Biography
Jessie Hill, also known as Jessie Hillel and JHM, is a New Zealand-born singer, songwriter, and producer whose career has spanned both her home country and Australia. She first gained national attention as the runner-up on the second series of New Zealand's Got Talent, showcasing her powerful vocals and versatility across genres. As a child, Hill performed in local shows and television contests, including appearances on New Zealand TV2's 'What Now' and TV1's 'Find A Star,' where she sang classical and contemporary pieces.
After her early success, Hill continued to develop her career, moving to Melbourne, Australia, where she won the inaugural Fed Live music competition at Federation Square, an event supported by MTV Australia and Mushroom Records. She has released a number of singles and EPs under her own name and as part of the pop band JHM, blending elements of classical, pop, hip hop, and orchestral music. Notable releases include the album 'With Love' (2013), the single 'Santorini' (2021), and her 2024 collaboration 'From this moment' with DJ Noiz, which reached #14 on the NZ Top 20 Hot Singles chart. Hill's style is marked by a fusion of genres, strong melodic sensibilities, and a willingness to experiment with new sounds.
Her legacy is still emerging, but Hill is recognized for her ability to bridge classical training with contemporary pop and reggae influences, contributing to the evolving soundscape of New Zealand and Australasian music. Her work continues to inspire young artists, particularly those from multicultural backgrounds, to pursue diverse musical paths.
Fun Facts
- Jessie Hill was the runner-up on the second season of New Zealand's Got Talent, which launched her into the national spotlight.
- She won the first Fed Live music competition in Melbourne, an event aimed at discovering and promoting new talent.
- Her single 'From this moment' with DJ Noiz reached #14 on the NZ Top 20 Hot Singles chart in 2024.
- She has performed both classical arias and contemporary pop/reggae, demonstrating a rare versatility.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Local music teachers (NZ) - Provided early vocal and performance training during her childhood and teenage years. (Early performances on 'What Now' and 'Find A Star') [2000s]
Key Collaborators
- Fractures - Co-writer and producer for JHM project. (Fever Dream (2023)) [2023]
- DJ Noiz - Collaborated on a charting single blending pop and reggae influences. (From this moment (2024)) [2024]
- Jalmar - Collaborated on the single 'GMT'. (GMT (2024)) [2024]
Artists Influenced
- Emerging New Zealand pop and reggae artists - Inspired by her genre-blending approach and visibility as a multicultural artist succeeding in both NZ and Australia. (N/A (influence noted in media coverage)) [2020s]
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- From This Moment (From This Moment)
- Motions (Motions)
- GMT (GMT)
- The Garden (The Garden)
- Motions - sped up (Motions)
- Folded (Folded)
- Fever Dream (Fever Dream)
- Motions (with Balan Kash) (Motions (with Balan Kash))
- Santorini (Santorini)
- Motions (Motions (with Balan Kash))
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
jessie hill has been played 9 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 9, 2026 | 14:31 | Tell Me You LOve Mefrom ST | The Blues Breakdown | |
| Jan 2, 2026 | 21:34 | Ooh Poo Pah Doo | Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold | |
| Dec 30, 2025 | 12:30 | Sweet Jelly Rollfrom MINIT 45 | New Orleans Music Showw/ Cole Williams | |
| Dec 8, 2025 | 14:42 | Ooh Poo Pah Doo (Remastered) | Blues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe | |
| Nov 27, 2025 | 22:34 | Bullyin' Wellfrom Best Of | Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady | |
| Nov 6, 2025 | 23:46 | FEELIN' GOODfrom Heritage of the Blues: Shake it Baby | Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady | |
| Nov 1, 2025 | 11:40 | oogsey moo | New Orleans Music Show - Saturday | |
| Oct 30, 2025 | 21:21 | Shake It, Babyfrom Feelin' Good | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Sep 12, 2025 | 14:34 | Train Trainfrom Run and get My Shotgun | The Blues Breakdown |