Top Hill Recording Podcast

A Classical Quartet + An Innovative Bass Guitarist and Songwriter In Lightning is a dynamic ensemble that marries the grandeur of classical music with the vibrant energy of modern rock. This unique fusion is the brainchild of composer and bassist Ben Short, whose musical journey began in school orchestras. Short's compositions are a harmonious blend of classical production and contemporary fla...

From the darkness, a cosmic collision of sound and fury gave light, and life, to Sydney Sleadd & The Swarm. You can find them cooking up variations on some “midwestern sad-girl surf grunge” to serve alongside your daily cup of Café Bustelo. With sounds that span the back porch, to the beach shack, to the backroads at night…there’s something here on the menu for every appetite. This cast of mer...

Kirsten Peckham, a talented singer-songwriter from Louisville, Kentucky, is set to release her highly anticipated solo album, "The End Is Nigh", in June 2024. Since February 2023, Kirsten has been crafting this record with the expertise of producer Jared Coyle and recording technician and musician Greg Moore. The album showcases a rich blend of soul, country, rockabilly, and folk influen...

iLL ViBE TRiBE is a hip hop collective from Louisville, Kentucky founded by Brandon Abstain (BRAiNiAK) in 2018. The ARTiSTS are EMU7ATiON, BiLLY BROWN, CHRiSTiAN ALEXANDER, DMT, and BRAiNiAK. THE BAND is BEN (Bass), ALEX (Guitar, Turntables) SAM (Keyboards) DMT (Drums). The TRiBE banded together to create good vibes and good music while, more importantly, building a community of free thinkers driv...

Nick Dittmeier & the Sawdusters aren't afraid to shake things up. In the ever-evolving landscape of country and Americana, they understand the necessity of demolishing the old to make room for the new. As the world stood still, caught between history and uncertainty, they emerged with "Heavy Denim," an album that defies tradition with bold experimentation. "Heavy Denim"...

Nestled in the quiet charm of a small town just north of Columbia, South Carolina, Sofia Lynch emerged into the world with a passion for music that felt like a natural calling. Growing up amidst the tunes of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and The Cranberries, Sofia, with her gentle spirit and adeptness on guitar and piano, quietly harbored dreams of musical success. After graduating from Blythewood High Scho...

Meet Revel Rebel, the dynamic duo comprising Spencer Gardner and Rob Edwards, whose musical journey began amidst the chaos of the pandemic's early days. United by a passion for rock 'n' roll, they've crafted a sound that's both melodic and driven, weaving together vintage guitar tones with a modern twist. At the heart of Revel Rebel lies the synergy between these two musical br...

Step into the world of Fuzzstration, where the boundaries of rock and roll are pushed to their limits, and the boundaries of reality blur into oblivion. Born from the creative minds of Matthew Seelye, Ryan Smith, and Eric Rhodes—three friends with a passion for music that knows no bounds—Fuzzstration isn't just a band; it's a force of nature. At the heart of Fuzzstration's ethos lies t...

From the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, the Insatiable Digs brings a soulful fusion of R&B, funk, blues, and rock that transports listeners back to the golden eras of music. Drawing from their collective influences, the group pulses with soulful grooves and heartfelt lyricism, showcasing a signature style that has quickly built a fanbase in the Louisville music scene. Led by the soul-stirring...

Introducing Marygolds, the throwback four-piece indie band from the vibrant music scene of Louisville, Kentucky. Formed with a shared passion for raw, soulful soundscapes, Marygolds burst onto the scene with their debut self-titled EP in August of 2023, setting ears ablaze with a five-track record infused with heart, soul, and unapologetic grit. Drawing inspiration from an eclectic array of genres...

Making his start in a small town of Southern Florida, Colton began writing music that featured mature and fully developed stories. As a seasoned pianist and performer, he's been a part of shows opening for the Eli Young Band, Chris Jansen, and Ian Munsick, among others. Blending elements of Country, Blues, Alternative, and Pop, his goal is to create a diverse portfolio of songs that address po...

Jay Williams, a creative force in the music world, calls Louisville, Kentucky, home while currently residing in Indiana. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Jay's artistry knows no bounds, blending genres with finesse and innovation. With a penchant for pop fusion and hyper pop, Jay brings a fresh perspective to the music scene, captivating audiences with his mesmerizing melodies and infect...

Having witnessed Bedford's evolution firsthand, from their inception as a tight-knit four-piece to their current incarnation as a trio, it's evident that the bond between best friends Tristian Frazier and Samuel May forms the very heart of their music. For over 15 years, they've woven melodies and lyrics together, creating a tapestry of sound that reflects their enduring friendship and...

Earl Bowman may be new to Louisville’s music scene but he’s working hard to make a name for himself. Earl has had the chance to open shows for Logan Halstead, and Riley Downing, and has appeared on playlists by GemsOnVHS, Americana Highways, and The Alt-Country Show. Earl is also the co-host of the Top Hill Recording Podcast.

Emily Jamerson, the soulful songbird hailing from the enchanting hills of Prestonsburg, Kentucky, embodies the essence of Appalachian spirit in her music. Emily's journey into the world of melodies is nurtured by the rich musical heritage of her surroundings and the harmonies of her musical family. Her voice, molded by the rugged beauty of eastern Kentucky, echoes the whispers of the mountains...

From the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, Shane Spader is a versatile musician with a penchant for serene mornings on the water, crafting artisanal bread, and weaving heartfelt melodies on his trusty acoustic guitar. Blending elements of folk, soft rock, and a touch of vintage country, his music embodies the essence of a true singer-songwriter. With soothing vocals and infectious melodies, Shane&#39...

Grace Pelle's musical journey began in her earliest memories. During her upbringing, the notion of songwriting as work eluded her. Songwriting simply flowed naturally; an inherent aspect of her cognitive makeup. This initial fascination with songwriting paved the path toward production for Grace. Armed with self-taught expertise in Logic, the budding artist embarked on sculpting a unique sonic ide...

Bred in the kennels of Louisville, Kentucky, LUCYTHEDOG emerges as the brainchild of musical kindred spirits Sam Hall and Tim Spayd. Formed in 2022, their collaboration was a cosmic connection of sonic soulmates. Their sound? Well, they're not quite ready to slap a label on it just yet. But one thing's for sure: it's groovy, it rocks, and it's unmistakably LUCYTHEDOG. With only a handful of shows...

Joe Piano is a folk trio from Louisville, Kentucky, anchored by the musical prowess of songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Jesse Weber-Owens. Joining Jesse are fellow multi-instrumentalist Jean Christopher-Gorce and Louisville Orchestra violist Jon "Jonny" Mueller. Jesse's musical journey began at the age of nine when he discovered his perfect pitch and keen ear while lea...

Bradley McKinney, a skilled piano and saxophone artist based in Louisville, Kentucky, draws inspiration from a diverse range of genres such as rock & roll, jazz, hip-hop, blues, country, and classical music. His musical journey commenced at the age of 7 when he started playing the piano, and a few years later, he embarked on saxophone lessons. Throughout his high school years, Bradley showcase...

Discover the origins of Limestone, which started in 2016 as an unnamed musical experiment by InSub Beckley and Jeff Westenhofer. With no specific goal other than bringing musicians together to see what magic would unfold, the indie rock project officially took on the name Limestone in November 2017. Join us on this podcast journey as we unravel the band's musical evolution. In the band's e...

Welcome to the world of Taylor Katherine, a captivating singer/songwriter from Louisville, Kentucky. Taylor's journey began with a strong foundation as a classically trained vocalist, honing her skills at Georgetown College in Kentucky. Originally from Frankfort, Kentucky, Taylor made her move to Louisville in 2018, immersing herself in the vibrant local music scene. Her musical pursuits took...

Celebrate with us as we hit a major milestone in the world of music discovery and intimate live performances! Welcome to the 200th episode of the Top Hill Recording Podcast, where every note is a testament to raw talent and genuine artistry. From our humble beginnings in a bedroom that evolved into Top Hill Recording Studio, hosts Brad Weston and Neil Johnstone have been on a journey to spotlight...

Trevor and Trenton Jenkins, collectively known as The Jenkin Twins, hail from Irvine, Kentucky and have dedicated years to crafting a sort of "Cosmic Americana" that nods to contemporary indie while paying homage to golden-age pioneers like Bruce Springsteen, the Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, and Roy Orbison.

Top Hill sits down with Mark Roberts of The Monarch in Louisville, Kentucky. The Monarch stands as a nonprofit nexus for creativity, a social haven, and a valuable resource center nestled in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky. It serves as a dynamic community hub, embracing artists, musicians, and music enthusiasts alike. The one-of-a-kind co-working venue and intimate listening room form a secure...