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Jo Hill

We sat down with Jo Hill to find out what makes them tick…

In this feature, we’ll speak to some of HOT VOX’s favourite new artists on the gigging scene and find out what shaped them into the artist they are today

Today we’re featuring Jo Hill.

Jo Hill is a singer/songwriter from Cheddar. Taking influence from Fleetwood mac, Remi Wolf, and Benee, her music is a combination of indie pop, soul and jazz. Layering honest lyrics with soulful vocals, Jo will be playing with her newly formed epic girl band consisting of bass, guitar, drums and Jo on keys and vocals.

16 Nov


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

Hey, I’m Jo Hill and I’m a singer/songwriter from the village of Cheddar (yes, it’s where the cheese is from). I’m a Somerset girl born and bred but I now live in London to follow my dream of becoming the next Dido/Remi wolf/Megasupafamous pop star. I’ve had a weird journey into music but it has always been a massive part of my life; From writing a song for my terminally ill aunt when I was 12 to winning Cheddar Rotary Competition aged 9 singing ‘Where is Love’ from Oliver Twist, music has always been in my blood. I started playing the piano ages 5 and my dad taught me the violin aged 11. I used to HATE music practice but now I’m super grateful to my dad for (what felt like) forcing me to practice every day. Throughout school I was always writing songs, singing in bands and playing in orchestras. I even wrote my ‘Head Girl’ leaving speech as a song to the melody of Bohemian Rapsody. After finishing school, I decided not to go to music school/peruse a music career because it didn’t seem realistic or achievable and instead I went to university to study Arabic and Anthropology. This was insane and I got to live in Jordan for a year. It was in Jordan that I started seriously song writing, gigging and meeting producers out there, I even learnt the Oud. I got my first song writing cut in 2019 on a BTS track called ‘Make it Right’ (this was not down to me but honestly right place right time situation) and this opened a lot of doors for me/made the idea of being a songwriter/artist for living seem a bit more reachable. It was from this moment that I decided to seriously peruse the singer/songwriter dream.

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

Warm, bright, melodious (is this a word), harmonic, soulful

Who are your biggest influences musically?

Joni Mitchell, Queen, Remi wolf, Joan Armatrading,

What’s your songwriting process?

I always come up with the best melodies when I’m cycling or just working/doing something menial. This sometimes means stopping on the side of the road whilst cycling to record a voice note of a melody I’ve just come up with then going home and making it into a tune. Sometimes I write using the piano or sometimes make a beat to write along to/use logic. I also write/work with other producers. I’m very much a melody first, lyrics second kinda writer. Unless I come up with a sick chorus top line lyrics, the I work from this.

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

Avril lavine- The best damn thing

 

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

I’m about to play my headline show at The Spice of Life in Soho (Adele and Ed Sheeran played here apparently!). I’ve also played at Glastonbury Festival which is pretty cooool.

 

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

Easy Life- they look so fun and I LOVE there music- I’m obsessed with the lead singer.

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

Me

Ezra Koeing

Danielle Haim

 

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

Absolutely lit but also captivating/full of story telling – it’ll make you smile, might make you cry and also want to be in a girl band

 

Do any of you have any pre-gig or post gig rituals? If so, what and why?I ALWAYS drink this Chinese herbal throat medicine before every gig and I usually drink a whisky ginger before playing.

 

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

Boogie whisky, really nice ginger beer, Prosecco and aperol spritz

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

Cheeky song- The Cheeky Girls

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

My weird eating habits- I’m obsessed with pickles- They’re my favourite drunk snack (I once ate a whole jar of pickled red cabbage) and the first thing I eat in the morning is dark chocolate with a cuppa hot coffee.

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

Instagram- I’m a bit of an insta hoe

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

Play Glasto Pyramid OR the other stage and perform at Coachella in 5 year’s time- say no more.

Create a whole concept album about cheddar/stories of my life and record it in the Cots worlds

Create a mixtape of Collabs with loads of cool artists

Become an artist that is also seen as a sick collaborator/writer like Charli XCX but more earthy and live and less hyperop

Be the Support act for Haim or Easylife, or Lewis Capaldi

Collab with Remi wolf

Write with some of my fav songwriters- Raye and Kamille

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