Derby Hill, a Detroit-born singer-songwriter based in Chicago, crafts music that blends folk, country, roots, and rock. His songs explore themes of family, love, loss, and redemption, evoking vivid stories of everyday life, from back porch swings to carnivals and truck stops. Influenced by artists like Steve Earle, Leonard Cohen, and Hunter Thompson, his soulful, cinematic storytelling connects deeply with audiences, highlighting grit, resilience, and the power of unconditional love in the face of life’s challenges.
Derby Hill’s self-titled EP, released on January 27, 2026, is a remarkable debut that transports listeners into a world defined by resilience, sincerity, and heartfelt storytelling. From the opening track, the EP establishes a tone of raw honesty, exploring themes of family, loss, survival, and redemption. Influenced by icons like Steve Earle, Leonard Cohen, and John Prine, Derby Hill delivers songs that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable, crafting a listening experience that resonates long after the music stops.
Derby Hill’s vocals are warm, intimate, and unpolished in the most compelling sense, conveying both vulnerability and quiet strength. His storytelling paints vivid portraits of ordinary lives, from families striving to survive to individuals navigating loss and change. Lyrically, the EP balances poetic imagery with accessible phrasing, allowing listeners to connect instantly with the narratives while feeling the depth of emotional experience. The pacing of the tracks flows naturally, guiding audiences through reflection, longing, and subtle optimism, making the EP feel expansive yet intimately human.
Derby Hill EP Track List:
Restless and Forgiven:
“Restless and Forgiven” sets a compelling tone as the opening track of Derby Hill’s self-titled EP, immediately immersing listeners in his intimate and reflective world. The vocals are warm, sincere, and emotionally resonant, carrying the weight of the song’s themes of inner turmoil, redemption, and acceptance with quiet power. Lyrically, the track navigates the delicate balance between struggle and resolution, offering poetic insight into the human experience while maintaining an approachable, heartfelt honesty.
Musically, “Restless and Forgiven” blends twangy acoustic guitar, subtle piano, and hints of fiddle to create a rich, understated Americana-inspired soundscape. The restrained arrangements allow each instrument to breathe, giving space for the vocals to take center stage while enhancing the emotional depth of the song. The production emphasizes subtlety over spectacle, making the track feel like a personal confession and a perfect introduction to the themes and sincerity that define the rest of the EP.
Red Honey Wine:
“Red Honey Wine” stands out as a tender and emotionally resonant track on Derby Hill’s self-titled EP, highlighting his gift for conveying longing and heartfelt vulnerability. The vocals are soft yet urgent, perfectly capturing the themes of love, patience, and hope embedded in the lyrics. Each phrase feels intimate, drawing listeners into a reflective and emotionally rich space.
Musically, the track is anchored by gentle acoustic strums, subtly layered with delicate electric guitar accents, creating a melodic and comforting soundscape. The organic production ensures that vocals and instruments coexist harmoniously, allowing the warmth of the storytelling to shine without distraction. As the EP’s second track, “Red Honey Wine” serves as a contemplative pause, offering both emotional uplift and sincerity. Its combination of evocative lyrics, intimate vocal delivery, and textured instrumentation makes it a standout moment, reinforcing Derby Hill’s mastery of heartfelt, nuanced storytelling in a compact, cinematic form.
In a Matter of Moments:
As the closing track of Derby Hill’s self-titled EP, “In a Matter of Moments” delivers a reflective and meditative conclusion, showcasing his gift for thoughtful, emotionally resonant storytelling. The lead vocals are patient and measured, carrying a quiet wisdom that complements the song’s contemplative lyrics. The track explores the fleeting nature of time and the subtle moments that offer insight and clarity, providing a fitting resolution to the emotional journey established throughout the EP.
Musically, the arrangement is intentionally sparse and spacious, featuring twangy guitar textures and soft, pulsing percussion that allow both notes and silences to hold meaning. The gentle, ambient production highlights warmth and clarity, giving the track an intimate, immersive quality. “In a Matter of Moments” leaves the listener in a state of calm reflection, closing the EP with a sense of serene closure. It is a poignant, understated finale that underscores Derby Hill’s mastery of subtle yet powerful musical storytelling.
Recorded in intimate spaces across Chicago, including basements and hall closets, the EP’s production captures a warm and authentic sound that enhances the cinematic quality of the arrangements. Acoustic guitars, gentle piano, and subtle string elements form an inviting soundscape, allowing each lyric and instrumental nuance to shine. The music embraces Neosincerity, prioritizing emotional honesty over trendiness, and presenting songs that explore everyday struggles, quiet triumphs, and moments of hope and reconciliation.
Every Track On This EP Feels Like A Heartfelt Confession, Blending Sincerity, Intimacy, And Cinematic Storytelling That Resonates Deeply With Life’s Triumphs And Struggles
~ Faithfulness (Dulaxi Team)
In conclusion, Derby Hill’s self-titled EP is a masterful debut that combines emotional storytelling, cinematic arrangements, and a deeply authentic voice. It is a collection of songs that linger in the heart, inviting listeners to reflect and connect. For anyone seeking music that feels personal, sincere, and profoundly moving, this EP is a must-listen. Go check out Derby Hill’s EP and experience a musical journey that resonates with the grit, hope, and beauty of everyday life.
For more information about Derby Hill, click on the icons below.