Hillsburn, the Halifax-based East Coast Music Award- and Canadian Folk Music Award-winning indie-rock band, took to social media today to announced that their quintet has become a quartet with the departure of Paul Aarntzen.
Aarntzen has played a critical role in the band since its inception in 2014, particularly that of songwriter and one-third of their powerhouse harmony trio. By the time Hillsburn released their sophomore album, The Wilder Beyond self-titled EP, Aarntzen was also handling the works of the band’s engineer, mixer, and video producer.
https://www.facebook.com/hillsburn/photos/a.940641275962897/3790888750938121/?type=3
The announcement was made this morning via the band’s Facebook page:
“After taking some time to digest the news ourselves, we wanted to let you all know that Paul has decided to leave the band.
We started Hillsburn just over six years ago. Paul has shouldered so much of the work since then — writing the songs (including for the album we’ve just finished making), mixing our last record, and taking on countless other tasks. But he recognized that his heart hadn’t been in it recently and that it was time to move on.
We’re sad to see him go, obviously — there would be no Hillsburn if it weren’t for Paul, and things won’t be the same without him — but the rest of us all feel strongly that we want to continue. We’re excited to start sharing this new record with you soon and to get back on the road when that’s possible.
For now, though, we just want to say thank you: to Paul, for everything he’s contributed to us individually and to the band, and to his family for all their love and support. Our hearts are heavy but grateful. It’s been a privilege, Paul.”
While many bands are mulling over their futures with quarantine putting a kibosh on live performances, Hillsburn find themselves in the lurch, having just finished recording an album earlier this year.
Few details are currently available regarding the upcoming release, though the band regularly posted about the recording processes while in Vancouver, British Colombia. They worked out of Soundhouse Studios for pre-production, Monarch Studios for tracking and Menagerie Studios for overdubs and mixing, thanks to a funding program from Creative BC for out-of-province artists to come make albums there.
“We’re still planning for the band to tour in support of the album if at all possible,” says Nigel Jenkins, Hillsburn’s manager. “We have a new record that we can’t wait for people to hear.
“Really sad to see Paul go. He was and is a hugely important part of what the band has been able to accomplish so far. The rest of the band is eager to keep going though.”
Jenkins confirms that Hillsburn will be carrying on as a four-piece, with plenty of singles, videos and (hopefully) tour dates to come in the future.
“Rosanna has been learning the guitar and bass this year and will be stepping in to fill some of those sonic gaps left in Paul’s wake. You may see other band members taking on new roles moving forward as well,” says Jenkins.
According to Jenkins, Paul Aarntzen will continue working in the music industry, offering freelance production services, mixing and songwriting.