Video directed by Angie Scarpa. All photos by Michael Quintero.
Video directed by Angie Scarpa. All photos by Michael Quintero.

South Hill Experiment: KCRW Live from HQ

Intimate performances, fresh sounds, and candid conversations with a view.

Written by Marion Hodges

“The Experiment is prolific, a vault of stories,” declares the manifesto posted on The South Hill Experiment’s website. The LA-via-Baltimore sibling duo, named for their DTLA Hill St. studio, asks you to remember what you love about music: “Try it, you never know. The most exciting time to make music is always right now.”

It’s an ethos that landed their LP MOONSHOTS on our 23 Best Albums of 2023, and that members Baird Acheson (guitar) and Gabe “Goldwash” Acheson (keys) bring to the Annenberg Performance Studio for a dynamic set of (semi)-controlled jazz-folk chaos. Decked out as self-described “old school middle school art teachers” (with a dash of mad scientist for good measure), the band busts out tight harmonies à la Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young layered over heavy rhythms and effects galore. Rounded out by members Tim McNalley (bass), Mano Ruiz (drums), and Ryan Raines (drums), the Experiment is set to make you swoon via faves like “Chameleons” and “DREAMS!” alongside the latest like “BONITA” from their freshly released EP South Hill & Friends. 

Plus, in conversation with Novena Carmel, they hint at some big pop collabs in the future… Perhaps even one with an artist that “you could call, probably.”

And if you want to experience the sublime sonic alchemy with your own eyes and ears, you’re in luck. South Hill Experiment will be live at Union Station on Saturday, Jul. 27 for a FREE show as part of KCRW’s Summer Nights 2024. 

More: KCRW Summer Nights at Union Station w/ South Hill Experiment + DJs SiLVA and Raul Campos













Explore more KCRW Live From sessions

Credits:

KCRW Music Director: Anne Litt
Interviewer: Novena Carmel
Director, Editor, Colorist: Angie Scarpa
Director of Photography: Vice Cooler
Camera Operators: Vice Cooler, Kylie Hazzard, Angie Scarpa
Recording / Mix Engineer: Hope Brush
Assistant Engineers: Katie Gilchrest (Front of House), Henry D’Ambrosio
Executive Producer: Ariana Morgenstern 
Producers: Anna Chang and Liv Surnow
Digital Producer: Marion Hodges
Digital Editorial Manager: Andrea Domanick
Lighting Design: Jason Groman
Art Director: Evan Solano

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