Meet the Band: Blackhouse Hill

Formed by Level 3 Music Performance and Production students, Blackhouse Hill are an indie rock band who’ve made the most of their time studying together.  

Made up by Sam, Rick, Beau and Joe, Blackhouse Hill have been together for almost a year, forming in Spring 2025, after meeting through their course and discovering a shared taste in music. What started as a group of students playing together quickly turned into something more focused.

“My favourite part about College has been the people that I have met and getting to forming the band.” – Rick

Momentum really kicked in over the summer when Blackhouse Hill entered Battle of the Bands and came away as winners. Since then, they’ve played a growing number of live shows across Thanet and Folkestone, gaining confidence on stage and building experience gig by gig. For the band, live performance is what it’s all about. They love seeing how audiences react and feeding off the energy in the room, whether people are toe tapping and listening quietly, or joining in and on the dancefloor. 

Alongside playing live, the band have been working on original music. They recently released their debut single, Pale Green, marking an exciting first step into sharing their sound more widely.

“As for the future, we just want to take it as far as it’ll go.” – Joe

Their style sits firmly in indie rock with alternative influences, but they’re always open to trying something new. The group excelled at their first-ever acoustic set after finding themselves without a drummer. The bandmates said it was a different challenge, but one they enjoyed embracing. 

Looking ahead, Blackhouse Hill are keen to see just how far they can take things. Like many young bands, they’re realistic but ambitious, with hopes of turning music into a career, and dreams of one day playing stages like Glastonbury.

“I also love getting to play my favourite instrument every day.” – Sam

For now, they’re focused on playing as many gigs as possible, including events on campus such as Freshers Fayre, BitCrush and during other fundraising activities. They’re looking forward to continuing to writing and making the most of every opportunity that comes their way.

You can follow Blackhouse Hill and keep up with new music and live dates on Instagram at @blackhousehill.official

Always dreamt of forming your own band?  

• Why not consider joining one of our Music and Performing Arts courses. 

• Chat to staff and students and tour our music facilities at our next Open Day.