Carsick Hill

Who is Carsick Hill? Where are you from, how long have you been playing music etc

Born and raised in the Steel City! I started playing music when I was about twelve, however, I started writing my own songs (lyrically at least) when I was about Ten, though my first decent songs didn’t start to appear until I was at least Fifteen!

Who came up with your stage name and does it have a story or any meaning behind it? 

I came up with the stage name myself shortly after moving to London. Carsick Hill is a road in Sheffield that I grew up nearby, and I wanted a name that still sounds like a name, yet still gives a nod to my hometown, so Carsick Hill it was!

If you had to describe your sound using just five words, what would they be?

Cheeky, Down-to-Earth (that counts!) Melodic, Raw, Fun.

Who are your biggest influences musically?

Hippo Campus, Arctic Monkeys, and the Strokes

What’s your songwriting process?

I usually begin with the title, then usually the lyrics will come before the music, I find it easier fitting music to words than I do fitting words to music, and by doing the lyrics first, I find i can explore what I really want to say, without having to think about whether it works with the music.

When you were younger, what was the first album that blew you away and you remember putting on repeat non-stop?

When I was 16, my mate Sam introduced me to; what is still to this day, my all time favourite album: One Thousand Pictures by Pete And The Pirates.

As a performer, what’s your biggest claim to fame so far?

Selling out multiple shows across Sheffield with my old band, Landmark. It was a great introduction to performing and the industry, and I was playing with my best mates. No complaints at all!

If you could go on tour with any current band or artist, who would it be and why?

Hippo Campus without a doubt, I love their sound, I love their vibe, and they put on incredible live shows. I feel like my music would speak to a similar audience, so that would be a dream Bill for me!

If you could put your dream team band together consisting of any musicians from the past or present who would the band members be?

My four piece supergroup would look something like this

Vocals – Jake Luppen (Hippo Campus)

Bass – Paul McCartney (The Beatles)

Drums – Cindy Blackman

Guitar – Elena Tonra (Daughter)

How would you describe your live show to someone who has never seen you perform before?

I like to think my shows feel very personal, I love a chat with the audience and to actually make a connection, no one is obliged to come and see me play, so I’m always very grateful to those that do, and I want to try and make my shows as personal and intimate as possible to try and pay that back.

Do any of you have any pre-gig or post gig rituals? If so, what and why?

I have always liked to unwind after gigs with a quick 10 minute meditation before I go and speak to everyone afterwards. It’s a way of releasing all the tension and adrenaline that being on stage gives, and allows me to clearly listen to people’s comments and feedback.

What would your ultimate rider be if you could have anything without being accused of being a diva?

A pint of Staropramen and a Five Guys hot dog, (ketchup and grilled onions, please. )

If we were to browse your music library what is the most embarrassing song we might find? Or who is your guilty pleasure artist?

If you took a peek at my record collection back home, you’d find an original pressing of Make It Big by Wham! I bloody love a bit of Wham!, whether I like to admit it or not is different.

Tell us one thing your fans would be really shocked or surprised to hear or learn about you

I don’t know how shocking this will be, but my first venture into instruments began with a Ukulele, and my first year or two of playing and writing was all done on Ukes!

If people want to check you out online where is the best place to go?

Instagram!! @Carsickhill, or you can have a listen to some of my demos on soundcloud, just search Carsick Hill!

Finally, What does the future hold for you as an artist?

Music music music!!! I’m looking at releasing my debut single later this very year, so keep your eyes peeled!