The Hillties were born out of a fiery exposure to the percussive and sometimes explosive rhythm of demolition tools. From the band members diverse backgrounds arose a unique approach to delivering engaging performances in a wide variety of settings. The Hillties make sure every show is different with varying setlists and tasteful improvisation. Every show special and unique, the band tailoring each moment to the vibe of the room. Their unusual instrumentation of chapman stick/ukulele/guitar/piano/electronic and live drums captivates and enthrals audiences to move to the front of the room and shed their inhibitions. The bands three core members were united one night at the historic Ironwood in Calgary with the simple question of “hey you want to join me for a 1 4 5 in D”.
The Hillties are influenced by bands in a wide variety of genres. SKA: Sublime, Slightly Stoopid. REGGAE: Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff. JAZZ: Dave Brubeck, John Scoffield. FOLK: James Taylor, Neil Young. ROCK: Pearl Jam, Cage The Elephant. HIP HOP: EPMD, Slick Rick. The bands influences are not restricted to the music world. They draw inspiration from many forms of visual art, surrounding landscapes, performance art, theatre and many other unsuspecting areas of life.
Over the past four years the band has had many memorable and notable performances. The Hillties received a KMA (Kootenay Music Award) in March of 2018 for “Best Reggae Song”. In Calgary at The Last Best Brewery (Grand Opening) the boys performed at Team Awesome’s “Cancer Crusher” two consecutive years in a row, raising over $25,000 for cancer research. Music in The Bay (Blind Bay BC) presented by The BC Arts Council’s Community Concert Series. Fernie Alpine resorts Slope Soaker (end of season bash) has twice asked for the musical stylings of The Hillties, to rave reviews. The western Canadian summer music festival scene has welcomed the band to such festivals as KAMP Festival (Arrow Lakes BC), Frog Fest (Rocky Mtn House, AB) Sasquatch Gathering (Edmonton AB). The boys recently headlined Send It’s “Thrift Shop Throwback Prom Night” to a sold out crowd at Nelson BC’s Spirit Bar (Hume Hotel). The Hillties have toured extensively across British Columbia and Alberta playing notable venues such as: Wild Bills Legendary Saloon in Banff, The Drake in Canmore, Broken City, The Unicorn and Below Deck in Calgary, The Needle Vinyl Tavern in Edmonton, The Northern, The Royal and The Rusty Edge in Fernie, The Spirit Bar and Bloom Night Club in Nelson, Bluebelle Bistro in Kaslo, Fernando’s Pub in Kelowna, Record City in Vernon and many many more….
As the tapestry of the band evolves to encompass even more diverse players such as Sam Matthews (from Montreal Metal band “Justified”) Rahj Levinson (from Kootenay based band “Wassabi Collective”) Victor Ulloa (from Freak Motif) they grow ever more excited about release of their new 3-track EP in March of 2019. With an unsatisfiable thirst for the unconquered, these guys are ready to spread their musical styling into any opportunity that presents itself.
