Hillfolk Noir has spent nearly two decades refining their sound—a blend of old folk, blues, and electrified grit that they’ve dubbed “Junkerdash.” This year at Treefort, we sat down with Mike and Travis, two core members of the band, and dove into their journey, inspirations, and what’s next for the group.

A Band in Evolution

The band started as an offshoot of Travis Ward and the Junkyard Bandstand, an electrified folk project. As band members came and went, the group transformed into an acoustic trio with a stripped-down, storytelling-driven style. Over time, their sound expanded again, incorporating electric guitar, drums, and even a harmonica run through an amp.

“We kind of made a mark for ourselves by playing acoustic music, revved up,” Travis explained. “Now, we also play as a quintet, so there’s a little more variety with Hillfolk Noir.”

The Origins of ‘Hillfolk Noir’

The band name itself has a story as rich as their music. It all started with a painting titled Hill Folk, created by a friend of the band. “It was really colorful and beautiful, but the figure in it was kind of rough-looking, a little unsightly,” Mike recalled. The painting had a raw, expressive energy that stuck with them.

At some point, they added Noir—a nod to the dark, crime-laden aesthetic of film noir. “It just seemed to fit,” Mike explained. “We wanted to tell stories that had a bit of grit, stories of the West with a shadowy, cinematic feel. Mixing that idea with the raw, colorful energy of Hill Folk felt like the perfect way to capture what we were doing musically.”

Musical Influences

Hillfolk Noir draws from an eclectic mix of inspirations, from early 20th-century folk and blues to punk rock. “We were both punk rock and metal kids growing up,” Mike admitted. “But we discovered older music and fell in love with it.”

Travis added, “I love minimal songwriting—things that are direct and full of intent. That’s why a lot of our music feels rooted in the 1920s and ‘30s, but we also love bands making music right now.”

Defining ‘Junkerdash’

People often ask Hillfolk Noir what genre they fall into, to which they respond: Junkerdash. “It’s a little bit bluegrass, country, and blues—but uniquely ours,” Travis explained. “We said it enough times that it became an actual word in our vocabulary. It’s almost visceral, like there’s a rattle and clatter to it.”

The Art of Storytelling in Music

Hillfolk Noir’s music is known for its rich storytelling. “A lot of our songs are character-driven,” Mike noted. “There’s a recurring theme of small-town life and crime. I read a lot of Steinbeck, and that Dust Bowl-era storytelling came naturally.”

Their music often plays with a sense of timelessness. “It might sound like 1940, but then there’s an iPhone in the story,” Travis laughed. “It’s like a time warp.”

Favorite Songs & Live Energy

When asked about their favorite songs to perform, the band members had different answers. “Right now, mine is The Hangin’ Judge,” Travis said. “It’s got that country blues sound and tells a Western showdown story.”

Mike chose Going Out West, a song they’ve carried for years. “It’s got this chugging rhythm, almost rock-like. We can really stretch out on it.”

Neither song has an official recording yet, but fans won’t have to wait much longer. “We just recorded versions, so at least one of them will be on the new album.”

Keeping the Passion Alive

Performing for years can wear on a band, but Hillfolk Noir stays engaged by focusing on the joy of playing. “Every gig feels new,” Mike said. “There’s always that feeling of ‘Oh no, what if we mess up?’ But once we start playing, it’s just fun.”

Travis finds that lifestyle plays a role. “If I’m not taking care of myself—too many late nights, not enough sleep—it affects my outlook. But when I’m feeling good, I can’t wait to get on stage.”

Most Memorable Shows

With thousands of performances under their belts, it’s hard to pick just one standout moment. But one stormy festival in England stands out. “The sky darkened, the wind picked up, and the PA went out,” Mike recalled. “But we kept playing, and the crowd just erupted. It wasn’t just a band playing for an audience—it felt like we were all in it together.”

That moment sums up what Hillfolk Noir is all about: connection, storytelling, and a sound that rattles and clatters its way into your bones.

New Music on the Horizon

Fans can expect not just one, but two records this summer. “We’ve been compiling a lot of material,” Travis shared. “One record will be electric, and the other will be more story-focused folk. After that, there’s plenty more in the works.”

The band is also gearing up for a busy tour season. “We kind of slowed down for a year and a half, but now we’re energized and ready to play all the time,” Mike said. “With new records, it’ll be easier to stay busy through fall and winter.”

Wrapping it up

As Hillfolk Noir continues to evolve, their passion for storytelling and raw, energetic performances remains the same. Whether through their signature Junkerdash sound, their upcoming albums, or their unforgettable live shows, they continue to carve out a unique space in modern folk music. With a packed schedule and new music on the horizon, one thing is certain—Hillfolk Noir isn’t slowing down anytime soon.