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Donovan Reid

Artist Highlight: Illusion Hills

The young, fresh collective made up of integrated pieces of artistry throughout Orange County, CA extending to the Philippines, makes for a fine tuned machine that is Illusion Hills. What was supposed to originally the title of a clothing concept, sparked the binding of artists which continues to be a fun feat to witness, as it's not easy to function within such a big group, but they all make the process seamless. Boasting eight different artists within the conjunct including: MJ, Salad, Pada, Jay, Kyle, Chris, Brandon, & Sai. All of which contribute to the management, design, production, & ever-changing sound and hip-hop bending that the Hills emit.


All of the group having an average age of 18 provides for a very bright future for them all, but moreover, all the more music for the fans. They've really just began making music together about a year and a half ago, although most of them had made music prior to. Sai touched on the origin a bit more: “Our group came together during the hiatus of quarantine and even before, we was making music together. We were homies pursuing a common dream. Our chemistry with each other ultimately brought us together even closer and we became a brotherhood.” In that short span, they've given us 3 projects, including their most recent alternative EP-Beforetheworldends and a multitude of singles, tying the elements together that of hip-hop and R&B, while splashing the alternative sound that groups like BROCKHAMPTON have mastered. Illusion Hills is just catching fire going forward.


Their latest solo track, "Weirdo" which debuted on November 30, is an homage to the haters, simply put. Speaking directly to those who have a choice of words for them with the bass knocking in the background (produced by Loui Vladimir), it's unique to listen to because they so elegantly tell the naysayers off over that very hard-hitting surface. Kyle graces the ending of the song with a decelerated ballad and this track was also member Salad's first "single" appearance with Illusion Hills. Personally, I love that the single features those peanut gallery, laugh-track-like ad-libs belting "Why you being such a weirdooo?". The video that dropped in tandem with the song is a fun, visual experience to be had, incorporating multi-colored patterns and visual effects. “Weirdo was our most ambitious video by far. Especially we aimed to bring a distinctiveness to each set. Each scene was apart to be weird within themselves, but, put together, it makes perfect sense", Brandon said. Not to mention the direction was done by their own, Brandon kim, Dasss Mj, & Padawong.


Lastly, to be so young, they've all proven to be so wise, making strategic business and managerial decisions on behalf of such a big group. Above all else, they've opted to trust in one another as well as themselves which can be a bold claim in the creative world. Member Pada offered this to all those who have aspirations similar to theirs or for that matter, at all: “Believe in yourself. It took me a while to believe in myself, but at one point you have to realize how much potential you have. If you want to achieve that potential, believing in yourself is key, knowing that you can achieve your goal with hard work and dedication. Illusion Hills is on the continuous climb to reach that very potential so don't lose sight of them now. Go stream "Weirdo" down below and check out the music video on YouTube!




Follow their Socials:

IG: @illusionhills


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