Biography
The seeds of what would become Hills Like White Elephants were sown in 2004 when guitarist Stefan Dehod and vocalist/guitarist Chris Blackmore began jamming and playing local shows in and around Sherwood Park. Blackmore began to develop a new sound and found additional musicians in the form of drummer Mike Kropiniski and bassist Jim Cumming. The foursome crafted songs in a cramped 12' x 12' room in Blackmore's basement and played a single show to friends before Kropiniski and Dehod took time off to live out of a backpack for half a year.

In their absence, Blackmore's song writing took a new direction; one that was darker and held a noticably visceral angst. At this point, Champion City Records emerged and signed the group. Kropiniski and Dehod returned, a band name was chosen, and the group recorded its 4 song self-titled EP. The EP was recorded with label co-founder Eric Cheng (Wash 'N Dry studios) and released in December of 2006.

Following the EP's release the group played numerous shows put on by local promoters Kristin Cheung (Vanity Productions) and Cecil Frena (Push Pins Productions). In their live incarnation the band's line-up has included such additions as Tala Berkes (theremin, vocals), Eric Cheng (trombone), Janet Chung (violin), Doug Hoyer (mandolin, accordian), Blair Drover (trumpet) and Catherine Hiltz (cello). Becoming full time members, Eric Cheng, Janet Chung and Catherine Hiltz added an orchestral element which served as a counterpoint to the often devastating rock wrought by the original four.

Hills Like White Elephants have shared the stage with various bands from across Canada, including The Acorn, Away Rio! Chet, Eisenhauer, Love and Mathematics, Woodpigeon, Storyboard, Jane Vain and had the honour of playing the Sled Island Festival in Calgary during June of 2007. The group finished their second full-length album "Himalaya" and released it on January 19, 2008 at their final show.

The group is currently no longer active.
biography by Mike Kropiniski
edited by Eric Ng