Dartmouth, Nova Scotia’s QUIET HILL (QH) has a unique sound that’s hard to define but undeniably governed by groove. Blending elements of soul, funk, rock, and pop, the band calls it "soul'n'roll." Whatever you call it, its infectious hooks and grooves intertwine with musings on life and love from bandleader Jacquie Thillaye, whose delivery ranges from sweet and smoky to power soul. 

Thillaye was a regular performer in bands during the heyday of Toronto’s 1980s Queen St. West music scene, moving between new wave, reggae (Adrian Miller), funk, and pop. After stepping back to raise her two musician sons in Halifax, she returned to music, forming QUIET HILL—a blend of her first and last names.

Alonside Thillaye is Dave Johnson and John Lam on guitars, Henry Taylor on bass. They are often joined by guests. Mature artists, each member brings their own vibe, informed by diverse histories of musical experience- soul, new wave, gospel, funk, reggae, and yes, rock. 

In an industry that focuses on looks and youth, QH chooses to lean into their mature status, splashing social media posts with hashtags that show pride in aging. (#respectyourelders, #ageisjustanumber)

RELEASES- Their debut album, Not Always Quiet, came out in 2020, and they’ve been back in the studio working on new music. Their most recent single, "Watermark," was released in October of 2024. It's the first single off an upcoming album, Keep Your Head Up.

“Watermark” says Thillaye, “ is about celebrating yourself. It’s about lifelong learning. We are so hard on ourselves- we think we should be, know, and do it all. The world is a tough place; it’s easy to feel like you have no control. And social media magnifies this. Sometimes you need to give yourself a pat on the back for just getting through each day, keeping your head above the water.”

QUIET HILL is a proud member of Music Nova Scotia, and African Nova Scotian Music Association.