Emerging artist Justice Hill, alongside his dynamic band Justice Hill and the Nightime Love, releases his long-awaited debut studio album, Cooler by the Lake, on May 28 at Schuba’s Tavern, 3159 N. Southport Ave.
“Cooler by the Lake most simply is an album about falling in love,” says Kalamazoo, Michigan, native Hill. “It’s what form that love takes—that’s the complicated part. Everyone out there is just trying to make sense of this world in their own way. For me, I found that the perfect place to find my peace is right here in Chicago. And it’s free.”
About four years have passed since he released his first album, and I reached out to Hill about his journey. Previously, he was playing keys for a few Chicago artists like Calid B, Rich Jones, Brooklyn Britches and others.
Hill spoke of his initial inspirations. “I was raised on a wide spectrum of different music, ranging from pop like MJ and Prince to OUTKAST to ABBA and Barry Manilow. But when my Aunt Jody introduced me to Tenacious D in middle school, something clicked with me like never before.
“I would say they were my first, like favorite band. I didn’t grow up in a super musical household; we didn’t have instruments and had limited albums, so I pretty much discovered everything myself.
“So when one of my best friends played me Magical Mystery Tour for the first time when I was 15, that was that final musical awakening for me that really pushed me to start playing piano and writing songs. I started teaching myself my first song not a month after that.”
Cooler by the Lake is recorded with Hill’s full band, and the album features lush saxophone solos, shimmering synth layers, and a groove that pays homage to Hill’s eclectic musical influences, including Prince, Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, and Pink Floyd.
It struck a chord with me when I read about his Simone connection. “It’s more that she is my favorite pianist for the way she complemented her voice with her playing. Go listen/watch her play Feelings on Live at Montreux 1976. It changed my life and my entire approach to music.”
Gaye’s Rockin’ After Midnight, the song after Sexual Healing on his final album, has a drum machine production and a build up that is bursting with creativity and just oozes beauty, Hill said.
He attended college at Boston’s Berklee College of Music, which was a marked change from where he attended high school in Michigan. “It was quite the change in life very quickly, and I embraced every second of it. Music has given me most of the joy I’ve experienced since 2020. As well as bringing me closer to family and friends. I’ve played funerals for some of the people I’ve loved the most dearly, and I’ve gotten to sing while people I love walk down the aisle or have their first dance. These are some of the most valued moments of my life.”
Hill’s debut single, Thank You, Hate Me, showcases his unique ability to blend raw emotion with intricate production, marking him as an artist to watch in 2025.
He spoke about his experiences in the industry. “The industry as a blanket term is tough. I think it is different, depending on where you are both physically and personally. For me, Chicago has been a great place to introduce myself. As far as it being financially feasible, it pretty much isn’t. I’m an independent artist and have been working on this album for four years,” Hill added. “I don’t know if I would have gotten this far without my community encouraging me to continue this to the end and reinforcing my belief in this new sound.”
Hill says the upcoming Schuba’s concert is going to be a fun show. “We expect a few bits and laughs among the tears. If all goes to plan, this should be the best show I would ever imagine. You don’t wanna miss this one.”
Fans can stream Cooler by the Lake, as well as released singles on all major platforms. Follow Justice Hill on social media or YouTube: @Justicehillmusic for updates on his new album and live performances.
Cooler by the Lake Album Release Show will be held on May 28 at Schuba’s Tavern, located at 3159 N. Southport Ave. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., $15 advance, $18 at the door. For tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/ytn8jb8z.
Elaine Hegwood Bowen, M.S.J., is the Entertainment Editor for the Chicago Crusader. She is a National Newspaper Publishers Association Entertainment Writing’ award winner, contributor to “Rust Belt Chicago” and the author of “Old School Adventures from Englewood: South Side of Chicago.” For info, Old School Adventures from Englewood-South Side of Chicago (lulu.com)