Check out Doc Hilton’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Doc Hilton.

Doc, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I was raised in a very musical, hardworking family. My father is the greatest man I know, and he taught me work, respect, honor, and emotional intellect. Anyone who knows me, knows I hold those principles dear! My mother stayed home with us nine kids, and she is where I get my kindness and sensitivities from. My mother is an angel. She too loved music. I grew up on just about every genre, which is why you’ll hear so many influences from so many genres in my compositions and writings. I never joined choir or band or learned an instrument until I was 18. I went out and bought my first guitar set up with my own money and taught myself over the next 18 years. It was a heaven sent for my platoon and I while deployed to Iraq in 06/07. Spending a year at war as a combat medic is much of who I am today, whether I like it or not. I evolved into much of who I am because of major influences from music. After Iraq, my wife Brittney and I had our first child while I was trying to start a business in 2009. That didn’t work out so well during the recession – LOL! We lost our first home to foreclosure and moved about four times over the next four years. But we rose through it, had four more munchkins, and I now work as a regional manager for 3 Minute Express Car Wash, and I absolutely love my job. I never pursued music before because of inaccurate assumptions and perspectives I held concerning the arts (that’s another interview – LOL). I suppressed a lot of my passions. I just went public with my music about a year ago. At the same time, I begin teaching myself piano and love it! Now my wife and kids are involved, and it’s a major part of our home life! But the all-stars behind all the drive are those family and friends that are closest to me, understand my internal struggle and have pushed me from day ONE – Thank you Sara, Andy, Karl, Duane, Tayler, Maxon, Villa, Tom and of course Sammy B. But above all, it is my wife Brittney that has been the steel spine of support in my life through all of this. She’s been more loyal than any human I’ve ever met. Facts! She is a true authentic “ride or die” in every way! And she is my favorite person to watch a show with, rock with, have a glass of wine with, or pizza on a Friday night without kids. She’s my granite rock!!!

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I compose and write original songs that reflect the perspective of what I am either feeling, have once experienced or when I put myself in the shoes of another individual who is suffering. My songs can be aggressive (Soldier), fun (Alabama Tan Lines), reminiscent (Broken Night) or very emotional (Rise Up). I don’t claim a single genre of expression … I can’t. I’ve performed multiple times in different settings and adore each one. I am currently focusing on my campaign to raise awareness for Veteran Suicide which is currently reported as 22 a day. The title of the campaign is “22 Remembered”. At 22 suicides a day on average, I can’t stand by and allow that any longer. I won’t! So my message and mission is to decrease that number through calling out politicians and asking that they sit down and meet with me to discuss solutions for these service members and their families as I tour military installations next summer and travel through multiple states. Whatever legislation has been put in place up to this point is not working, regardless of right or left side of the aisle. This is not about me or the politicians, it’s about our 22 brothers and sisters a day that take their own lives because they and their families weren’t assisted enough in their return home transition and their continuing mental maintenance. Budgetary repurposing will be required. It will be a long hard battle, but we are in this till the number drops to zero. It’s that simple. This is a Hilton family effort! We won’t stop! I hope people contribute to project through volunteering, sponsorships, donations, really … helping in any capacity! My art is as authentic, raw, and real as it comes. My goal is saving lives and changing legislation. I’m not in this for fame or money. Those will eventually come, but I am focused and will maintain the course!

How can artists connect with other artists?
A lot of artists are content centrists. They only focus on content and never get out to shows and events. Don’t get me wrong, content is vital, but going to events and shows is a major networking opportunity. Artists should show love and support to other artists and their craft before expecting that love and support to be shown to them. Too many artists ask for favors with their hand out, before they’ll hand a fellow artist $10 for a ticket to their show just to support them! The more you give, the more that will come back to you. The trick? Show authentic love and support with no expectation of a return, then when that love and support returns it’s all the sweeter! I can’t tell you how many Respect The Underground events I’ve been to, and each one yielded me one or more fellow artists that I have remained in contact with or even later, collaborated with. Being an artist will forever be emotionally lonely, I think it’s meant to be that way. But the road of the artist’s journey doesn’t have to be traveled alone! If you are scared to reach out or be rejected, then you have to ask yourself if you really want to be an artist full time. If you do, then get out there and attend events, buy tickets to shows, congratulate artists who just expressed their craft, message back when you’re approached, be active on social media but don’t exaggerate, spend more time supporting than grandstanding, show respect and start conversations. You’ll be amazed at what other artists can authentically teach you if you’ll listen. Your community starts with you!! It really does!

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
We have major song and video production releases set for Veteran’s Day of this year. I will be performing live at the AZ Hip Hop Festival and have tickets available for that two day event. Currently I am on YouTube, IG, FB, iTunes, and most streaming platforms. Googling Doc Hilton or wjhilton will get you to most of my music and/or videos. But the major releases will be on November 11. Support for the project can be found and/or sponsored at www.dochilton.com

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dochilton.com
• Email: wj@dochilton.com
• Instagram: dochiltonmusic
• Facebook: Doc Hilton

Image Credit:
William Hilton
Josh Schwartz
Ethan O’Rourke

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