An Interview with Multi-Talented Musician TJ Hill
I've recorded and gigged with some of the most talented musicians from around the globe. In this journey, I have found that every so often, you get lucky enough to connect with a musician in a way you can't explain. Music has a strange way of creating bonds and "like-heartedness" that seem to reach a deeper place than in the "real world." Strangely, you sometimes begin to be defined by those relationships, and they become your real world. TJ Hill has occupied that space in my life as a musician.
I spent an hour with TJ interviewing him over the internet. We chatted about some of our band memories; we dug into TJ's past and how he started as a musician. One of my favorite memories was talking about how we collaboratively wrote the drum beat to "Slow Your Breath Down." Then we got a little deep and talked about the power of music and the mystery of how music can have an impact on the listener.
The interview is full of fun stuff, so enjoy the 3 part series. Below are subject notes if you wish to browse the conversation by subject.
Both TJ and I would love and be happy to answer any comments or questions to this interview! Thanks!
PART 1 (12 min)
TJ’s performance on the “Slow Your Breath Down” rehearsal video (0:30)
How TJ started playing music (4:27)
How TJ became so skilled as a drummer (7:33)
PART 2 (17 min)
How TJ and Eric created the “Slow Your Breath Down” beat (0:17)
Lessons TJ learned from working with Eric in Future of Forestry (6:45)
How being healthy and whole makes a difference in a musician (9:27)
Emotional awareness by connecting with the body (12:25)
What happens when you DON’T address your emotions (13:58)
PART 3 (10 min)
What is the purpose of being a musician (0:16)
Using prayer in the process of making music (3:50)
Operating from a place of gratitude (4:29)
Inside the brain of TJ (and one of his versions of gratefulness) (4:59)
Why the person as a musician makes a difference in the music (7:30)
The power in music and the mystery of music’s impact on the listener (8:50)