Alex (they/them)
Bess (she/her)
Jiordie (she/her)
Willow (she/they)

In mid-2022, Alex tuned their guitar into some weird alternate tuning, wrote a handful of folky rock songs about how they were feeling at the time, and then was like “Hmmmm yes, these need a band”. Alex (guitar) and Willow (drums) knew each other through studying classical music together at uni. Willow introduced Alex to Bess (guitar), or more accurately Willow told Alex of Bess’ existence and Alex messaged Bess (a perfect stranger at the time) on Instagram pitching a “quirked up indie folk rock band” to her and she replied within seconds, enthusiastically jumping on board. The two quickly bonded over Big Thief, alternate tunings, and goofing around. Alex always has all these damn emotions and Bess always has all these damn beautiful melodies. So far it’s working out well. Fast forward to early 2023, Alex asks their friend Jiordie (bass) if she wants to learn the bass guitar and join the band and she’s like “Hell yeah”. Such is Red Hill (C’est la Red Hill, for all our French fans out there).

In the beginning, Bess and Alex each brought a couple of completed songs to the rehearsal room for the band to learn. Very quickly, however, their songwriting turned into a deeply collaborative process. Often Bess will write a single verse or chorus, Alex will take that and add a few lyrics, then the whole band will solidify the structure together. Sometimes, just to switch it up, Alex has an idea then gives it to Bess to develop a little further! Willow’s input sometimes comes in the form of lyricism, but most notably is through her explosive and complex drum parts. The rhythms go far beyond any other band member’s vague notions of what a drum part could look like for a song. This is one of the elements of a Red Hill track that separates them from any other rock band. Another such element is the emotional input of Jiordie. While she holds it down on the bass, Jiordie also directs Red Hill’s photoshoots, creates a visual brand that aligns with their musical vision, and brings the raw emotion and vulnerability from her experience in theatre-making to Red Hill’s writing sessions. The creative input from each individual band member is what makes Red Hill music its own. Oh, and did we mention they all sing?

Nowadays, Red Hill spend the majority of their time playing gigs in local venues supporting other local artists. Their goals are simple: to write music as an emotional outlet, to connect with their audience in every live performance, and to continue learning their craft in the recording studio. Though they don’t have particular aspirations for fame and glory, they hope to be as publicly honest as Courtney Barnett and as locally focused as Ball Park Music. And also, very very silly!