Hilltop's Backstory
Hilltop is a four piece Funk Rock band based in Albany, NY. The group consists of brothers Stephen & Reid Perry, and their friends Aris Nieuwkerk and Dave Klang. The Perry brothers started playing rock music in high school with Aris, who met keyboardist/founding member George Scherck at music school in Schenectady, NY. Reid and Dave met in Dobbs Ferry, NY at Mercy College, and Stephen studied percussion at SUNY Fredonia before transferring to Mercy. The five of them eventually started playing and writing before their first show in January of 2018 and released their self titled, self produced album a year later. George left the band in 2019 but the band has continued to grow as a quartet. With over 100 shows under their belt, Hilltop shows no signs of slowing down. Each member offers a proficient, unique approach to their instrument, defining the experience. This band of young musicians is ready to spread their music and will continue to engage crowds wherever they go.
Since age 12, Aris Nieuwkerk has been slinging the six string. A self-taught player, his passion for guitar is second only to his love for singing. After seeing Phish at SPAC for the first time in 2016, he was inspired to begin writing music. While studying Audio Engineering at Schenectady County Community College, he formed Hilltop. He works hard days to play hard nights and is always evolving his craft.
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Reid Perry began playing trumpet and reading music at a young age. After picking up drums at age 11, he was heavily involved in Scottish pipe bands, getting the chance to travel and compete internationally. Since starting a rock band with Aris in high school, he's taken drum kit on as his main instrument.
When he isn't playing music, Reid enjoys snowboarding and practicing mindfulness.
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Stephen Perry started playing drums while playing saxophone in school band. He studied percussion for a year at SUNY Fredonia before transferring to Mercy College to play with the live with the band. Outside of Hilltop, Stephen likes to work as an audio engineer and collaborate with other artists.