• Monday 22 November 2010
• posted by Nicky Branagh
• Comments

Vote for Hippys On The Hill before 29th November!

How would you sum up your sound in 5 words?

Big, Heart felt, Energetic, Catchy.

How did the band first get together?

Like all great rock bands we met back at school. In the summer of 2006 we got together in Mike's basement and played through a few ideas for songs and covers which worked extremely well. By Christmas that year we had a full line-up and were progressing really well, getting bigger gigs. We also laid down our first demo which was really successful.

What's the best/worst live performance you've done so far?

The best gigs by far have been at our own headline shows with huge 300+ crowds in January 2010 at the Liverpool 02 Academy and July 2010 at the Liverpool MASQUE -  not to mention headlining The Hub Festival and supporting The Blackout and The Automatic at festivals this summer.

The worst, well, ahem, it's hard to say as we enjoy what we do so much. Even when you might end up playing to just the sound tech after travelling for hours to get there, it's still a great night and just to be doing gigs and travelling around gets us going!

Who are you main musical influences?

We're quite diverse in our musical influences, each bringing something different from metal, punk and 'classic' rock to modern alternative, pop/punk and even dubstep but we do agree on the Foo Fighters, Rage Against the machine and Muse as definitive bands who have influenced us.

What is your favourite thing about your University?

It has to be the amazing people you meet! So many different people from different parts of the country and even the world, all open and friendly. Plus the events and gigs you hear about and go to - not to mention the discounts!

What is the story behind the name of your band?

When we were young we would all meet and hang out with our mates on a single hill in our local park. It kind of grew from there (not mentioning the long haircuts at the time). Also, recently we've discovered a place called "Hippy Hill" near Ipswich and so it has another application.

Where do your song ideas come from?

Our songs tend to develop from 'jamming' main parts in band practice and then working out a structure for the idea to work as a song. In terms of lyrics, the ideas are from everything from everyday life; current issues such as love, war, friendship and even a bit of politics from time to time.

Have you got any forthcoming live dates?

We're proud to be supporting 80's heroes MARSILLE (with Neil Buchannan of Art Attack) on December 2nd 2010 along with GMT (Guy, McCoy, Torme) next February. Also, in the new year we are headlining the Hub Festival, playing at Liverpool Sound City. 

What's the best thing about being in a band?

The buzz of being on stage - that cannot be replaced by anything. Seeing your music spread to more and more people. Fans singing your songs and having them on iPods and wearing t-shirts - knowing that you've made contact with them.

Why should readers vote for your track over the competition?!

Let Go packs everything about our band into four minutes. It's got massive riffs, an anthem chorus, a stomping beat and even some soft piano in the hugely heartfelt breakdown.

If you are one of the final 3 bands to be in the London final, what can the audience expect from you?

A massive, energetic, gut-smashing set, with songs to both sing along to and tear the place up. Along with death defying guitar playing and solos, flawless drumming and vocal harmonies to rival the Royal Philharmonic Choir.

Listen to Hippys On The Hill - Let's Go