Award-winning Canadian blues rock powerhouse Steve Hill is back with a new album, Hanging on a String, set for release on Friday, 1 November 2024. Known for his gritty, no-nonsense style as a one-man band, Hill’s latest work is a raw, heartfelt exploration of his journey through the highs and lows of life as a musician. Fans can pre-order the album now and experience the first taste of it with the single “World Gone Insane,” available on all streaming platforms from 6 September.
Recorded at the legendary Studio 606 in Los Angeles—owned by Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl—the album was produced by 10-time Grammy winner Darrell Thorp, whose past collaborations include iconic names like Radiohead and Paul McCartney. The album was mastered by six-time Grammy winner Michael Romanowski, adding an extra layer of sonic excellence. But beyond the credentials, Hanging on a String is deeply personal for Hill, who has poured his life’s lessons, challenges, and triumphs into each track.
The concept of the album emerged organically. Although the songs weren’t written with a cohesive theme in mind, Hill realized that, taken together, they tell the story of a musician fighting to survive in an increasingly uncertain world. “It’s set in a dystopian reality,” says Hill, “but the funny thing is, it’s not in the distant future—it’s right now. And the hero? Well, it’s just me, doing what I’ve been doing for decades.”
At its heart, Hanging on a String speaks to the universal struggles many musicians face today. Whether it’s the impact of the pandemic on touring or the looming threat of AI replacing human creativity, Hill’s narrative touches on themes that resonate across the music world. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Through his music, Hill finds salvation—and the album is an anthem to resilience and determination. The opening track kicks off with the striking line, “Woke up in a house on fire,” a direct reference to a real-life event that sparked the album’s inception.
Hill recalls the moment vividly. After finishing a tour in Western Canada, he was staying at a friend’s house when he awoke to find the basement filling with smoke. “I got my buddy out of there,” he says, adding with a laugh, “Good thing I have a hard time sleeping!” That experience became the foundation of the album’s title track, and soon after, his longtime friend Brian Laudenslager suggested he head to Los Angeles to record his new material at Studio 606. The timing couldn’t have been better.
However, the journey to the album’s completion was anything but smooth. On his way to the studio, Hill was involved in a car accident—his second in less than a year. This setback delayed the recording, but Hill, true to form, used the extra time to perfect his songs. “It was tough, but I kept pushing,” he says. “I wanted this album to be the best thing I’ve ever done, and I wasn’t going to let anything stop me.”
When Hill finally returned to Studio 606, he recorded the album in just five days, needing no more than three takes per track. The result is a collection of songs that captures the raw energy and emotion of his live performances. “This is the music I’ve always wanted to make,” says Hill. “It’s raw, in your face, and straight to the point. It’s about perseverance, resilience, and my never-ending love for guitar music.”
Hanging on a String is a testament to Steve Hill’s enduring passion for blues rock and his determination to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles. As one of the most respected musicians in his genre, Hill continues to raise the bar, and this latest album is set to be his most powerful work yet.
Fans can pre-order Hanging on a String now, and be sure to check out “World Gone Insane” on all major streaming platforms, along with the official music video on YouTube.
For more information and to pre-order the album, visit Steve Hill’s official website.
