Emerging Tāmaki Makaurau indie-rock band Back to the Hillside have today released their hook-laden new single ‘I’m Alone’.
Listen to ‘I’m Alone’ HERE
Destined to become a sing-along crowd pleaser, ‘I’m Alone’ has an instantly catchy chorus, twinkly keys, bright guitars and solid drums that drive the track's pace perfectly. The vocals are what pull it all together and make this track an absolute standout.
Lead singer and songwriter, Neo Aiono-Fukushima explains that ‘I’m Alone’ is about the struggle of trying to fit in by wearing a ‘mask’. “The vibe of the song is fun, upbeat and jumpy, but it does have a little sad undertone with the lyrics.”
Recorded, mixed and mastered by celebrated engineer/producer Scott Seabright (Mumford and Sons, Broods, Six60), ‘I’m Alone’ showcases that Back To The Hillside have a great sound that’s easy to connect with.
Made up of Neo (lead guitar/vocals/lyricist), Hamish Brown (bass), Rocielli Fernando (keys/backing vocals) and Sam Hatley (drums), Back To The Hillside takes inspiration from bands/artists such as Inhaler, The Smiths, Joy Division, The Cure, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Drums, Slowdive and Title Fight - and say they want to bring that underground new wave, with some small hints of shoegaze-type-sound, to all of Aotearoa.
Off to a great start, Back To The Hillside have been gigging and gaining fans all over Tāmaki Makaurau for the past year and a half. Shows have included Breaking Sound and opening for NZ bands Black Jack Society, The Boondocks, Wednesday’s Girlfriend, Napoleon Baby, Retro Valley and Australian indie rock band Off Judy. They’ve also had two successful headline shows.
The group came together after Neo left jazz school in 2021, and wanted to start a new band. He first got in touch with Hamish from his high school band - Minutes to Monday - which made it to the 2017 smoke-free rockquest national finals. Neo then met Rocielli at a music festival and Sam in St Andrew’s Big Band. Sam’s also in Auckland alt-rock band Slow Rage. ‘I’m Alone’ is the bands third single to be released - following ‘Overtime’ and ‘Back To You’ - but their live performances tell us there’s a lot more to come from Back to the Hillside - so make sure you’re following!
Listen to ‘I’m Alone’ HERE
Find Back to the Hillside:
Instagram | TikTok | Facebook
Spotify | YouTube | Apple |Soundcloud