13/12/24
Jo Hill’s journey into music began in the small village of Cheddar, a place where everyone knows everything about everyone, where she started crafting songs, stories and anything to distract her from village life as a young girl. With a grandmother who sang opera and entered her into a singing competition at just nine years old, Jo’s path as a storyteller was set in motion early on. Fast forward to today, and Jo’s music is a nostalgic blend of heartfelt storytelling and modern vibes, drawing inspiration from legends like Queen, Boney M, The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, and Joni Mitchell. Her sound invites listeners on a journey through different worlds, evoking the spirit of the past while staying firmly rooted in the present.
But Jo’s path hasn’t been without its twists and turns. While studying Arabic at university, she faced a challenging period in Jordan battling Lyme disease. Rather than giving up, she found solace in songwriting, transforming her struggles into creativity. During the Covid lockdown, back in Cheddar, Jo’s dedication shone through as she wrote a song a day while working on a strawberry farm. Jo would write songs for strangers on the internet and help them tell their story in a song during lockdown which she coined 'song in a day'. Starting with raw piano tunes, Jo’s music evolved as she explored new styles and collaborated with diverse producers.
The discovery of artists like Big Thief, Remi Wolf, and Kacey Musgraves broadened her musical palette, merging classic influences with contemporary sounds. Her songs are deeply personal, rooted in the emotions of everyday life. A major milestone in Jo’s career was the release of her debut single, "Honeymoon." Independently launched, it marked the beginning of her career and highlighted her resilience.
Jo’s debut album, girlhood., is a celebration of sisterhood, empowerment, and unapologetic self-expression. As Jo describes it, “girlhood. is about wearing your vulnerability on your sleeve and being a badass bitch while doing so.” Jo’s intimate gatherings in London, where she jams with fellow female artists, have become beloved events, fostering a sense of community and creativity. Currently, Jo is putting the finishing touches to her debut album, a true labour of love that reflects her artistic evolution. Despite being signed and dropped by a major label, she persevered, crafting a collection of songs that tell her story.