Hillary Reynolds

Singer/Songwriter Peridot, Hillary Reynolds Band

This week we turn to Hillary Reynolds, friend of The Avenue, whose music is familiar to listeners as Hillary Reynolds Band and Peridot. The Appleton native has relocated to Los Angeles but makes it back to her hometown now and again, sometimes as a special guest in our studios or in concert with Steve March Tormé. 

Hillary will be in town soon, and in advance of that we talked with her about what music is currently on her playlist. 

You can see Hillary in concert, April 19, with Peridot performing at the Gerold Opera House in Weyauwega for an intimate trio performance featuring a timeline of songs spanning from the Hillary Reynolds Band as well as some brand new songs. Advance tickets are $12 (Tickets $15 at the door). More information available at http://wegaarts.com/tickets/

And, you can also see Hillary in The Avenue’s upcoming Uncovered Too with Steve March Tormé – get your tickets now at avenueradio.com.

Peridot “Lonely Work” https://youtu.be/9YXftp7zE4M
Learn more about Peridot here http://peridotband.com

“My musical “comfort food” will always be The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, The Supremes, Neil Young, Sam Cooke etc… I call them “comfort food” because   when I was growing up, I had no choice  over what my parents fed me (for which, I am forever grateful!) - for better or for worse, these artists will always be full of nostalgia & a sense of home. 

“Lately, I’ve really been cutting my teeth into some Scandinavian music. There seems to be something in the water for me out there. I think I’m drawn to the music because the songs aren’t afraid of being complex, simple, honest and the music isn’t watered down. Maybe that statement makes me cynical, but lately, I've been feeling like music tastemakers are more important now than ever before in a world of 30 second clips of Instagram “stars,” lip syncing “stars,” streaming, accessibility and content overload. That being said, each artist I’m drawn to right now is distinct, and their music is a glimpse into their imagination as well as a lens into how they see the world. There’s a cool depth there. Knowing that Avenue listeners are always up for discovering new music, I figured these three artists would be perfect for adventurous ears. 
“About a year ago, I started listening to Norwegian singer-songwriter and producer, Aurora. She’s an old soul. Her music has a way of combining raw, ethereal vocals with complex soundscapes that fuse together to give a soul-bearing flavor to pop. Her music has a lot of moments in each song – I love “Conquerer,” “Runaway,” “Murder Song (5, 4, 3, 2, 1).” Oh! and go for a run while listening to “Running With The Wolves.” She’s so incredibly weird & lovely in the best way. Listen to her ASAP. Do it!”

Aurora “Runaway” https://youtu.be/d_HlPboLRL8
Aurora “Running With the Wolves” https://youtu.be/06ht9MyJLT4

“Tingsek is my favorite artist from Sweden. Specifically, his Restless Soul record. He had a hand in writing, producing, and mastering everything on Restless Soul and also mixed the entire album. I admire the hell out of that. Check out tracks “Coming Back to You” and “Goodbye.” His voice is soulful and dreamy. His latest record, Amygdala is a little more out-there, pushing the conventions of pop, but there’s still something undeniably magical about his sentiments, arrangements, & ability to produce delicious sounding tracks." 

Tingsek “Goodbye” https://youtu.be/9n699dykRXs
Tingsek “Coming Back to You” https://youtu.be/ctAWx6ixUhY

“Finally, Bernhoft. Another magical Norwegian. Holy cannoli. I love his writing. I love his voice. Love his guitar playing. “Come Around” and “Falter” are two standout tracks. If you can ever see him live, do it. His energy is contagious and he’s probably one of the happiest individuals I’ve ever met.” 

Bernhoft “Come Around” https://youtu.be/iyyq8yiJAgo
Berhnoft “Falter” https://youtu.be/Qv0f0QcIO20

Enjoy, Avenue fam :) 
Love you more,
Hillary   

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What are YOU listening to? We’d love to hear! All that’s required is your love for music! Send your current playlist and a few words about it to listeningroom@avenueradio.com – you could be featured in The Listening Room!