After three albums of boogie-forward indie-pop as Parcels’ frontman, Noah Hill announced his solo bid earlier this summer with a debut album titled Ok Ok Now slated to arrive this week. From lead single “Bye Baby” it was apparent that this side project was a necessity, as the somber, soulful, minimalist folk of that record had little in common with the sentimental electronic music he’s been churning out with his band for over a decade at this point. There’s also the breakup factor: You can imagine that he didn’t want to bring the vibes down in the studio for whatever Parcels get up to next following the success of last September’s LOVED.
It’s no wonder that Hill’s musical diet during the record’s conception heavily featured our current generation of female songwriters who’ve become mouthpieces for so many of our most intimate thoughts and feelings. In the playlist of influences he put together for us, he cites Phoebe Bridgers’ ability to tap into “such an obvious, human reality,” along with Lizzy McAlpine’s courageous honesty—not to mention the more avant-garde stylings of Aldous Harding, particularly her “fluidity and perfect oddness.” Elsewhere, everyone from George Harrison to Justin Bieber gets name-dropped, particularly the latter’s improbably inspired interpretation of a Tracy Chapman classic.
With Ok Ok Now arriving this Friday via Because Music, check out Hill’s full playlist below, along with commentary on each song selection. You can also pre-order the record here.
John Martyn, “May You Never”
This album played a lot in my house growing up, and when I started learning these songs myself, I found a sound that felt like my own—but also deeply connected to my homing signals. There’s something in John Martyn’s music that has always felt instinctively familiar to me.
Phoebe Bridgers, “Garden Song”
This album was massive for me in finding a modern version of all the things I’ve always loved about music: storytelling, intimacy, and emotion. So many people have connected with Phoebe because she taps into such an obvious, human reality. It hits you hard, but in this quiet, almost whispering way.
Aldous Harding, “The Barrel”
Aldous Harding feels like a true avant-garde artist who still manages to wrap up her creations in a way the rest of us can understand. There’s such fluidity and perfect oddness to what she does, yet it still feels so human and real. I think she’s one of the great modern songwriters. I’m also quite intrigued by her as a person—she seems somehow removed from the pressures and expectations of the modern world.
Adrianne Lenker, “Free Treasure”
Adrianne Lenker is a truly unique songwriter. No one can quite articulate deep sadness the way she does. She has a way of hitting you right in the softest spot. This album became a big part of the soundtrack to the breakup and heartbreak I was experiencing, and a lot of the feelings I found in it re-formed in different ways on my own record.
Lizzy McAlpine, “Pushing It Down and Praying”
This song is one of the great examples of something being so intimate and real that you’re almost not sure if you’re allowed to hear it—or if she’s allowed to say it. It’s so strong and sad and unflinchingly honest. Listening to her gives me the courage to be that honest in my own writing.
George Harrison, “My Sweet Lord”
A true classic that I would listen to and cry from pure inspiration. I heard recently that George was really unhappy with the mix of this song and desperately wanted to change it. But to me, it’s perfect the way it is. A holy gift of a song that somehow makes you feel like the world is good.
Justin Bieber, “Fast Car”
I loved this cover Justin did so much, and I became totally obsessed with the sound: an acoustic guitar and a heavily effected and corrected vocal. It feels incredibly pop, but intimate and direct at the same time. I loved that tension between polished and human, and I tried to emulate some of that feeling on songs across the record.
Bombay Bicycle Club, “Flaws”
I think I’ve possibly listened to this record more than almost any other. It was a constant for me growing up, and I think it’s had a huge impact on both my songwriting and my production aesthetic. There’s something about the simplicity and intimacy of it that has always stuck with me.
Padi, “Outside” (Acoustic)
Padi is Louie’s brother—Louie being the keyboardist in Parcels. I always find it incredibly inspiring to see friends write music and allow themselves to be vulnerable in what they create. It immediately makes me want to do the same. Listening to Padi always makes me want to pick up an instrument and go and write something.
Tennyson Nobel, “No Hard Feelings”
Tennyson Nobel is a dear friend who was one of my main supporters throughout the writing and recording of this album. He rode all the emotional hills with me and kept encouraging me through the whole thing, which I’m very grateful for. He also happens to be one of my absolute favorite songwriters.
