LISTEN: The HillBenders, “Take On The World (Give ‘Em Hell!)”

Artist: The HillBenders
Hometown: Springfield, Missouri
Song: “Take On The World (Give ‘Em Hell!)”
Release Date: September 29, 2023

In Their Words: “‘Take On The World (Give ‘Em Hell!)’ embodies the age-old tale of a directionless, troubled soul. We’ve all been there in one way or another. Maybe doing things you ought not be doing just for the excitement of doing it. But then comes along someone that shows you how much more there is to life. It’s almost like you’ve turned into a completely different person after falling in love with them. Like you’re under some sort of spell of theirs. And all of a sudden, all that trouble doesn’t seem as fun anymore. How long it lasts is maybe for another song.” – Mark Cassidy, banjo

“The tune was recorded at Red Rock Studios in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, while having a rare day off on tour. Primarily used to record jazz music, the studio had a beautifully organic design nestled in the quiet rural countryside. We asked Jeremey Garrett (of the Infamous Stringdusters) if he would lay some fiddle down on the song and he cut some buttery tracks at his studio, including a twin fiddle part that made the final mix. Jeremy is a great cat and his involvement really elevated the song as a whole. Since adding our new drummer, John Anderson, we have explored all sorts of new musical possibilities — but it was nice to return to our bluegrass roots on this number.” – Jim Rea, guitar


Photo Credit: Robert Crook

WATCH: The HillBenders, “Nothing but a Banjo On”

Artist: The HillBenders
Hometown: Springfield, Missouri
Song: “Nothing but a Banjo On”
Release Date: July 15, 2022
Label: HillBent

In Their Words: “‘Nothing but a Banjo On’ started out as just a funny idea a good friend of mine, Anne Youngblood, came up with. Letting it all hang out while pickin’ the banjo. We would talk and laugh about it here and there for a couple years. One day, it just hit me, we really could make a fun tune out of this concept. I think a lot of pickers can relate to and appreciate the sentiment; the comfort of home, loved ones, and playing music. It could be interchangeable as well, an insert-your-primary-instrument’s-name sort of thing. Everyone who plays an instrument can relate to this concept to some degree. Maybe not stripping down to their birthday suits but the release and enjoyment that making music can bring to you, especially after a tough day’s work.” — Mark Cassidy, songwriter and The HillBenders banjoist


Photo Credit: Zen Lens Photomedia

LISTEN: The Hillbenders, ‘The Hillbenders’

Artist: The Hillbenders
Hometown: Springfield, Missouri
Album: The Hillbenders
Release Date: November 16, 2018
Label: Compass Records

In Their Words: “Making a record has never been this easy. We have polished these songs over the past couple years, trying them out on audiences as encores at shows when we performed The Who’s TOMMY: A Bluegrass Opry. So when the spirit of the desert took hold at Eric Uglum’s New Wine Studios in Apple Valley, California, we knocked out the album quickly, collectively, and with confidence. It’s a pleasurable rarity being able to work with all the original band members, for over 10 years now, making records and touring around this beautiful country. Now that these tunes are out in the universe, the fun begins with sharing them and marinating on what’s next on our musical journey.” –Jim Rea


Photo credit: Maranie Rae