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| Hometown | boston, MA |
| Genres | |
| Band Members | Adam Jensen, Alex Knutsen, Takuma Anzai, Nick DiSpagna |
| Achievements |
|
| Upcoming Shows | None |
| Contact Information: | |
| # Years Experience Performing Live: | 2 |
| Market Draw: | Home Market: 501-600 |
| Performing Rights Society: | ASCAP |
Mission Hill is an alternative rock band from Boston MA that mixes provoking songwriting, catchy hooks, moody vocals, an energetic live show, and strong musicianship with an unerring commitment to their unique sound. Since forming they have gained a...
Mission Hill is an alternative rock band from Boston MA that mixes provoking songwriting, catchy hooks, moody vocals, an energetic live show, and strong musicianship with an unerring commitment to their unique sound. Since forming they have gained a large east coast following through indie distribution and relentless gigging (including a one month stint at the Hard Rock Cafe in Saigon). Their new songs have received much critical acclaim including recently being awarded an LA Music Award for “Indie Male Vocalist of the Year”, as well as being named to the number one spot on Alternative Addiction’s list of “Top Ten Unsigned Bands in the Country”.
Mission Hill has shared the stage with many national acts including The Script, Boys Like Girls, Candlebox, Secondhand Serenade, Tim Reynolds, Marcy Playground, Blessid Union of Souls, WAR, Donavan Frankenreiter,The White Tie Affair and many others. With their new songs and an inspiring live performance that easily wins over every crowd they play for, Mission Hill has become one of the premiere bands on the New England music scene.
New single "Crazy" was recently added to rotation on The River 92.5 in Boston and has been getting steady airplay in many cities across the country. The band has also recently been sponsored by Dickies, the national clothing line.
Mission Hill has shared the stage with many national acts including The Script, Boys Like Girls, Candlebox, Secondhand Serenade, Tim Reynolds, Marcy Playground, Blessid Union of Souls, WAR, Donavan Frankenreiter,The White Tie Affair and many others. With their new songs and an inspiring live performance that easily wins over every crowd they play for, Mission Hill has become one of the premiere bands on the New England music scene.
New single "Crazy" was recently added to rotation on The River 92.5 in Boston and has been getting steady airplay in many cities across the country. The band has also recently been sponsored by Dickies, the national clothing line.
Bon Jovi's Wanted: A SuperBAND Tonight!
Top 10 in Alternative, May 2011
November 2011 Judging Excellence
Bon Jovi's Wanted: A SuperBAND Tonight!
Top 10 in Alternative, May 2011
November 2011 Judging Excellence
Top 40 in Indie Pop, January 2012
Top 40 in Alternative, October 2011
Alt Rock Band on a Mission by www.NJ.com
Alt rock band on a mission to create thoughtful songsFriday, April 09, 2010By Lisa RichSPECIAL TO THE TIMESMission HillWhen: 10 p.m. todayWhere: Triumph Brewing Co., 138 Nassau St., Princeton...
Alt rock band on a mission to create thoughtful songsFriday, April 09, 2010By Lisa RichSPECIAL TO THE TIMESMission HillWhen: 10 p.m. todayWhere: Triumph Brewing Co., 138 Nassau St., Princeton...
CD Review by Amplifier Magazine
If Mission Hill were on a mission to save rock 'n' roll - they just might do it! In a putrid pop world of digital deception and video vacuity (yes, I am referring to Lady Gaga…) among other...
If Mission Hill were on a mission to save rock 'n' roll - they just might do it! In a putrid pop world of digital deception and video vacuity (yes, I am referring to Lady Gaga…) among other...
Alt Rock Band on a Mission by www.NJ.com
Alt rock band on a mission to create thoughtful songs Friday, April 09, 2010 By Lisa Rich SPECIAL TO THE TIMES Mission Hill When: 10 p.m. today Where: Triumph Brewing Co., 138 Nassau St., Princeton Admission: $5; age 21 and older only If its mission is to make the hearts of teens and twentysomethings throb, then job well done. Mission Hill, a Boston-based alternative rock band, carries the dramatic innuendo and softly woven melodies one would expect to hear in the background of a popular young-adult television series. Tonight, you can catch the band live in Princeton at Triumph Brewing Co. "" a pit stop in their East Coast tour before they depart for Boston and New Hampshire. Yes, its music fits the niche most associate with bopping and swooning teens, but do not mistake that niche for a lack of talent. Mission Hill is a collection of all that works in the popular, modern music scene: sensitive lyrics, passionate vocals, catchy, radio-ready beats and melodies, and four attractive performers. Imagine a mix of country favorites Rascal Flatts with the newest hit band, Kings of Leon, and then throw in the dramatic flair of Rob Thomas (a much more sensitive Rob Thomas). Put it all together and you've got something that resembles Mission Hill. They're tight and they're good, and they know it (as do their 57,000 online followers). The band comprises Adam Jensen on vocals, guitar and piano; Alex Knutsen on guitar; Takuma Anzai on drums; and Zach Jagentenfl on bass. The group recently returned from a month-long stint at the Hard Rock Café in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The current tour leads up to the record release celebration of the band's new, self-titled album, on the indie Toucan Cove/Universal Republic label, on April 24 in Boston. The EP includes favorites such as "Save Me From Me," which gained buzz nationwide and showcases the rougher, raw side of Jensen's vocals. Usually shiny and packaged with a bow, his vocals in "Save Me From Me" sound as if they've been hardly touched with production "" the beautiful coarseness is there, as is a delicate vulnerability that comes across in his articulation. The song starts off simply: She said I can fix you, I can make you happy. I can turn your look around. All you need is someone who can understand you, someone who won't let you down. As the song continues, building up into big moments and winding back down, Jensen ends with the main chorus lines: I don't need blood, I don't need bones. I don't need anyone to take me home. I don't need love if all that it means is someone to mother and smother me. Also on the album are popular songs "This Town" and "Down with Young Love. This Town" also shows the listener a darker side of Jensen's chops "" though momentary, the glimpses of that painful place are genuine and touching. Check them out for free at (myspace.com/missionhillband).
Alt rock band on a mission to create thoughtful songs Friday, April 09, 2010 By Lisa Rich SPECIAL TO THE TIMES Mission Hill When: 10 p.m. today Where: Triumph Brewing Co., 138 Nassau St., Princeton Admission: $5; age 21 and older only If its mission is to make the hearts of teens and twentysomethings throb, then job well done. Mission Hill, a Boston-based alternative rock band, carries the dramatic innuendo and softly woven melodies one would expect to hear in the background of a popular young-adult television series. Tonight, you can catch the band live in Princeton at Triumph Brewing Co. "" a pit stop in their East Coast tour before they depart for Boston and New Hampshire. Yes, its music fits the niche most associate with bopping and swooning teens, but do not mistake that niche for a lack of talent. Mission Hill is a collection of all that works in the popular, modern music scene: sensitive lyrics, passionate vocals, catchy, radio-ready beats and melodies, and four attractive performers. Imagine a mix of country favorites Rascal Flatts with the newest hit band, Kings of Leon, and then throw in the dramatic flair of Rob Thomas (a much more sensitive Rob Thomas). Put it all together and you've got something that resembles Mission Hill. They're tight and they're good, and they know it (as do their 57,000 online followers). The band comprises Adam Jensen on vocals, guitar and piano; Alex Knutsen on guitar; Takuma Anzai on drums; and Zach Jagentenfl on bass. The group recently returned from a month-long stint at the Hard Rock Café in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The current tour leads up to the record release celebration of the band's new, self-titled album, on the indie Toucan Cove/Universal Republic label, on April 24 in Boston. The EP includes favorites such as "Save Me From Me," which gained buzz nationwide and showcases the rougher, raw side of Jensen's vocals. Usually shiny and packaged with a bow, his vocals in "Save Me From Me" sound as if they've been hardly touched with production "" the beautiful coarseness is there, as is a delicate vulnerability that comes across in his articulation. The song starts off simply: She said I can fix you, I can make you happy. I can turn your look around. All you need is someone who can understand you, someone who won't let you down. As the song continues, building up into big moments and winding back down, Jensen ends with the main chorus lines: I don't need blood, I don't need bones. I don't need anyone to take me home. I don't need love if all that it means is someone to mother and smother me. Also on the album are popular songs "This Town" and "Down with Young Love. This Town" also shows the listener a darker side of Jensen's chops "" though momentary, the glimpses of that painful place are genuine and touching. Check them out for free at (myspace.com/missionhillband).
CD Review by Amplifier Magazine
If Mission Hill were on a mission to save rock 'n' roll - they just might do it! In a putrid pop world of digital deception and video vacuity (yes, I am referring to Lady Gaga…) among other insufferable realities, these four fresh, fiery lads from Boston are the real deal: i.e. they can sing, write, and play with the passion and fervor that is (or was) mainstream rock 'n' roll. Adam Jensen possesses the Jon Bon Jovi / Johnny Rzeznik voice of gold (records). Even in the rare instances when Jensen boarders on the overtly sentimental, as in the ballads "Jen" and the title track - replete with strings and MOR piano motifs - he still kicks ass. Guitarist Alex Knutsen, bassist Zack Jagentenfl, and drummer Takuma Anzai sound as dynamic in the studio as they are on stage as they embellish every verse and chorus with a power chord or a simple rise and/or drop in volume. Beautiful Addiction" qualifies as a bona-fide modern rock anthem by way of its tale of pathos, rumbling bass-line, and joyous melodies. The Hill render the best imitation of U2 ever put to record in "Dancing With Her Eyes Closed" as Knutsen apes The Edge's signature rhythms whilst Jagentenfl and Anzai plod along akin to their alt-pop forefathers. In "This Town," a folksy waltz laden with angst and an orchestral backdrop Jensen blurts out "I'm gonna be a rock star but stars only fall from the sky…" Only time will tell. Save Me…comes highly recommended for fans of latter day Soul Asylum, Everclear, All American Rejects, and Matchbox Twenty. --Tom Semioli
If Mission Hill were on a mission to save rock 'n' roll - they just might do it! In a putrid pop world of digital deception and video vacuity (yes, I am referring to Lady Gaga…) among other insufferable realities, these four fresh, fiery lads from Boston are the real deal: i.e. they can sing, write, and play with the passion and fervor that is (or was) mainstream rock 'n' roll. Adam Jensen possesses the Jon Bon Jovi / Johnny Rzeznik voice of gold (records). Even in the rare instances when Jensen boarders on the overtly sentimental, as in the ballads "Jen" and the title track - replete with strings and MOR piano motifs - he still kicks ass. Guitarist Alex Knutsen, bassist Zack Jagentenfl, and drummer Takuma Anzai sound as dynamic in the studio as they are on stage as they embellish every verse and chorus with a power chord or a simple rise and/or drop in volume. Beautiful Addiction" qualifies as a bona-fide modern rock anthem by way of its tale of pathos, rumbling bass-line, and joyous melodies. The Hill render the best imitation of U2 ever put to record in "Dancing With Her Eyes Closed" as Knutsen apes The Edge's signature rhythms whilst Jagentenfl and Anzai plod along akin to their alt-pop forefathers. In "This Town," a folksy waltz laden with angst and an orchestral backdrop Jensen blurts out "I'm gonna be a rock star but stars only fall from the sky…" Only time will tell. Save Me…comes highly recommended for fans of latter day Soul Asylum, Everclear, All American Rejects, and Matchbox Twenty. --Tom Semioli
Local Bands Make Some Noise by Boston Globe/Boston.com
MISSION HILL Sure, we’ve seen our share of Boston bands holding down residencies at Hard Rock Cafes. But a monthlong Hard Rock residency in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam? Not content to build a reputation on the East Coast — where “Save Me From Me,’’ the first single from their current EP, got good airplay and the band’s new single, “Crazy,’’ just hit radio — the local alt-rockers have just returned from a 20-show stand in Vietnam to put the finishing touches on their debut full-length, due in June from Toucan Cove Entertainment/Universal Republic. With Mission Hill’s polished pop hooks, good looks, and tireless touring, it won’t be long before the profile of this foursome — singer Adam Jensen, guitarist Alex Knutsen, bassist Zach Jagentenfl, and drummer Takuma Anzai — moves well beyond local neighborhood geography. Mission Hill hosts a homecoming show and previews tracks from its forthcoming full-length April 24 at Harpers Ferry, with Baylock and Fairhaven. 18+. $10. www.harpersferry.com
MISSION HILL Sure, we’ve seen our share of Boston bands holding down residencies at Hard Rock Cafes. But a monthlong Hard Rock residency in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam? Not content to build a reputation on the East Coast — where “Save Me From Me,’’ the first single from their current EP, got good airplay and the band’s new single, “Crazy,’’ just hit radio — the local alt-rockers have just returned from a 20-show stand in Vietnam to put the finishing touches on their debut full-length, due in June from Toucan Cove Entertainment/Universal Republic. With Mission Hill’s polished pop hooks, good looks, and tireless touring, it won’t be long before the profile of this foursome — singer Adam Jensen, guitarist Alex Knutsen, bassist Zach Jagentenfl, and drummer Takuma Anzai — moves well beyond local neighborhood geography. Mission Hill hosts a homecoming show and previews tracks from its forthcoming full-length April 24 at Harpers Ferry, with Baylock and Fairhaven. 18+. $10. www.harpersferry.com
Top Bands To Watch in 2010 by Boston Music Spotlight
#1. Mission Hill: They impressed all year with each show they played (including a pair of BMS showcases) and we’re eagerly awaiting their full-length debut to drop soon. With catchy hooks, great vocals and songwriting, these pop-rockers have all the makings to become mega radio favorites. We’ll be watching closely for what should be a memorable year for the band. It's certainly starting off that way as they’ll be traveling to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam next month to rock a month-long residency at the Hard Rock Cafe (no, we couldn’t even make that up).
#1. Mission Hill: They impressed all year with each show they played (including a pair of BMS showcases) and we’re eagerly awaiting their full-length debut to drop soon. With catchy hooks, great vocals and songwriting, these pop-rockers have all the makings to become mega radio favorites. We’ll be watching closely for what should be a memorable year for the band. It's certainly starting off that way as they’ll be traveling to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam next month to rock a month-long residency at the Hard Rock Cafe (no, we couldn’t even make that up).
Live Show Review by The Philadelphia Examiner
This past Friday night I caught the show of Boston alternative indie rock band, Mission Hill. Since the four-piece group is currently recording their freshman album, which is not yet ready for purchase, there wasn’t much to listen to ahead of time. Needless to say, when I arrived at World Café Live I didn’t have a lot to go on in terms of what to expect. But as they first took the stage, the initial observation that anyone with a pair of working eyes would make about these guys is that all four of them are devilishly handsome. With his ruffled hair and boyish face, the playful lead singer Adam Jensen would have no trouble winning over crowds of adoring teenagers. But contrasting to his youthful appeal, and with the help of his Boston accent, Adam also carries himself with a self-assured bravado. The blend of bad boy meets sensitive musician is a lethal lady-killing mixture. Just ask John Mayer. So, if I were to go on looks alone, then upon first sight I would say Mission Hill could be mistaken for a boy band. And although I’m sure they would love the attention, this band’s music proves to be much more widely accessible than to a primary target of screaming teenage girls. And besides, about five minutes into the set, in his mischievous and carefree way Adam made a well-received joke about wanting to smoke a blunt. I don't think bringing up such a topic to a Jonas Brothers’ audience would go over all that great. The first two songs of the set were high-energy and guitar-driven, not all that dissimilar in overall vibe and sound to a powerpop group like Cartel or The All-American Rejects. The majority of the night consisted of such songs, one of the highlights being “You’re Lying Again.” With its sharp lyrics and smart insight into a relationship involving a duplicitous partner, Adam sings about the honest half being able to know when the dishonest half is lying merely by looking at that person’s face. Fittingly, Adam refers to this revealing facade as the “lying face.” Speaking of lying, one might think Adam was doing just that when he mentioned that the bassist (Zach Jagentenfl) and the drummer (Takuma Anzai) joined the band only a couple of weeks ago. Adam and the lead guitarist Alex Knutsen have been performing together for two years. But when taking into account the entirety of the brand new four-piece unit, the overall playing was consistent and tight. Adam is a strong vocalist, but sometimes his skill was slightly eclipsed amongst the fast-paced vigor of the upbeat songs. (Or, of the “little dancy numbers,” as referred to by Adam.) Adam is also a multi-instrumentalist, but most of the night he stuck with guitar, only switching it up with the keyboard for three songs. It wasn't until he played the keys and slowed things down a bit that Adam revealed the full breadth of both his vocal ability and his emotional vulnerability. The icing on the vulnerable cake was when Mission Hill performed the ballad “Save Me From Me,” which is the band’s first single, and which is the only full-length song currently listed on their MySpace site. This song is a masterpiece of emotionally moving mid-tempo piano rock that could easily chip away at The Fray’s stronghold in this genre. But what sets Mission Hill apart from other groups is that whether they play up their boyish charm, rock out with their hyper powerpop energy, or melt hearts with their lyrical sensitivity, the band weaves these three distinctive threads together in such a way that the final product is uniquely cohesive and far-reaching.
This past Friday night I caught the show of Boston alternative indie rock band, Mission Hill. Since the four-piece group is currently recording their freshman album, which is not yet ready for purchase, there wasn’t much to listen to ahead of time. Needless to say, when I arrived at World Café Live I didn’t have a lot to go on in terms of what to expect. But as they first took the stage, the initial observation that anyone with a pair of working eyes would make about these guys is that all four of them are devilishly handsome. With his ruffled hair and boyish face, the playful lead singer Adam Jensen would have no trouble winning over crowds of adoring teenagers. But contrasting to his youthful appeal, and with the help of his Boston accent, Adam also carries himself with a self-assured bravado. The blend of bad boy meets sensitive musician is a lethal lady-killing mixture. Just ask John Mayer. So, if I were to go on looks alone, then upon first sight I would say Mission Hill could be mistaken for a boy band. And although I’m sure they would love the attention, this band’s music proves to be much more widely accessible than to a primary target of screaming teenage girls. And besides, about five minutes into the set, in his mischievous and carefree way Adam made a well-received joke about wanting to smoke a blunt. I don't think bringing up such a topic to a Jonas Brothers’ audience would go over all that great. The first two songs of the set were high-energy and guitar-driven, not all that dissimilar in overall vibe and sound to a powerpop group like Cartel or The All-American Rejects. The majority of the night consisted of such songs, one of the highlights being “You’re Lying Again.” With its sharp lyrics and smart insight into a relationship involving a duplicitous partner, Adam sings about the honest half being able to know when the dishonest half is lying merely by looking at that person’s face. Fittingly, Adam refers to this revealing facade as the “lying face.” Speaking of lying, one might think Adam was doing just that when he mentioned that the bassist (Zach Jagentenfl) and the drummer (Takuma Anzai) joined the band only a couple of weeks ago. Adam and the lead guitarist Alex Knutsen have been performing together for two years. But when taking into account the entirety of the brand new four-piece unit, the overall playing was consistent and tight. Adam is a strong vocalist, but sometimes his skill was slightly eclipsed amongst the fast-paced vigor of the upbeat songs. (Or, of the “little dancy numbers,” as referred to by Adam.) Adam is also a multi-instrumentalist, but most of the night he stuck with guitar, only switching it up with the keyboard for three songs. It wasn't until he played the keys and slowed things down a bit that Adam revealed the full breadth of both his vocal ability and his emotional vulnerability. The icing on the vulnerable cake was when Mission Hill performed the ballad “Save Me From Me,” which is the band’s first single, and which is the only full-length song currently listed on their MySpace site. This song is a masterpiece of emotionally moving mid-tempo piano rock that could easily chip away at The Fray’s stronghold in this genre. But what sets Mission Hill apart from other groups is that whether they play up their boyish charm, rock out with their hyper powerpop energy, or melt hearts with their lyrical sensitivity, the band weaves these three distinctive threads together in such a way that the final product is uniquely cohesive and far-reaching.
EP Review by Wildys World
Boston quartet Mission Hill has built up a significant fan base gigging relentlessly on the East Coast over the past few years. Shows with Candlebox, The White Tie Affair and Secondhand Serenade have served to widen their fan base, but it's the music that wins over fans' hearts and minds. Introspective and self-conscious by nature, Mission Hill speaks from the heart on their debut EP, Mission Hill. Mission Hill was recently ranked number one on Alternative Addiction's "Top Ten Unsigned Bands" list, and lead vocalist Adam Jensen won an LA Music Award for Indie Male Vocalist Of The Year. I suspect that such accolades are only the tip of the iceberg. Mission Hill opens with This Town, reflecting on a relationship gone wrong and the difficulty of moving on. The narrator is on the verge of wanting reject all he knows to get away from all things familiar and escape the pain of losing her. While Jensen sounds nothing like Michael Stipe (more like a deeper voiced Rob Thomas), there's a definite REM connection here. Forever Anyway is an autobiographical tune about Jensen's love for his hometown that takes on an almost Americana flavoring. The vocal harmonies here are phenomenal, and the melody is one that will get stuck in your brain. Long Time Comin' is a goodbye song. The narrator has finally had enough and is saying goodbye. The song is incredibly well written and could have potential as a Country tune as well as the Rock/Americana arrangement it's presently in. Don't be surprised to see this song licensed for a soundtrack somewhere down the line. The best songwriting on the disc is still to come, however. Jen (When I Grow Up) is one of the most mature and introspective love songs you're likely to come across. This is a definite mix-tape song, though with limited application. If we did a song of the year category here at Wildy's World this would have to be in the discussion. Ending with Down With Young Love, Mission Hill rocks out for all they're worth; an impressively high-energy tune that I suspect is a big time favorite in the live show. Mission Hill seems destined to transcend their regional status and become a band with national recognition. The quality of the songwriting and musicianship combined with the front-man presence of Adam Jensen would make them a sure thing in a perfect world. Regardless, Mission Hill is very much worthy of your rapt attention. This is great stuff! Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)
Boston quartet Mission Hill has built up a significant fan base gigging relentlessly on the East Coast over the past few years. Shows with Candlebox, The White Tie Affair and Secondhand Serenade have served to widen their fan base, but it's the music that wins over fans' hearts and minds. Introspective and self-conscious by nature, Mission Hill speaks from the heart on their debut EP, Mission Hill. Mission Hill was recently ranked number one on Alternative Addiction's "Top Ten Unsigned Bands" list, and lead vocalist Adam Jensen won an LA Music Award for Indie Male Vocalist Of The Year. I suspect that such accolades are only the tip of the iceberg. Mission Hill opens with This Town, reflecting on a relationship gone wrong and the difficulty of moving on. The narrator is on the verge of wanting reject all he knows to get away from all things familiar and escape the pain of losing her. While Jensen sounds nothing like Michael Stipe (more like a deeper voiced Rob Thomas), there's a definite REM connection here. Forever Anyway is an autobiographical tune about Jensen's love for his hometown that takes on an almost Americana flavoring. The vocal harmonies here are phenomenal, and the melody is one that will get stuck in your brain. Long Time Comin' is a goodbye song. The narrator has finally had enough and is saying goodbye. The song is incredibly well written and could have potential as a Country tune as well as the Rock/Americana arrangement it's presently in. Don't be surprised to see this song licensed for a soundtrack somewhere down the line. The best songwriting on the disc is still to come, however. Jen (When I Grow Up) is one of the most mature and introspective love songs you're likely to come across. This is a definite mix-tape song, though with limited application. If we did a song of the year category here at Wildy's World this would have to be in the discussion. Ending with Down With Young Love, Mission Hill rocks out for all they're worth; an impressively high-energy tune that I suspect is a big time favorite in the live show. Mission Hill seems destined to transcend their regional status and become a band with national recognition. The quality of the songwriting and musicianship combined with the front-man presence of Adam Jensen would make them a sure thing in a perfect world. Regardless, Mission Hill is very much worthy of your rapt attention. This is great stuff! Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)
Mission Hill Ready For Big Time by Boston Music Spotlight
One of the top unsigned bands in the country, Mission Hill is getting ready for the big time. They are currently recording an album due out late spring early summer, and labels and fans alike have been waiting with baited breath since the release of the new single "Save Me From Me", which has garnered local radio play on 92.5 the River. Everytime I hear the song on the radio I have to call someone and tell them to turn it on," says Adam Jensen. "I've been waiting to get on the radio since I was a Beatles-obsessed little kid so its definitely very satisfying to finally hear it on the airwaves everyday. Plus now I can finally justify to my mother all the bail money she has given me. Jensen, along with drummer Jeff Cannon and guitarist Alex Knutson, will be unveiling plenty of the new tracks at Olivers on Friday. "Recently Ive been writing a lot on my piano, so that may be one thing that comes through a little more on this album than the EP," says Jensen. "But on the whole I think that a real strength of our music is the lyrics so I spent a lot of time making sure that each song says exactly what I want it to say. Save Me From Me" is a perfect example of the lyrically conscious pop-rock that the band trades in, pushing things past the same old trappings that you find from most cookie-cutter pop-rock bands. Mission Hill is also looking to get feedback from their fans to help them decide which of the new songs definitely belong on the record. "We will be rocking out a bunch of the new songs," Jensen promises. "Hopefully we can get a feel for which ones our fans are feeling the most. The writing process has been going smoothly and the band will soon move on to actually laying down the tracks, so fans can expect the album sometime this summer. "Im always, always writing new stuff and I have a shitload of songs written for the new CD," says Jensen. "We will start officially recording the new stuff in the next month or so at our producers studio in Cincinnati OH and then pick the ones that make the album. We usually fly out there for a few weeks at a time and record, it makes for a good studio environment since there aren't really any distractions in OH...and I'm easily distracted. For the moment the band is still unsigned, but after being placed on Alternative Addiction's "Top Ten Unsigned Bands in the Country" list, they probably will not stay that way for long. "We are very happy to be considered one of the top unsigned bands, but we are always looking to move forward with our music," admits Jensen. "The goal of any musician is to have as many people as possible listen to your music and that's very hard to do without the backing of people who believe in you, ie a label. We have recently been approached by a few curious labels since we put out the new single, but we will just keep on doing what we're doing no matter what. They will continue doing what they're doing this Friday night, where the plan is "just to rock the fuck out and put on the best show possible no matter how many people are in the crowd," Jensen says. "If we walk outta there with one more person liking our shit, then I consider that a successful night. You can catch Mission Hill this Friday at Olivers at the Cask n' Flagon for the BMS Local Spotlight Live Series. Tickets are $10. Get more information here.
One of the top unsigned bands in the country, Mission Hill is getting ready for the big time. They are currently recording an album due out late spring early summer, and labels and fans alike have been waiting with baited breath since the release of the new single "Save Me From Me", which has garnered local radio play on 92.5 the River. Everytime I hear the song on the radio I have to call someone and tell them to turn it on," says Adam Jensen. "I've been waiting to get on the radio since I was a Beatles-obsessed little kid so its definitely very satisfying to finally hear it on the airwaves everyday. Plus now I can finally justify to my mother all the bail money she has given me. Jensen, along with drummer Jeff Cannon and guitarist Alex Knutson, will be unveiling plenty of the new tracks at Olivers on Friday. "Recently Ive been writing a lot on my piano, so that may be one thing that comes through a little more on this album than the EP," says Jensen. "But on the whole I think that a real strength of our music is the lyrics so I spent a lot of time making sure that each song says exactly what I want it to say. Save Me From Me" is a perfect example of the lyrically conscious pop-rock that the band trades in, pushing things past the same old trappings that you find from most cookie-cutter pop-rock bands. Mission Hill is also looking to get feedback from their fans to help them decide which of the new songs definitely belong on the record. "We will be rocking out a bunch of the new songs," Jensen promises. "Hopefully we can get a feel for which ones our fans are feeling the most. The writing process has been going smoothly and the band will soon move on to actually laying down the tracks, so fans can expect the album sometime this summer. "Im always, always writing new stuff and I have a shitload of songs written for the new CD," says Jensen. "We will start officially recording the new stuff in the next month or so at our producers studio in Cincinnati OH and then pick the ones that make the album. We usually fly out there for a few weeks at a time and record, it makes for a good studio environment since there aren't really any distractions in OH...and I'm easily distracted. For the moment the band is still unsigned, but after being placed on Alternative Addiction's "Top Ten Unsigned Bands in the Country" list, they probably will not stay that way for long. "We are very happy to be considered one of the top unsigned bands, but we are always looking to move forward with our music," admits Jensen. "The goal of any musician is to have as many people as possible listen to your music and that's very hard to do without the backing of people who believe in you, ie a label. We have recently been approached by a few curious labels since we put out the new single, but we will just keep on doing what we're doing no matter what. They will continue doing what they're doing this Friday night, where the plan is "just to rock the fuck out and put on the best show possible no matter how many people are in the crowd," Jensen says. "If we walk outta there with one more person liking our shit, then I consider that a successful night. You can catch Mission Hill this Friday at Olivers at the Cask n' Flagon for the BMS Local Spotlight Live Series. Tickets are $10. Get more information here.
A Mission of Diplomacy by The Boston Metro
Last week Mission Hill returned to Boston after having spent the last six weeks as the resident band at the new Hard Rock Cafe in, —wait for it — Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Frontman Adam Jensen says he isn’t sure how this booking came about, but when the band’s agent asked him his immediate reaction was, “F— yeah, man I’m in. They worked out all the details and here we are,” he said, speaking from Nam. It sounded like the band, named for the Boston locale where Jensen lives, was enjoying the fruits of their labor, referring to “a lot of crazy s— that goes down.” “We party pretty hard and Saigon doesn’t really have any limits in that category,” said Jensen. “What takes the cake for me is almost getting arrested for lying down on a bench, while two guys were passed out on the sidewalk right next to me. Really? Me?” Obviously, a trip to any exotic country requires adequate preparation and Mission Hill wanted to have their bases covered for Vietnam. “We prepped for the trip like we prepare for any tour: binge drink and practice like crazy,” said Jensen. “We are playing for three to four hours every night over here, so we had to make sure we were tight on all our songs, even the old ones that we don’t really play anymore. It was actually really valuable time spent.” Jensen said that Mission Hill were actually looking forward to getting back to Boston. “I’d probably cry if I missed St. Paddy’s Day in Boston. Vietnam is an incredible place, the countryside is beautiful, but I can’t wait to bite into a nice fat juicy American bacon cheeseburger.”
Last week Mission Hill returned to Boston after having spent the last six weeks as the resident band at the new Hard Rock Cafe in, —wait for it — Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Frontman Adam Jensen says he isn’t sure how this booking came about, but when the band’s agent asked him his immediate reaction was, “F— yeah, man I’m in. They worked out all the details and here we are,” he said, speaking from Nam. It sounded like the band, named for the Boston locale where Jensen lives, was enjoying the fruits of their labor, referring to “a lot of crazy s— that goes down.” “We party pretty hard and Saigon doesn’t really have any limits in that category,” said Jensen. “What takes the cake for me is almost getting arrested for lying down on a bench, while two guys were passed out on the sidewalk right next to me. Really? Me?” Obviously, a trip to any exotic country requires adequate preparation and Mission Hill wanted to have their bases covered for Vietnam. “We prepped for the trip like we prepare for any tour: binge drink and practice like crazy,” said Jensen. “We are playing for three to four hours every night over here, so we had to make sure we were tight on all our songs, even the old ones that we don’t really play anymore. It was actually really valuable time spent.” Jensen said that Mission Hill were actually looking forward to getting back to Boston. “I’d probably cry if I missed St. Paddy’s Day in Boston. Vietnam is an incredible place, the countryside is beautiful, but I can’t wait to bite into a nice fat juicy American bacon cheeseburger.”
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