In the summer of 2021, Matt Hillyer and long-time bandmate Steven Berg decide to bring an end to their beloved band Eleven Hundred Springs. The group was a Dallas institution and credited with playing a big role in putting some edge back in the north Texas country scene. But certain things in life run their course, and Hillyer was ready to broaden his songwriting repertoire with material outside the sweet spot of his honky-tonk musical vehicle. The first chapter of his post-1100 career will be the upcoming release of a new record, Glorieta.
Lest any of his fans think he’s completely switched styles, most of the album hews to the rough-and-tumble country music Hillyer is known for. There are a couple of surprises, though. Ordinary Man carries a touch of, dare I say it, The Beatles in a loving ode to Hillyer’s father. Diablo Motel gets a little jazzy with its country noir tale of waking up in a hellhole. There’s a bit of southern soul in What Kind Of Fool.
Most of the record, though, is the Texas swing and honky-tonk mix Hillyer is known for. One of the standouts in that group is You Gotta Keep Moving. On the surface it’s just a snapshot of a scene at so many bars and clubs where there’s an old guy dancing the night away with anyone who’ll venture out onto the floor with him. There’s a deeper message, though, about not letting life bog you down. As Hillyer says, “you have to pick yourself up and get through it.” We’re so pleased to be premiering the song on Twangville. Here’s You Gotta Keep Moving.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.