Editor’s Note: The progressive indie-rock band Molehill will be releasing their new EP Hearts On Fire on May 12th and I wanted to see if you’d be interested in an interview with the group. Their first single, the title track, is inspired by the “Euromaidan” protests in the Ukraine (the birthplace of vocalist Pete Manhart’s mother). You can see the Clockwork Orange-esque music video here. The second single “Reverie” (streaming here) tells the story of losing someone, but being thankful for the impact they had on you. Both tracks make use of organic and synth elements, held together by Manhart’s emotional, baritone vocals. They create a sound that fans of Muse, The National, Depeche Mode and Nothing But Thieves may enjoy.
The quartet completed some gigs at SXSW last month and are currently in Canada performing at Canadian Music Week. The new EP has received support from Alternative Press, Myspace, Exclaim!, WGN Radio, and 101WKQX to name a few. You can connect with Molehill at the following links:
http://twitter.com/molehillmusic
http://instagram.com/molehillmusic
Without further delay, here is my conversation with Trevor Jones, bassist for Molehill!
M.T.C.: Tell me about how Molehill came to be!
Trevor: Peter started the band in Champaign IL in 2006. Peter and I (Trevor) met in 2008 and we hooked up with Greg and Devin in 2010.
M.T.C.: Biggest influences in music!
Trevor: We love a great hook and thoughtful lyrical content. Peter really likes EDM as well. Currently on our band’s Spotify playlist we have Biffy Clyro, Kimbra, Pearl Jam, and The Faint.
M.T.C.: How do you view music education and the arts in school?
Trevor: I could talk a lot about this. Suffice to say that music and art should be a part of everyone’s curriculum. Music and art allows one to have insight into people from a variety of different backgrounds and cultures. I think that’s something we could use more of.
M.T.C.: Tell us about your connection with the “Orange Revolution” in Ukraine and how that impacts your music.
Trevor: Peter’s Mother was born in Ukraine. The documentary ‘Winter on Fire’ (which is about the ‘Euromaidan’ protest and subsequent revolution of 2014, not to be confused with the ‘Orange Revolution’ of 2004/05) inspired the song ‘Hearts on Fire’. “The song is about the common people rising up to fight an oppressive regime. Though the people in this protest were unarmed, the government sent riot police and snipers to kill them, and yet the people’s numbers kept growing until they were finally heard. This song is about the strength of community, sheer willpower, and the resonance of a good and virtuous idea
M.T.C.: Tell us about the SXSW experience!
Trevor: It’s controlled chaos. So many bands, so little parking, so many tacos. We love it and love seeing friends that we’ve toured with and met throughout the country.
M.T.C.: What can fans expect from the EP “Hearts On Fire”?
Trevor: A 3-song 10 minute journey.
M.T.C.: Where do you see Molehill in 2018?
Trevor: Writing, recording, and playing live.
M.T.C.: Where can people find Molehill?
Trevor: www.molehillmusic.com | @molehillmusic | and on all streaming platforms.
M.T.C.: Thank you for your time!
Trevor: Thank you!
And there you have it! Special thanks to Jesea Lee for helping set this up! Please pick up “Hearts On Fire” on May 12th at your favorite online digital retailer and here is the title track below!
