Theo Hilton is an American musician and singer-songwriter. He is best known for his work as drummer and vocalist for the folk punk band Defiance, Ohio, singer-songwriter of indie folk band Nana Grizol, and co-founder of all-queer DIY record label Cruisin' Records. Born and raised in Athens, Georgia, Hilton's music is largely shaped by his experiences growing up queer in small town America.

Theo Hilton
OriginAthens, Georgia
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • musician
Instruments
  • Drums
  • guitar
  • vocals
Years active2003–present
Member ofNana Grizol
Formerly of

Career

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Defiance, Ohio

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Hilton joined the band in 2005, filling in on drums. He would later both play guitar and sing for the band.

Nana Grizol

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Officially formed in 2007 by Hilton, Nana Grizol features Neutral Milk Hotel-alumni Laura Carter and Robbie Cucchiaro on horns, and a plethora of other musicians from the Athens, GA area.

Cruisin' Records

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In partnership with long-time friend and fellow musician Clyde Peterson, Hilton launched Cruisin' Records in 2018, with the intention of supporting and promoting queer artists.[1] Every band signed to Cruisin' Records consists of queer musicians or actively supports LGBT causes.[1]

Personal life

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Hilton is openly queer. He currently resides in New Orleans, where he is a PhD student of cultural anthropology at Tulane University.[2]

Discography

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With Defiance, Ohio

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Albums
Release Date Title Label Format
April 13, 2006 The Great Depression No Idea Records CD, LP
December 4, 2007 The Fear, the Fear, the Fear No Idea Records CD, LP
July 6, 2010 Midwestern Minutes No Idea Records CD, LP
Demos & EPs
Release Date Title Label Format
2009 Songs for the Icarus Project Self-released MP3
2012 The Calling No Idea Records MP3

With Shark Shark

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EPs
Release Date Title Label Format
June 19, 2014 shark shark Self-released[3] MP3

With Nana Grizol

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Albums
Release Date Title Label Format
May 13, 2008 Love It Love It Orange Twin Record Company[4] CD, LP
January 10, 2010 Ruth Orange Twin Record Company[5] CD, LP
March 31, 2017 Ursa Minor Orange Twin Record Company[6] CD, LP
June 26, 2020 South Somewhere Else Don Giovanni Records / Arrowhawk Records CD, LP
December 23, 2022 Dancing Dogs Cruisin' Records LP, MP3
Compilations
Release Date Title Label Format
October 19, 2018 Theo Zumm Cruisin' Records CD, LP
EPs
Release Date Title Label Format
2014 Nightlights I-III + Tacoma Center 1600 Self-released MP3

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Scott, Rosemary (2018-10-10). "Theo Hilton's Cruisin' Records Offers a Safe Space for Queer Musicians". Flagpole. Retrieved 2024-03-21.
  2. ^ "About". Cruisin Records. Retrieved 2024-03-21.
  3. ^ "shark shark, by shark shark". shark shark. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
  4. ^ Hilton, Robin (19 August 2008). "Nana Grizol: 'Circles 'Round The Moon'". NPR. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  5. ^ Frisicano, Andrew (2 November 2009). "E6's Nana Grizol – new album, MP3 & 2009 tour dates". Brooklyn Vegan. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  6. ^ Schecter, Karina (23 April 2017). "Nana Grizol Springs Back into Relevancy with an Incredible New Album". WRVU. Retrieved 16 May 2018.