The Hill (Something Clever song)

"The Hill" is a song by the American rock band, Something Clever. It was officially released as a single on July 13, 2018 via Bunker Hill Records.^[1] The song served as the first single from the band’s third EP titled Moments: Red. “The Hill” was the band’s first release since signing a record deal with Bunker Hill Records in May 2018. It was also their first release with new bass player Lawrence “Lo” West after longtime bassist Colt Crevar departed the band in March 2018.^[2]

Following the release of their debut album, Season of Light, in March 2017, Something Clever spent much of that year touring in support of national acts such as A Day to Remember, Flaw, Trapt, DOPE, Twiztid, Drowning Pool, Nonpoint, Tantric, and A Course of Action. They also performed at major music festivals, including Blue Ridge Rock Festival and Carolina Rebellion.^[3][4]

The band began writing and tracking demos for new material in November 2017, signaling the early stages of what would become Moments: Red. However, progress briefly paused in March 2018 when longtime bassist Colt Crevar departed to join another band, A Light Divided.^[5][6] The group resumed work in May 2018, announcing Lawrence "Lo" West as their new bassist. Shortly thereafter, on May 31, 2018, Something Clever announced they signed their first record deal with Charlotte-based record company Bunker Hill Records, marking a pivotal moment in the band's career, particularly for promoting new music which the band had done completely themselves along with their manager Brandon Hinson throughout their whole career up to that point.^[7]

During a interview with Antihero Magazine the band discussed how they aimed to refine their sound with a more focused and direct approach when initially entering the recording studio to work on new music. Lead singer Adam Nelson stated, "We went into the studio knowing we wanted to change it up a bit," indicating a deliberate shift in their creative process.^[8] Drummer Justin Tyme added, "Unlike Season of Light which took shape over about three years of writing, this effort was much more direct and had a precise goal: keep to our hard rock roots, yet stay approachable for a wider audience"^[9]

In June 2018, the group announced the upcoming release of their new single "The Hill," announcing it will officially be released on July 13, 2018 along with an accompanying music video directed by Justin Beasley. "The Hill" served as the lead single for what was later revealed to be Moments: Red, the first in a two-part EP series. The band officially announced the EPs—Moments: Red and Moments: Blue in January 2019, confirming that "The Hill" would be included on Moments: Red.^[10]

• Adam Nelson – lead vocals
• Kelly Flusk – lead guitar^[11]
• Lawrence “Lo” West – bass guitar
• Brett Baker – rhythm guitar
• Justin Tyme – drums

• Dillon Reynolds (Atom Bomb Artwork) - graphic design^[12]

As their first release under the newly signed record deal with Bunker Hill Records, "The Hill" received significantly more promotion and press coverage compared to the band's earlier independent releases. The band announced the single on June 1, 2018, and announced an exclusive premiere of the song's official music video with Antihero Magazine would take place on June 15, 2018, in which revealed that "The Hill" would be officially released as a single on July 13, 2018.^[13]

In a interview the band stated the phrase in the song's lyrics "Is this the hill you wanna die on?" a direct referral to social networking and getting sucked into winning pointless arguments online in the comments section. And is a metaphor for saying "Is this really what you want to put your effort into right now?"^[14]

"The Hill" received significant amounts of airplay on 106.5 The End and rock satellite radio stations. Additionally "The Hill" made it to the "Top Rock Songs" lists on Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify following its official release on July 13, 2018.^[15]