Lake District-born vocalist Evie Hill is set to release her first album, ‘People In Their Simplicity,’ with pianist, producer, and fellow songwriter Ben Lawrence on Friday, September 8. Their first single, ‘Spirit,’ was released in late July, and the music video, filmed in the Lake District, is out now.
Capturing the Beauty of the Lake District
The music video for ‘Spirit’ showcases the breathtaking scenery of the Lake District, featuring underwater scenes filmed in Lake Windermere and a mountain ledge sequence on Loughrigg. Evie Hill grew up in the area and feels a deep connection to the landscape, which has influenced her music and creative process.
The Duo: Esk
Esk, the name of the duo, has a dual meaning. It refers to Eskdale, an area in the west Lakes that holds great significance for Evie and Ben. In addition, the name is a nod to their musical influences, such as Moonchild, J Dilla, Bon Iver, and D’Angelo, with ‘esque’ signifying their aspiration to create music as inspirational as their idols.
Neo-Soul Inspirations
Esk’s music is heavily influenced by neo-soul and Black American Music, with D’Angelo, in particular, being a significant source of inspiration. Their music also incorporates elements from alternative folk, electronic drum samples, and modern jazz, creating a unique and diverse soundscape.
Songwriting Beginnings
Evie and Ben met while playing in the Durham University Big Band, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that they began songwriting together. The lockdown provided them with the time and opportunity to explore songwriting in ways they never had before, leading to the creation of their debut album.
Ben Lawrence’s Story
Ben grew up in Newcastle and was actively involved with the Sage venue and its youth programs. He taught himself how to mix and produce music during the lockdown and now plays various instruments on the album. Ben has created a mini recording studio in his family’s cottage in Cumbria, where much of the music is crafted.
# A Wide Palette of Sounds
Esk’s music features a broad range of influences, from J Dilla-esque beats to R&B piano pieces, as well as field recordings of birds and insects to evoke the rural environment they both love. Their primary influences include neo-soul artists like Robert Glasper, Yebba, and Moonchild.
## Jazz and Evie Hill’s Journey
Evie studied English Literature at Durham University and is now pursuing a Masters in Jazz at Guildhall. Her love for jazz began with artists like Amy Winehouse, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and more contemporary musicians like Jazzmeia Horn. For Evie, music is an essential means of communication, expression, and emotional connection.
### Live Performance vs. Recording/Producing
While Ben enjoys the recording and producing process, Evie thrives on live performance. They both find value in both aspects of music creation, feeding off each other’s strengths and interests to create an authentic sound.
#### Album Launch Gig
Esk will be performing at Jazz@PizzaExpress Holborn on Sunday, September 10, for their album launch gig. This event will be the first time the album is played live to an audience, promising a special and memorable night.
