Theo Hilton


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.

Career

Defiance, Ohio

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

Nana Grizol

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

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. Every band signed to Cruisin' Records consists of queer musicians or actively supports LGBT causes.

Personal life

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

Discography

With Defiance, Ohio

Release dateTitleLabelFormat
2009Songs for the Icarus ProjectSelf-releasedMP3
2012The CallingNo Idea RecordsMP3

With Nana Grizol

Release dateTitleLabelFormat
October 19, 2018Theo ZummCruisin' RecordsCD, LP