When legendary honky-tonk band Eleven Hundred Springs played its final
notes near the end of 2021, it understandably felt like an ending to
many of its loyal fans. Over the course of 23 years the group played
countless shows around the world, released over a dozen albums, and had
become the standard for what a swingin' Texas country band should be.
But for lead singer-songwriter Matt Hillyer, the ending of his beloved
band wasn't the closing of his own musical road.
"Holding Fast" and "Dirty Little Secrets" are barn-burning,
longneck-draining tunes that address both ends of the marital spectrum,
from doubling down on the relationship to actively trying to keep a bit
of adulterous deceit hidden from one another. Classic country
themes mixed with Hillyer's instantly recognizable voice makes for the
best type of new music--familiar yet challenging all at once.
This is an exciting time for Hillyer, and for longtime Eleven Hundred
Springs fans. He's already hitting the road with a busy touring
schedule and his solo songs are hitting the right notes with fans
everywhere. For Hillyer, his present and future isn’t defined by his
past. He's more interested in bringing it all to the table.