By Will McGuirk
The Guelph-based (ex-Oshawa) Hymns 57 will be performing his saucy mix of auralistic artistry at Hillside this year. The annual music gathering takes place July 12 - 14 on Guelph Lake Island. The line-up announced today includes some well known names, Steve Earle, Skydiggers with Paul Langois, Bruce Cockburn, Richard Reed of Arcade Fire, Alan Doyle but the festival is most known for getting acts who are on the verge of becoming those future known name. Keep an eye on Orville Peck, Haviah Mighty and Lydia Persaud.
Hymns 57 is the sound sensation project of Steve De Taeye (he will DJing here in Oshawa Saturday, Apr 20 at the Oshawa Music Hall). He is also host of Aural Tethers Friday nights on CFRU.
Steve De Taeye moved to Guelph a few years ago and delved into the Royal City’s music scene immediately. Being on Hillside is a dream come true he says.
“ In many ways it even, emotionally, solidifies my Guelph status I guess. Since moving here three years ago and raising a family, the Hymns project has been active and cultivated in that time as well. I've been attending Hillside with my wife for almost 10 years now. As the years went on we were joined by an extra shadow walking the causeway with us and last year another. From my very first Hillside I knew 'kids' were what was missing for us. It's a festival that easily becomes part of your family routine, your community and in turn you become part of the Hillside family. This feels like an adoption, kind of, sort of, hahaha. So in short, a career highlight as a musician who has gone solo and it is extra special to know my family will be in attendance.” he says when contacted by Slowcity.ca earlier today.
Prior to moving to Guelph DeTaeye was integral to the Oshawa/Bowmanville music scene, as a DJ and guitar player. He was a member of Havens and Mass Device. He is is also currently a member of (Ph)authers. Hymns 57 is a largely improvised performance built around guitar, loops and pedals
“I never play the same set twice. I may riff on certain elements of past pieces but they always seem to grow and evolve in the moment. So it's safe to expect field recordings being manipulated into drones and sonic tapestry for the guitar to float over. Tape loops and overall . . . if all goes well. . . a general psychedelic ambient excursion. I may touch on some familiar terrain for anyone who has seen the Hymns 57 project in the last year and I'll likely implement some new pieces as I'm currently recording the new release slated for Fall hopefully,” he says.
Hillside Festival is very familiar terrain for De Taeye but this year he will see it all from a very different angle. Link via poster to website for tickets.
