This week’s Hot Seat features musician Vere “Shiloh” Hill, who left St. Maarten for New England, where he currently performs over 300 shows a year. He told the Out N About about his passion for music, his upcoming gig at Red Piano Bar and the differences between the local and the American music scene.
How did you get into the music industry?
I was born into music, as both my parents and my five other siblings are musicians.
How often do you come back home to perform; and what is your favourite part of performing back on St. Maarten?
I return to St. Maarten about two to three times a year, but I professionally perform at least one of the trips I return there.
What is your favourite thing about your profession?
Knowing the fact that I have helped my fans or strangers have a happy moment, or even a better day through my music and entertainment, is the most favourite part of my music career.
What can we expect from you this coming year?
This coming year, everyone can expect new music and a full month’s performance by me at The Red Piano Bar in St. Maarten in March 2023.
What is your favourite song to perform of all time?
My favourite all-time song to perform is “Dream on” by Aerosmith.
How would you compare the St. Maarten music scene to that of the Unites States?
I don’t think the music scene in St. Maarten is much different from the music scene in the USA. I think that the different cultures of countries make most of the difference in music scenes generally.
For example, it is our custom and culture to perform calypso, soca, reggae, etc. which our forefathers have been performing for generations, whereas in the United States, jazz, waltz, blues, rock and pop music were their styles of music for hundreds of years.
However, we as St. Maarteners (as well as American performers) mix all these different types of music together because that’s what music is; it’s an art that can be shaped in almost any form.
What would you advise your younger self or other people looking to get into a similar profession?
I would advise younger musicians and performers to learn the business aspect of music production, also always try to be musically disciplined as much as you can. It really worked for me. Last but not least; KEEP PRACTICING, always be open to learn from others, from old music to the new music of today.
