Dave Hillis

Dave Hillis started his career as a 17 year old guitarist for the legendary thrash metal band “MACE.”  In the mid 80’s, they released two LP’s on Enigma Records in the US and Blackdragon Records in Europe.  They were featured on Metalblade Records, “Metal Massacre V” and recognized in the “Thrash-Metal Encyclopedia” and fanzines around the world, as a pioneering force in heavy metal.  To this day, there is still a huge following of this pioneering band.  Led by Dave’s furious guitar work,  they charted in the UK and Japan. Mace later toured with Slayer, Anthrax, Raven, Death Angel, and Testament. 

Dave spent ten years as Chief Engineer, along side legendary producer Rick Parashar, at Seattle’s famed  London Bridge Studios, during the birth of the Grunge Era.  Dave worked as the Engineer on Pearl Jam’s debut album  “Ten” , Assistant Engineer on the Self Titled “Mother Love Bone” album, the movie soundtrack for “Singles”, Alice in Chains, Blind Melon, The Seattle Symphony,  Love On Ice, and many others. 

Dave also continued to create and record his own music. Dave founded the alternative rock group, “Sybil Vane” , and was the guitarist and song writer.  Sybil Vane was signed with both Polydor Records and Island Records. Their song “Sorry” was featured in the movie “Empire Records” , starring actress Liv Tyler.

In 2005, Dave founded,  produced, mixed and engineered the Shoegaze group “Thee Heavenly Music Association” (Rehash Records US, Fierce Panda Records UK) , to much critical acclaim, where he also served as the group’s guitarist and songwriter. During this time, Dave also co-produced the Kevin Martin (Candlebox) solo record “The Possibility Of Being” on Gold Circle Entertainment and worked with comedian, Denis Leary on his live album.  Dave continued playing and  was hired as a live guitarist for Duff McKagen’s (Guns and Roses) band “Loaded”.  While living in London, Dave worked with multi platinum artist James Blunt, on his writing demos for his hugely successful  “Back to Bedlam” album, which included “You’re Beautiful” and, “Good Bye My Lover”. Dave is also credited with working on Britpop star, Chris Gentry’s (Menswear) solo recordings.

Dave currently resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with his wife and daughter.  He is currently working on new music, engineering, producing, participating in public speaking engagements and workshops. He has worked with a wide variety of artists & bands and brings his experience as a seasoned touring rock artist / guitarist and songwriter to the studio.

If you are interested in working with Dave to produce your next single, EP or Album, contact us today to set up your consultation with Dave.

Artists that Dave has Worked with / Produced:

• Pearl Jam
• Alice in Chains
• Afghan Whigs
• Temple of the Dog
• James Blunt
• And more