Detroit songwriter, Derby Hill just dropped his self-titled EP and it is the most honest thing i’ve heard in a very long time. The EP was released on January 27, 2026 and it stands out from the trendy music we hear everywhere. Derby calls his style “Neo Sincerity” which is a fancy way of saying he tells the truth through his music.
His music smells like old Detroit neighborhoods, back porch swings and the kind of wisdom you only get from a real-life experience. His work explores the grit and glitter of life — family, love, loss, reconciliation, and redemption — with a voice that feels lived-in and unvarnished.
One of the coolest things about this EP is the place it was recorded. Derby recorded this song in basements and hall closets around Chicago. You can even hear the intimacy in the music. The raw, warm sound that feels like he’s playing a private show just for you. Derby worked with some great musicians who collectively brought the songs to life but at the end of the day, Derby’s heart takes the center stage.
Derby Hill’s influences are both eclectic and telling: Steve Earle, Leonard Cohen, Warren Zevon, John Prine, Richard Buckner, John Lennon, Hunter S. Thompson, Richard Pryor — and even his Uncle Homer. You can hear the throughline. There’s Earle’s working-class backbone, Cohen’s poetic gravity, Prine’s humane storytelling, and Zevon’s sharp-eyed observation. Yet instead of imitating, he chooses to absorb and translates these inspirations into something deeply personal.
The EP, Derby Hill is a collection of songs that talks about families trying to survive the day, losing the people we love, reconciliation and the courage to step forward even when it feels impossible.
TRACK ANALYSIS:
Restless and Forgiven: This song starts the EP and it’s a great song. It’s got a bit of country folk vibe with a guitar and fiddle. The song is about mistakes we make and finding a way to be okay. We’re human and mistakes are inevitable, so we have to embrace that. Derby’s voice is great in this track.
Red Honey Wine; This one is a complete mood. Soft, sweet and a bit of sad. This song is about Love, and the gentle guitar makes it even more warm. It feels like a hug on a cold night. It embraces you.
In a Matter of Moments: The final track is all about how fast life moves. It gives a moment for reflection Patient; measured vocals carry a quiet wisdom as Hill turns his gaze toward time. The ambient warmth of the production underscores the song’s contemplative tone. As the final note fades, listeners are left not with bombast, but with serenity.
Throughout the EP, the music feels full and expressive without ever being too much. Acoustic guitar, soft piano, and light string touches create a warm, welcoming sound that supports the lyrics instead of taking attention away from them. Every instrument is there for a reason, helping to tell the story.
What makes this release special is how honest it feels. There’s no polish hiding the rough edges and no sarcasm softening the emotion. Hill writes in a way that is clear and heartfelt, yet still thoughtful and meaningful. He tells stories about everyday people — families holding things together, people dealing with loss, and anyone trying to be a little better than they were the day before.
LISTEN TO THE EP:
In the end, he reminds us of something simple but powerful: even a small act of unconditional love can change everything. This EP is a reminder that struggles don’t make us broken, they make us Humans. It’s rare to find a music that feels like Home especially on the first listen. Do yourself a favor, Hit Play and you’ll find out that while Derby is singing about his own life, he’s actually telling a story that belongs to all of us.
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