Hilltop Hoods Return With New Single ‘The Gift Featuring Marlon’
The Australian music space has been without the presence of multi-platinum selling and award-winning HILLTOP HOODS for a while now, but new music from the iconic hip hop trio has arrived today in the form of a rich and textured collaboration with Larrakia/Darwin born artist, Marlon.
Released through Island Records Australia / Universal Music Group worldwide, The Gift ft. Marlon is the first taste of their new studio album, slated for release this year.
Teaming up with singer-songwriter Marlon, who most recently featured on 3%’s debut album KILL THE DEAD, was a natural fit for the Hoods both sharing a long-time collaborator in fellow artist and producer, Trials. Marlon’s voice (think Leon Bridges / The Weeknd-esque vocals) drenched in soul and a natural warmth, was the perfect fit for the soundscape the Hoods created for this song.
The Gift is a song that serves to reposition the Hoods as curators of music that balance natural storytelling with humour and emotional depth. There is a rejuvenation and sense of fresh embodiment that threads its way through the production and arrangement that makes this an exciting instalment in the ever-growing tapestry that is the Hoods’ story.
“’The Gift’ explores the relationship between family and music. I grew up in a house filled with music. My Dad played guitar and was an avid record collector, my Mum was a music teacher, and my brothers were musicians. I know that this informed my love of music as a kid, and for me, that’s the greatest gift that my family ever gave me.” Suffa
Paired with the single is the official video for The Gift ft. Marlon made in collaboration with award-winning director Richard Coburn. (1955, Cosby Sweater, Exit Sign)
“We’ve collaborated with Richard Coburn on a lot of film clips, ‘1955’, ‘Won’t Let You Down’ and ‘Cosby Sweater’ just to name a few. But for me, this video might be the most special, it just has so much heart,” shares Suffa
Richard explains, “The clip deals with the Hoods remembering the music their parents and families, neighbours and friends exposed them to that helped form their love of music. Beautiful vignettes that tell the story of the influence of growing up in an environment of music. It’s a nostalgic look at how our parents love of music is like a gift that they pass down to their children.”
The Gift ft. Marlon is the first taste of the Hoods long awaited ninth album. Nearing completion, it is a project that comes packed with fervent energy and excitement from the group.
“We’ve had a long time to work on the record and expand on ideas. It’ll be six years since The Great Expanse when this comes out, but it will be a stronger record because of the time taken.” Pressure
Consistently working on ideas and finding new ways to chase inspiration and strike upon new sources of influence, the Hoods’ formula for creating new music was further refined in the time spent on the road following the release of Show Business Feat. Eamon in 2022.
The Show Business Tour (supported by A.B. Original & Unearthed Artist of the Year Elsy Wameyo) saw Hilltop Hoods return to sold-out arenas across Australia and stages across the world, followed by a successful tour of Europe and the UK in support of their release Laced Up in 2023, before returning home to continue work on their new record.
2025 will see the Hoods return to stages in Australia and Europe, with confirmed dates at Bluesfest Byron Bay and Taubertal, Openair and Lakelive festivals in Switzerland with more to follow.
