The Hill has learned a thing or two about musical dynamics, positive pathos, and seductive sonics from the great and the good of an earlier golden age, and learned well.” -The Big Takeover
The sophomore effort from The Hill, ( JON KOWIT) a Philadelphia based artist is a 12-song Americana/folk work produced by Mike “Slo-Mo” Brenner, who also produced Susan Werner – Halfway to Houston (Best Folk Album of 2024 – Folk Alliance). SEE YOU THERE – the first single to hit the South African Market, is a slow beautiful burner and is now on the Bafana FM playlist.
The new album NOBLE STATION covers topics that include part-time parenthood, dog companionship, romance and lifelong friendships. “It’s a delicate Americana sound, country pedal steel sonics, intimate balladic lyrics…in some gorgeous sonic textures and tones, drifting atmospheres and lilting beats,” says Dave Franklin of The Big Takeover. Noticing some spikes in airplay stats in South Africa, Jon decided to release his single “See You There’ to a South African market.
The Hill’s music is based on the songs of Jon Kowit, who had been behind the scenes in indie music with Brooklyn’s Ascend Records, but had never released his own music until The Hill’s debut last year. That debut LP Get In Line built a loyal following and led to being featured as a WXPN spotlight artist, a 45 minute interview on WWUH’s Modern Twang and light, but consistent radio play in the U.S., Canada, Australia and South Africa.
Kowit grew up listening to the great Laurel Canyon songwriters, plus classic country artists which clearly have influence. “I’m definitely not trying to sound like anyone, but the songs have a foundation in some great music from a different era,” says Kowit
Brenner produced the LP, after an interesting year of playing on Wild Pink’s, Dulling the Horns, (Paste 2024 – Rock Album of the Year) and several tracks with The Philly Specials, a project that also involved The Philadelphia Eagles, Stevie Nicks and Jon Bon Jovi. “Mike was juggling some interesting projects, but once we finished the “Let This Storm Pass,” we got into a flow with the rest of the tracks,” says Kowit. John Anthony (Solas, The Brothers McMullen, Backstreet Boys) was brought in to engineer the LP, but also plays on several tracks.
“I am just a music junkie lucky enough to connect with Mike and a group of notable indie rock veterans who know how to make some great music with all the subtleties. It’s been gratifying to see the connection the music has made in some interesting places. We’re obviously hoping folks enjoy the new album as much or more and it leads to some more placements and touring.” says Kowit.
