
It’s our first single off the new album and embodies some of the meanings of The Fool (0) Tarot Card.
What was the writing process like?
It started coming to Isaac during the end of his longest relationship, first the melody came and then the words fit together.
What was the recording process like?
We recorded quickly for this, all together as a band without the vocals and then over dubbed the vocals and fiddle.
Who did you work on the Single with?
Our friend Kasey Fusco of Etc. Audio.
What message are you trying to get out?
That Truth is out there, and in here, and if you want to find Truth in your life, you’ve got to head out into the Mystery!
You released the video for The Fool, what was the creating process like and who did you work with?
It was wonderful, our third video with the multi-talented The Childlike Empress (our friend Tatiana.)
You have just come off a five week tour, what is next for you all?
We just released our new album and have a packed summer scheduled full of festivals and club dates!
Can we expect an EP or album this year and if so can we have a teaser?
We actually just released the full length “The Fool & the Magician” on May 18!!! It’s available everywhere on the internet!
Do you have gigs coming up?
We have a lot, we’re always playing shows. Some of the highlights this summer include The Starwood Festival in Ohio, FloydFest in Virginia, playing with George Clinton at a BBQ at a skii resort in NY, and other festivals and dates all over OH, NY, PA, NC, MD, and VA!
If so where are you thinking of heading?
After these dates we’re gonna do a North East tour in October, another winter tour out to the West Coast, and hopefully Europe in Spring ’19!
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
Our band is a collaboration between 9 people, so for now that’s enough.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Sure, TheHillsandtheRivers@gmail.com
What else do you have planned this year?
Nothing I am allowed to tell you!
Do you play any instruments?
Yes! Many! Any!
Who are your influences?
From Fleet Foxes, The Decemberists, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Neutral Milk Hotel, Bob Marley, Blackbird Raum, Shirley Collings to Hanson.
Which TV channel would you like one of your songs to be played on?
MTV2!
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
From the grace of the Muse, hard work, walking, being in nature, being in the middle of a city, the spirits that hang out at the river, and sometimes cannabis.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Headlining big festivals and touring the world!
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Isaac is a permaculturist and spends a lot of time in the garden, in the woods wildcrafting and also much time reading and meditating.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
Probably the first one was like Linkin Park when I was 13.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
“If you know where you want to be, keep going until you get there.”
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
You have to have to do this, it’s a lot of grinding, small shows in weird places, sleeping on floors etc.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
Mt. Washington has a great view of Pittsburgh!
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? Home!
2/ Who do you see first? Mom & little sister!
3What do you eat first? Whatever is in the fridge!
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
1. What I’m gonna play, 2. What I’m gonna say, 3. My tuner, 4. My instrument I guess, 5. To calm down!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes! Facebook
Twitter
IG
