About Hilljacks
Hilljacks is a Norwegian country band from outside Oslo, founded in 2015 by long time musician friends. They have worked their way up and are now playing the majority of the bigest festivals in Norway and Denmark, and have plans to perform at festivals in Germany, Belgium, USA, Irland, Portugal and Sweden in the near future.
Hilljacks take pride in providing energetic, memorable, live experience that makes you wanna dance all night long.
Instrumentally Hilljacks consists of electric and acoustic guitar, bass, drums, harmonica, piano and pedal steel guitar, but it is their vocal harmonies and arrangements that takes their music to another level.
Hilljacks writes and play traditional country music as well as cover songs.
Releases include:
2017
«Redneck Blood» (Album)
«One More Star» (Single)
2018
«She’s Back In Town» (Single)
«Somehow» (Single)
2019
«Country To The Bone» (Album)
2020
"How Was Your Day" (single)
"The Cider Song" (single)
"Last Night Together" (single) - "Siste Natt" (single)
Hilljacks music is currently being played on several Norwegian radio stations as well as throughout Europe and the US.
In August 2019 Hilljacks was nominated for the ISSA Awards (US), in the categories «band of the year» and «male songwriter of the year», and in October 2019 they were nominated as «Best traditional country song» with the song «Country to the bone» by WSA (songwritingawards.wordpress).
The members:
Karina Kvernes - Vocalist
Considered one of the best female vocalists in Norway, it is her
voice that is the signature sound of the Hilljacks.
Utilizing her many years of experience in the music business,
she brings an energy to the stage that is unparalleled.
She has a remarkable ability to connect with the audience
and loves to step down from the stage every now and then, to get them
to sing along with her.
Cezar Zavate - leadguitar
Cezar joined the band in 2022. He is an accomplished guitar player
and fingerpicker from Romania. He loves all styles of music, and he
has done a whole lot of TV shows and worked the studios all over
Romania. In 2002 he moved to Norway, where he graduated at the
Music Conservatory of Kristiansand, and is now teaching at the
Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo.
Ståle Kvernes - Steel guitar, keys, harmonica, vocals
Ståle is the bands founder, leader and songwriter.
Growing up he started playing the accordion and organ, and at
the age og 15 he picked up the guitar. It wasn't long before
he started playing gigs all over Norway.
On stage he plays pedal steel, keys and
harmonica, as well as sings harmony, so he's a busy guy
on stage.
Jon Kristian Halden - Drums, vocals
Jon Kristian joined the band in 2017. He's got a big heart for
country music, and loves being out on the road.
Apart from playing the drums, he's got years of experience
in sound engineering, and has a really good ear (two in fact).
He is also a really funny guy,
spreading joy and laughter wherever he goes.
Paul Gannon - Guitar, vocals
Paul has been in the music business nearly his entire life.
After 25 years of performing and running "Big Ears Studio" in
Nashville, he moved to Norway and hooked up with the Hilljacks.
At first, Paul started playing with the band as a replacement drummer
on a few gigs in 2018, but it was soon evident that he fit right in,
and was ask to join the band permanently. Paul plays acoustic guitar,
sings harmony and together with Ståle, writes songs for the band.
Morten Schau - Bass
Morten joined the band in 2018. He has played in
several successful bands in different genres throughout the years,
but has now found his home in country music.
He is a steady and talented bass player, with a good ear for
musical details and always plays with a big smile on his face.
Downloads
Click HERE for downloads.
Promo pictures, Cd cover etc.
If you need anything else, contact us at skvernes@broadpark.no
Music and videos
