Posted on August 2, 2009 - by Mark Zonda

Up on the Hillfields

The classy pop of “The Hilffields” (London) it’s more adequate for a lonely autumn evening rather than a joyful summer day. Still summer can be quite stressy as well, and we’re always looking for some good music to chill out and relax, expacially when you’re coming back from a wild happy hour post punk party on the beach (believe it or not, these things are real and happening in Italy). So! Is there a better chance to have a little chat with them? Here we go!

Mark Zonda: The Hillfields. How were you born, and how did you meet Cloudberry Records?

Rob: 6pints of lager each, one Iggy Pop gig, and 1 label giving us a shot

Mark Zonda: Why C86 revival and not New R’n'B?

Rob: I – don’t believe too much in revivals… or the “new” xyz really.. I’m in to the music I like, that makes me feel something, whatever and whenever it might be from and whoever its by. Things don’t just go away, they just don’t get listened to for a bit.

Mark Zonda: Are Smiths songs still important nowadays? What makes a song an urban-hymn?

Carlos: Smiths songs will always be important for people from my generation. Nowadays, people that were as old as I was when Smiths were on stage can’t really relate to what’s become of Morrisey over the last decade or so – a xenophobe conservative and racist vegan? In his time, he was a very relevant character… To his credit, he was never a truly likeable person, and at the time I honestly preferred Shane MacGowan’s cursed poetry, Tom Waits’ roaring smelling of fags and booze and Strummer’s socio-political statements.

Rob: What makes an urban hymn? The cynic in me says “Promotion, PR companies, marketing campaigns”… The music fan (or snob) in me says “RUN AWAY!!!!!”. If I’m passionate about a song I like to keep it close to my heart so it doesn’t get ruined.

Mark Zonda: Do you think that being in London makes it easier for you to play than in other parts of the World?

Grant: Well, we al come from outside London (Carlos wins, coming from Argentina, ‘though he hasn’t confirmed if that was purely driven by the chance to become a Hillfield…), so in that respect it makes it
easier to make music. But the internet makes it all a smaller place – we’ve got great friends all over the place, with mad enthusiasts in America, through lots of great bands in Europe, to folks round the
corner from where we rehearse in South London.

Carlos: It’s easier to play in London than in Buenos Aires, that’s for sure…

Mark Zonda: How old is usually your average audience?

Grant: We’ve gone from 17 year old kids, all the way through to their mums – a surreal experience to see the two crowds dancing together to our songs. We think they might have been drinking…

Mark Zonda: “Winsome / Lostit”, Where does this song come from? In which decade should it really own?

Grant: A line in an alleyway in London, where someone said to me “I feel good, not in a bad way”, which made me laugh and get the notebook out…

Mark Zonda: Your band took part to “Radio Festive 50 2008″. Can you tell us more about “Dandelion Radio”?

Grant: Well, they’re a great internet radio station, with a range of DJ’s championing an eclectic mix of music. We were quite chuffed when we made it into one of DJ Rocker’s shows, and then blown away by making number 9 in their poll – it was an amazing Christmas present…!

Mark Zonda: Sounds and melody of “A Visit” really reminds me of R.E.M. That leads me to a strange little question. Leaving to the States for a big tour… which band would you like to support?

Rob:  Well, I wouldn’t turn down REM, that’s for sure, but I suppose it would be bands like The Breeders, The Lemonheads, Clinic, Luna (if they were still together), The Wedding Present, Teenage Fanclub, The
Shins, Super Furry Animals. I suppose if any of my favourite bands invited us it would be awesome. Bands that I respect and identify with really. But I think if a Motorhead support came up I’d have to think about it – I love em, but I don’t think The Hillfields would go down too well with their audience!!! Anyway, you can but dream…

Check out for “The Hillfield”’s debut album for  “Underused Records” out on 5 October.

The Hillfields – “Postcard From Home”

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