Twenty-three-year-old artist Retro Hills is making mainstream quality music within the underground setting, and it is prominently definite in his single “Leisure”.
Ambient plucks begin “Leisure”, followed by an infectious melody over trap drums. Deep 808s ring throughout, and combined with Hills vocal abilities the two together create an amazing space.
“Leisure” is the Long Beach natives newest track, and he has seemingly refined his melodic songwriting mechanics compared to his previous material crooning:
“When I’m ballin yeah, they gonna need a feature // Imma need 20K for my leisure // When I’m ballin yeah, they gonna need a feature // My girl need nice things gotta treat her”
When asked about the braggadocios lyrics, Hills states that he “felt super confident” while recording; “Once I heard the beat drop, I had the hook for Leisure in minutes. I took an extra day to finish the verse.”
Citing a variety of different artists as prominent influences, Hills states that artists such as Mike Shinoda and Kanye influence his production style, while others like Drake and Nav influence his rapping style.
“There is a lot that influences me, and I can’t always recall them,” Hills says. “The movie Drive with Ryan Gosling, Bones unique branding, and (the) general pop aesthetic from the 80s have a huge influence in my style.”
As a producer himself, Hills recorded and mixed the record. The beat is produced by spencertyto, and Hills cites stumbling upon the beat through the inter-webs. “I actually never met him, but I definitely want to work with him in the near future.”
Hills himself became a notable name for his producing skills on tracks like Lil Hawk Boy’s “Two Seats” and Drake Chisholms “Stay”, yet he acknowledges that his primary focus will stay on his own songwriting career from here on out. “I prefer recording and writing. I am not able to completely express myself as a producer.”
When asked what Hills had left to say to his fans, he highlighted ‘creating memories’. “So with that being said, think of the actions you take today and tomorrow. I can’t stress that enough. This is where the ‘Retro’ in my name derives from. At the end of the day, memories are all we have so follow your gut. Thanks to all my fans, family, friends, Dhina and the universe. One love.”