Start Listening To: Martha Hill
We spoke to Martha Hill about her recent radio success, the north east’s place in the industry, and what we can expect next from her career.
Can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?
Hey! My name’s Martha Hill and I’m an alt-pop singer/songwriter. I like to try and make music that’s a bit catchy and has a chorus but also that’s a bit weird. I was brought up on the west coast of Scotland but ended settling in the North East (oioi).
What first got you into music?
I first got into music playing classical trombone. I was also in choirs, sang at church, played in shan teenage rock bands… the usual. I started writing songs when I was about fourteen and, after a failed attempt at studying classical trombone at Douglas Music Academy, I ended up leaving home at 17 and started busking and travelling around Europe. When I was about 20 I joined a band called Holy Moly and the Crackers playing trombone — that’s what really introduced me to music as an industry. Before that I didn’t know the difference between a producer and an agent.
Which artists have influenced your sound?
All artists! I know that sounds like a cop out but songs here and there or musicians I work with, or a line in a verse, or the way somebody pronounces a word is what influences me, rather than specific artists.
I really love your new single ‘Landslide’ coming out this Friday! Can you give us a bit more information about the origins of this track?
Ah thanks so much :D. It started out after I’d had a hungover walk around Newcastle and was feeling a bit grimy. The concept behind the songs is really the ups and downs of emotional and mental health and how different people show or deal with it: excessive video gaming, getting stoned, cold water therapy, etc.
You’re getting some incredible radio play at the moment! How does it feel to be on BBC Radio 1?
Ahhhh it’s mad! I came on the radio on my way home the other day and it was bonkers!
How has being from the North of England influenced you as a musician?
The north east is such a creative and supportive place. The fact that I’ve managed to be playlisted on Radio 1 and Radio 6 as an independent artist is an absolute testament to that. Everyone is out to help each other and we’re all pumped when something good happens to one of us.
Do you feel it’s harder for artists to break out of the North?
I don’t really have anything to compare it to… I think the industry should be moving its focus and investment to places that aren’t London though, definitely.
How do you produce your music?
It changes depending on who I’m working with. The Summer Up North EP was a pretty different process as it was all recorded during lockdown over Zoom. I worked with London-based producer Julien Flew and I’d record the organic sounds (guitars, vocals, bits of percussion, etc.) in my house and then he’d live share his screen and audio with me and together we’d build the track around those part. It was a fun way to work actually.
What are some of your favourite releases from 2020?
Callum Pitt’s Ghost, Ruth Patterson’s Sink or Swim, and Nadine Shah’s new album Kitchen Sink to name a few. Loads of good stuff coming out of the North East at the moment!
Is there any advice you would give for other female solo artists?
Just flippin’ go for it. Chase people up, don’t take shit, work your arse off, have a laugh and just do the bits you wanna do.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any releases planned? Future gigs?
Loads! I’ve got Landslide out just now, then there’s the rest of the Summer Up North EP on it’s way, and a tour booked for April 2021 (oioioiii). You can get tickets at the website.
Thank you for your time! Would you like to add anything else?
Thank youuuu :) Yeah! Check out my festival Women Are Mint <3
