The latest single from Surrender Hill begins with a great repeating hook on guitar and a shuffling rhythm that builds with a sense of urgency and purpose. ‘Rent is Due’ tells a sad, but all too familiar, story of decline and unwelcome change. However, with the song’s rocky, upbeat edge, there is also a feeling of resilience – people will persevere and carry on. The overall impact, then, is building a sense of defiance and even hopefulness. Filmed on location amidst the detritus of an abandoned sawmill, the video reinforces this message as the band play on a stage that rises above all the abandoned crates and materials. The guitar-work is stirring and the voices of Robin Dean Salmon and Afton Seekins Salmon blend and complement one another in an energetic vocal performance.
The song features on Surrender Hill’s brand new album ‘River of Tears’, which is out now. Their seventh album is their grittiest yet, reflecting some of the world’s darkness and uncertainty. Robin Dean Salmon says: “It wasn’t intentional, but some of the songs called for an edgier, at times, darker perspective. We ended up exploring a rock and roll edge, balanced equally with tender, Southwestern soul-feeling landscapes.” There are elements of classic country, mixed with rock and soul, creating a dynamic, engaging sound.
In the studio, the husband-and-wife duo were joined by a talented group of players: Jonathan Callicutt (guitar), Matt Crouse (drums), Mike Daly (steel guitar, dobro), Eric Fritsch (organ), Drew Lawson (bass), Kevin Thomas (organ), and Mike Waldron (guitar). Robin took on production, engineering and mixing duties, with additional mixing completed by GRAMMY Award-winning engineer Joe Smith. The album was the culmination of a period of reflection, with the pair looking back over their lives together and individually: the personal experiences and flaws, the loves and relationships, the hurt and losses. Those losses include a way of life as well as loved ones, making this an intimate set of songs. Explore it and enjoy.
Exclusive Q&A with Robin Dean Salmon and Afton Seekins Salmon of Surrender Hill about the song and video:
What is the story behind this song? How did it come together? What is it about?
Robin: I wrote ‘Rent is Due’ in Salado, Texas, in April 2023. We were staying at a hotel in Salado, about to start our Texas tour dates, and I went for a run one morning. While running, I came across the ruins of what looked like an old mill by the railroad tracks. A story started coming together as I was running back. Once I got back, I grabbed a guitar and started working on the song. It came together in about an hour. I then went into the room to make sandwiches for everyone and as I was reaching for a piece of cheese my back went out in really a bad way.
Afton: Our son and I were at the pool and heard Robin screaming. When we came rushing into the room, our son said, “Dad, why so loud?” Lol. We rushed him to the hospital and he had to get all sorts of shots. Crazy start to a six-week run of shows.
If listeners can take away one thing from having heard this song and watching the video, what do you hope that is?
Robin: Mmm, I think it’s cool that the music and the beat are uplifting and almost empowering in a way. A show of strength. We won’t be defeated. It’s a sad story that is a common theme throughout our country and beyond. Those places and the resilience of the people are worth remembering and paying tribute to.
How does this song fit in among the others on the album? How is it similar or different?
Robin: It’s different to the others in feel for sure, with dirtier guitars and a bit more grit, but it fits into the theme of the album with the loss of a way of life. When it shows up in the album sequence, I think you’re ready for a song like this. Well, I still listen to albums that way.
Tell us about the video. Where did you film it? Whose idea was the video treatment? Who directed and shot the video?
Afton: Robin and I came up with idea of how we wanted the video to look. We shot the video at an old sawmill in Ellijay, Georgia, where we live. Nathan Burnett filmed and edited the video. It was a gloomy day, and that set the tone well for the song. There was an old, broken-down stage in the middle of the rubble, which was really cool, like everything was ready and waiting for someone to come and play for the broken steel and stone. We found an empty shipping container which served well for the opening scene of the video.
Any fun stories from the video shoot?
Robin: This video shoot went smooth and fast. There was rain hanging in some pretty fat and dark clouds above us, and we could feel it about to break. We hustled through. Right at the end, a fine mist started, and then it opened up on us.
