Percussive Storytelling, a program that brings classical music and storytelling to kids in fun and accessible ways, was launched by Hills while a fellow at Institute Fabrica. The program recently marked its 420th performance, and has reached more than 60,000 children in eight countries. For this work, Hills has been the recipient of numerous arts grants, and was named the 2009 Emerging Artist through the Kansas Arts Commission. The Lost Bicycle, Hills’ debut solo CD of percussive stories, has received four national parenting and creative arts awards (NAPPA Parent’s Awards Gold, Parent’s Choice Award Silver, World Storytelling Honors Award, and a Creative Child preferred choice). In June 2015, The Lost Bicycle was released as a fully illustrated children’s book published by AcutebyDesign.

Multi-percussionist, composer, and improviser Cory Hills thrives on breaking down musical barriers through creative, interdisciplinary projects. He has received degrees from Northwestern University, Queensland Conservatorium, and the University of Kansas, and was awarded a research fellowship to Institute Fabrica. Currently, Hills is an active performer, composer, and recording artist in Los Angeles, as well as a member of the GRAMMY-nominated Los Angeles Percussion Quartet (lapercussionquartet.com).

An advocate of new music, Hills has individually commissioned and premiered over 85 new works for percussion. He has given solo and chamber recitals across Europe, Australia, The United States, Mexico, and China. These include a featured performance for the International Society of Improvised Music, the Days of New Music Festival in Chisinau, Moldova, the Queensland Music Festival, the Ravello Concert Festival, the Venice Art Biennale, four PASIC conventions, the Morelia Percussion Festival, and Festival Mozaic. An advocate for percussion as an artistic discipline, Hills has been the artist-in-residence at Rocky Mountain National Park, Conservatorio de Las Rosas, and a fellow at the OMI international artist’s colony.

Hills is an artist for Innovative Percussion, Remo, Sabian, Yamaha, and Black Swamp Percussion. For more information, please visit splatboombang.com.

Track List

1. Intro    1:39

2. Drum Factory    3:55

3. Bright, Green Leaves    4:33

4. I’m My Own Grandpa    3:02

5. Drum Interlude    1:13

6. Harumph!    5:05

7. Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly    2:45

8. Black Bear and Mountain Lion    4:56

9. Metal Interlude    1:26

10. Hatchling    4:22

11. Outro    0:47

Total time: 33:37
Release date: February 26, 2016
UPC: 053479219923

Quotes & Reviews

Percussive sounds and rhythms go straight to the imaginative core of any listener, young and old. With Drum Factory, Cory Hills introduces listeners to a bountiful and delightful world of percussion, expanding the very breadth of our imaginations through sound. The family-friendly album offers a refreshing way for children & adults alike to experience rhythm, refocusing our typical familiarity with drums and drum kits to the limitless possibilities of percussive sounds. Add to that Hills' inventive, engaging storytelling, and you get an album that sparks imaginations in a fun, curious, and original way.

Elena Moon Park, Bang on a Can

We all know that reading is central to intellectual and personal growth. We also know that music sharpens the mind in the most subtle and profound ways. Percussive storytelling combines combines this awareness in 11 tracks of pure genius. As an author, I love the inclusion of fables—stories of animals near and far who overcome their weaknesses to realize a stronger, more beautiful self. The Drum Factory is highly recommended as an addition to any household or classroom. Thank you Cory! Your passion inspires.

Alexis Erin York, children's author

Drum Factory is an endearing recording. Cory Hills’ compositions are brilliant stories for children and the young at heart.

Brett William Dietz, Percussive Notes

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