Rap is the new rock'n'roll, and New Zealand-born, Sydney-based rapper/producer Somber Hills is one of the best examples of that. His music combines trap and rock sounds, taking as much influence from iconic rock bands like Green Day and Radiohead as he does from producers like Metro Boomin.
To celebrate the release of his new single AUTUMN, alongside Sydney rapper Phi11a, we're helping you get to know Somber Hills. The track combines Somber Hills' booming, emo-tinged production with Phi11a's signature flow, and we can't get enough of it.
Where does he come from?
Somber first fell in love with music after being given a guitar as a birthday present as a kid. He'd fall asleep with the guitar in his bed, ready to play music as soon as he woke up the next morning. He'd soon fall in love with producing, linking up with mates within the New Zealand skating scene.
He found himself receiving opportunities in Australia and decided to make the leap across the ditch. He's never been someone that's stayed in the same place for too long, because he loves to change things up and keep himself on his toes.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Somber found himself having to head back to New Zealand. However, he'd stayed connected with the scene over there, and he was able to continue playing gigs once he landed. He's back in Australia now, and he's got one goal for his music: “I want to be able to make a living off of this.”
What does his music sound like?
He's just released his new single, Don't Need, which combines hip-hop and rock sounds together, and tells a story of an artist that's facing inner turmoil. Speaking about the track, he says, "I freestyled each section of the song and I think it was something I needed to get out subconsciously. I know being an artist is a selfish role and when I left for Australia I couldn’t be there for the people who needed me.
"I want to be, but I have to focus on this stuff first so I can be there for these people as the best version of myself. Especially my partner. This song stems from guilt. I know pursuing my dreams hurts people and I feel like you can hear the pent-up emotion in the delivery of the track."
The track was produced by Sadie (who's produced for artists like Lil Skies), and the pair have been working together on a few tracks for his upcoming EP. Somber says, "Don't Need came about after a couple days in the studio I'd booked in NZ. I usually produce from my room and record there too. It was just after lockdown and I thought a change of scenery would give me some inspiration.
"For two days I made trash music and deleted everything. At the last minute before leaving I decided to revisit a beat I’d made with Sadie who co-produced this whole EP so far and boom - 5 minutes later - the song was all there start to finish."
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What's next?
Now he's back in Australia, he's been working with the likes of Lucianblomkamp, Jeida Woods, Boy Soda, Joe Mason, Up Late and more. Speaking about the grind, he says, 'I just like being in the studio with people, bouncing off each other.
"There’s something about it, I feel like I learn a lot and it helps me create more. You get to see someone’s project evolve and it’s just fun. I see myself as a vessel for creativity, rather than a creative person."
He's already got two albums' worth of music ready, and he's not going to let up any time soon. Stay tuned for more from Somber Hills, because he's ready to make his mark on 2021 and beyond.
