Looking to satisfy your need for some energetic, energizing, punk-psycho-rockabilly?! Look no further than Ali and the Hilljack Stompers‘ latest release, Made In Exile.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with members of the band about dream collabs, the new projects, AI in music, and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Let’s get this hot topic out of the way from the start. What are your feelings on AI as a creative tool? Have you experimented with it? Or released any projects where it was used?

Ali: for me, I think it drains the unique creativity and authenticity from the artists. Something about it seems like a disservice. Personally, I wouldn’t be as excited about a work if I know I didn’t challenge myself, rely on my own ideas and grit. Full disclosure – on our album, Made in Exile I even refused to use auto tune… ain’t no way I would turn to AI.

I’m worried things will start to sound the same after awhile and a bit robotic… Ai for college essays sure. Music… its a pass for me. Music should be raw and expressive and moving… AI is great but doesn’t just capture that. 

Tony: If AI is being used to restore old demos or something, great. If it’s being used to create graphics or business papers, great. I am adamantly against the use of AI in the creation of new music.

What is your earliest music memory? Or a moment that sticks out for motivating you to write, record, and release music?

Ali: …music has always been with me. I got Zeppelin instead of lullabies. I remeber dinner shows and Broadway shows that I was lucky to experience with my family. We would also always sing in long car drives to the beach. Music seemed embedded in my 90s childhood… there was a lot musically going on… grunge, alt. Rock, pop, and still clinging to songs of yesteryear it all played a vital part of building appreciation and my own sound.

Tony: My earliest music memories are jamming to 8 tracks in my mom’s car as a kid, or going to dinner theaters, or even to see the bands like the Osmonds or John Denver. It was all great! But the moment that made me want to play guitar and be in a band was when I saw Ace Frehley on the all artwork to KISS ALIVE II, then went back to discover the earlier stuff. It changed my life forever.

Mike: Probably seeing my sister’s band play at the Labor Day festival in my hometown. She was in high school and is seven years older so I was young. I think she actually played an acoustic version of Freebird, way back when it was still cool to play that song lol. The crowd went nuts. Whether it happened that way or if that’s the way I remember it, that was probably the first thing for me… that’s when I started stealing her Beatles records.

What’s up with this latest release? Any cool back-stories, bloopers, or notable inspirations?

Ali: itsy bitsy had quite the transformation. It started as a 1 vocalist song, and I have to be honest, for me singing it gave me the ick… I expressed this to the guys and Tony came threw with this wild and complimentary 2nd vocal I’m talking in 30 mins flat. It was like nothing I’ve ever witnessed. It added so much and the song really bloomed into something totally different. Referencing those early sketches is so rewarding to see what ultimately takes place with a song. I was also excited to hear the little blooper out take of “awe man, wasn’t ready for that one” that was captured while recording… it made the cd! 

Tony: This album actually started as a reunion project for an old band Mike and I were in. When that didn’t work out, we decided to take everything in an entirely different direction and I’m really happy we did. We wrote some more songs as we were recording the initial batch as well. I’m super happy with the way things evolved, but the recording of the album was plagued with setbacks from the very start. I’m really happy we finally made it across the finish line because there were times where I wasn’t sure. It’s really nice just to be able to listen to it instead of work on it, and it’s really awesome getting so much positive feedback!!!

What keeps you going, especially on the “bad” days

Ali: You know, I think its bad ass that women in today’s age can be so many things…my mind set is that I want to make sure my bucket list is checked and I live out every dream, because why the hell not. Cliche as hell but we only have one life… mine as well say you lived, you did the scary things, wore all the hats, tried your hand at something new and was always authentically yourself. Who says you can’t be in a band, be a mom, a wife, be a professional, have hobbies, go get your masters… its the naysayers really, I eat them for breakfast. On the bad days, I count my blessings, dig in my heels and give the devil a run for his money.

Tony: Coffee and cigarettes. Lots of them.

Mike: Coffee.

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why?

Ali: Oh boy… Steven Tyler when his vocals were in top shape. My dad raised me on rock and roll and I feel like he had such an influence on me regarding what a voice can sound like and embody. Little bit of blues, a razzle dazzle of country, rock… and attitude. 

Tony: Wow…Ace Frehley, JD Wilkes, Dave Wyndorf, Dave Grohl, Kurt Cobain, Adele, Jen and/or Sarah Blackwood, Ben Moody, Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker, Kim Nekroman, Patricia Day, and any number of my favorite bands from every genre! Why? Because every one of them have had or are still having an impact on my life and it would be an honor!

Mike: Muddy Waters

I know it’s hard…but favorite song (or artist) of all time? Or Top 3 if you can’t choose one…?

Ali: Harvest Moon- Neil Young

Zeppelin- Going to California 

Fleetwood Mac- Gold Dust Woman

Tony: Only 3??? It really depends on the day and the mood. I can’t do just 3 because my mind will change before I list the 3rd. Maybe I’ll do my top 10 from each decade one day.

Mike: Ramones. I never get tired of hearing them.

Where’s the best place to connect with You?

Facebook or Instagram

We also have all our album “Made in Exile” on Bandcamp.com ! Make sure to get yourself a copy!

I appreciate Your time. Any last thoughts before signing off?

Ali: thanks for the thoughtful questions!

Tony: Thanks for having us!