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2008 |
 Some Changes... November 18, 2008 It seems like it's been forever, but we are finally putting the final touches on our upcoming new album, "The Definition EP," which is (quite honestly) the proudest thing any of us have ever been a part of. We couldn't be happier with how it's coming together and the direction and future of the band. We did want to give you all a quick heads up though. While the band will be continuing and expanding with the release of our new album, Chris has decided to focus himself elsewhere in life. We have included a quick message from him regarding his decision below. All of us are all still friends and we wish Chris the best of luck with everything his life has in store for him! So what does this mean for the band? It just means that we're going to be sporting a new face on bass shortly. We already have some options in place, but have to finalize a few details before any replacement announcements are released. Rest assured though, Hillcrest Road has a long and exciting future ahead of ourselves. Thanks again for all the continued (and wonderful) support you have all given us and keep and eye out for release information about our new album, new shows, and more exciting details soon... - Tom, Scott, Jake, and Pat ---------- Chris Bartel: This wasn't a decision that came easy for me. For the last four years this band has been the all-consuming force in my life, and has brought me some of the best times I will ever have. It seems like just yesterday Hillcrest Road was no more than a summer pastime with some friends in my garage back in Green Bay. Looking back, I'm amazed at what it has become. We are getting ready to release our second album very very shortly (The Definition EP) and have had the privilege of working with some of the best and brightest producers and engineers in the industry, including Mike Hagler on our first record and Jordan Schmidt on our upcoming album. Artists whom we have admired and respected over the years have now become close friends. We have shared the stage with bands that we once stood in the audience for, and we have been able to share our music and our passion with thousands of people not just across the Midwest or the United States, but in all corners of the world. Sadly, I will no longer be able to share in this experience. Times are tough for everyone right now, and I am no exception. Now that I have finished school, the real world awaits and I have to move forward. I am now working full time with a second job on the side just to pay the bills every month and no longer am able to fully commit to Hillcrest Road like in the past. Still, I know in my heart that these guys will continue on with our dream, and they deserve just as much support as ever. I will greatly miss making music with them. Thank you all so much for your support over the years. I will miss you! Christopher Full Album Download! November 6, 2008 In anticipation of our upcoming new album, we've made all 11 tracks off our first album, "Life After Liftoff," available for free download in our Fansite! The entire album will only be available for free for a week or so though, so make sure you take advantage of this while it lasts. We'll be releasing more information about our upcoming new album, "The Definition EP" produced by Jordan Schmidt (All Time Low, Sing It Loud)... can't wait! Studio Photos: Joe Lemke October 30, 2008 After having his computer crash and his hard drive fail, Joe Lemke was finally able to recover the photos he took of us recording our upcoming album, "The Definition EP." Starting tonight we'll start posting a new one up on our Myspace profile every couple of days or so. There are some really great shots of all of us recording our parts and Jordan Schmidt manning the board. We'll also be posting some of the more candid shots showing us goofing around in the studio. What a great time that was... and what great photos these are. Thanks Joe! Rock the Vote October 23, 2008 I just got back from voting early, which took me a whole 10 minutes. Even if you can't get out to vote early like I did, voting on November 4th really won't take that long. And with how important this presidential election (and every election) is this year, it is definitely time well spent. We urge you, regardless of who you're voting for, to get out and exercise your right to help guide this country. It really is that important, especially for us of the younger generation to do so. So please, please, please... go vote! And for those of you living in the Milwaukee, WI area, save those "I Voted" stickers since FM 102.1 is putting on a show at The Rave featuring 3OH!3 and Innerpartysystem the evening of the 4th absolutely free to everyone wearing their sticker at the ticket gate. The Sassy Back Tour October 17, 2008 Just got back from watching Sing It Loud, Hit the Lights, Forever the Sickest Kids, and Cobra Starship rock the mutha effin house! Seriously, what a sick show... an absolute blast in all regards! And having Ben Peterson give us a shout out during their set pretty much made my day, ha. It's always a great time catching up with Ben and the rest of the guys. If you haven't already checked them out we strongly suggest doing so. Their newly released album is top notch. I highly suggest listening to "Come Around" and "Marionettes," my two favorites off the album. Black Friday October 10, 2008 It is almost hard to believe what has been happening in the world's economy as of late. The amount of tension and discord it has brought our nation and so many individuals around the globe is heart wrenching, to say the least. During times like this, it is the entertainment industry that many of us look to in order to forget our troubles and find some rays of sunshine and hope through the gloom of reality. As musicians we feel the financial burdens just like all of you, but rising above those difficulties and doing our part to help those around us feel better about themselves and the world around them is something we have to do. While our upcoming album has taken longer to finish and release than we had originally planned, we are striving and working hard to make sure it represents our best and hardest efforts. We hope that everyone, every single one of you will continue to strive to improve the lives of those around you. It is during times like this that we all must come together and lend a hand to those around us as we work in a cohesive fashion to bring ourselves out of this downward spiraling rut! With that said, if any of you wants somebody to talk to, to vent some stress and concern over the economy and world in general... we are here. And we will listen and do our best to provide insight and support. It's the least we can do, and we hope you'll do the same for your friends. Photos: The Definition EP September 27, 2008 We just put up 13 photos on our Myspace profile from our recording session at Arctic Studios with Jordan Schmidt. In all we spent 12 days in the studio, and we couldn't be happier with how things turned out. So until we can start releasing these new tracks, enjoy the pictures! Harmonies and Secondary Vocals = Done September 14, 2008 It's 1:10 in the morning, and Scott and I just got back from a long, but extremely fruitful weekend of recording with Jordan in Minneapolis. The album is 100%, completely finished being recorded... boo ya! The harmonies we've got going on are crazy awesome; it is going to be an absolute treat letting all of you hear the tracks when we're able to release them! The Definition EP: BG Vocals September 6, 2008 Next weekend, we will be heading back to Minneapolis to record the final backup and secondary vocal parts for The Definition EP... and we couldn't be more excited to do so. Initially we were going to record those parts ourselves, but after a few attempts we decided that we just weren't getting the quality this record deserves. With how crazy-awesome all 6 tracks are sounding the least we can do is support them with similarily awesome sounding backup vocals! And the best part is that this means the entire album will be finished having been recorded as of next Sunday evening. We can't wait to start sharing these songs with everyone! Acoustic Show August 31, 2008 We're playing an acoustic show this afternoon for one of our biggest fan's birthdays. While we've never done a show like this before, we're pretty excited about the concept of smaller, more-intimate, acoustic sets like this. And even better, this will be the first time that we've played some of the new songs that'll be on our upcoming album. |