Short Takes Highlights the Sounds of Student-Run Hill Records

All musical artists need access to a marketplace, and Hill Records at the U of A is providing that connection for Arkansans. The record label, which is completely student-run, creates promotional campaigns for Arkansas artists while providing hands-on learning for students interested in the music business.  

In "Short Takes: On the Record," Hill Records president Abbie Petersen, director of operations Natalie Jenz and Malibu Moon singer/songwriter Blake Diaz give a behind-the-scenes look at what makes their experience with the label so unique.

"We're able to give them a door into the local industry, where they may not have had those opportunities before," Petersen explains.

Hill Records is an incubator for students and artists alike, providing entrepreneurial experience that complements classroom learning. Students from a variety of majors are involved, which gives them the opportunity to hone their skills for future work in other creative industries.

"Record labels at other universities involve students working with fellow student musicians," explains Jake Hertzog, an adviser to Hill Records and assistant professor of guitar. "Hill Records works with Arkansans, though. They offer an open submission process every year, and the students invite artists to submit tracks."

Hill Records helps their artists license their intellectual property, but the artists retain all the rights to their music. The label has successfully placed their artists at local venues like George's Majestic in Fayetteville and The Momentary in Bentonville but recently saw one of their groups, Ted Hammig and the Campaign, perform at Austin City Limits Music Festival in Texas.

"Just about every band that I know in this scene has either [been] involved with Hill Records or has done something with them," says Diaz of Malibu Moon.  

Hill Records is a part of the Community Music School at the U of A, as well as the Department of Music. To hear from Petersen, Jenz and Diaz first-hand, watch "Short Takes: On the Record." For additional Short Takes videos, visit shorttakes.uark.edu.