Heather Hill Releases Inspirational Single “I Rise”
Sometimes we can feel the inspiration of an artist through their music. Singer-songwriter Heather Hill takes listeners on a journey through her inspirations of the naturally beautiful Blue Mountains in her latest single, “I Rise.”
Hill’s new single is a stirring piano melody mixed with her soaring vocals. It is an example of her inspiration of the Georgian Bay coming to life to spread love and peace in the world.
For anyone familiar with the gothic inspiration of rural Ontario, “I Rise” contributes some of the most haunting representations of the beauty that can be seen throughout much of the province. Hill’s piano, mixed with acoustic guitar, adds depth to the lyrics that explore a humanity that is keenly observant, compassionate, and rooted in nature.
“I Rise” is the latest single from Hill’s third studio album, We Are The Same, which was self-released on May 12, 2022. The album is a collection of 12 inspirational acoustic, piano-based songs that explore everyone’s impact on the world.
“This album was recorded in two parts,” explains Hill. “The first set of songs was recorded live off the floor with Julian Decorte. I collaborated with Harrison Fine on “I Rise,” and Alec Steinwall and Orville Hyne on “We Are The Same.” The second set of songs was recorded in remote Singhampton with Adam Fair. I like to record live off the floor as I can deliver the song and story in its most raw and simple form.”
Hill recorded the album over the last five years while she moved from Toronto to the Blue Mountains. She sings about being gentle on yourself, calling for help, star gazing, acceptance, and being the flow of the river. The album was recorded and mixed at Canterbury Sound Company in Toronto. According to Hill, the album is like a warm hug on a stormy day.
After achieving a classical piano performance degree from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Waterloo, Hill and her partner moved to New York City, where she performed in some of the city’s most legendary clubs, such as The Cutting Room and the Makor Room. She also recorded her first album, Listen, with platinum-selling producer Steve Addabbo.
When Hill moved back to Toronto, she recorded her second album Leuty Station which saw success after various radio and television plays on stations such as CFRB, CBC Radio 1, Rogers Daytime Toronto, and several local college stations.
Hill’s soul-stirring and life-affirming music transcends, uplifts, and remains steadfast in its joyful celebration proclaiming no matter who we are and where we are, we all belong together because we are the same.
Watch the video for “I Rise” below and learn more about Heather Hills via our mini-interview.
Care to introduce yourself.
I am a professional musician and singer-songwriter based in Blue Mountains. I moved out of Toronto four years ago to try a different life filled with nature and outdoor adventures. I have an amazing view of the forest while I play my piano and write songs. My fellow artists and songwriters leave the city to join me to writing “in my tree-fort.” I feel fortunate to be able to make music in this inspired setting. Nature certainly informs my writing and the themes I am exploring about who I am in the world, the peace I am longing for, and making music that goes out to my listeners like a warm hug in stormy weather.
Tell us about the process of writing “I Rise”?
I was in a tropical location, but it was raining in paradise. Coming from a cold climate and a stressful life, I was a bit disappointed that it was raining. A rain catcher caught my eye, and the rhythm of the water falling from cup to cup led me to the idea of the chorus hook. As I watched the wonder of this rain catcher, my spirits lifted, and I rose to appreciate what was really happening for me. I came home and worked with Harrison Fine to further craft the song in his studio. We wanted to create a rhythmic, grounded, but transcendent song about rising even though we are in hard times. We were inspired by the duality of falling rain and rising hopes. Harrison produced the song and played the guitar, Russ Boswell played bass, Arturo Avalos played percussion, and I played piano and sang. The song had been completed for a while, but it never felt like the right time to release it. Now is the time.
What’s it like being a musician in the Blue Mountains?
Honestly, I am just getting to know the music scene here, but it is small compared to what I have been used to. Everything changed with the shutdowns, and some of the live music venues have disappeared or changed. They are popping up again. I have been playing at house parties and art events. I love going to open mics around the area and doing shows in my living room and non-traditional venues. There is so much more to come as I continue to explore.
Who was the first Canadian artist to blow you away?
Joni Mitchell was the first artist to blow me away. I have listened to her all my life. I am so amazed at her multiple talents and that she embraces them all. She has had a long life creating and following her muse. Her creativity knows no bounds. I love how authentic, intelligent, and adventurous she has been in her music. I particularly love her early songs like “Cactus Tree,” “River,” and “A Case of You.” “She was busy being free.”
What’s one piece of advice you’d give a newcomer?
After a lifetime of practicing, performing, and learning, the only advice for artists starting out is to play music because it pulses through your veins, and you absolutely love it. You will never have regrets if you do what you love and you are doing/being the best you can be.