Hilltop Hoods Return With New Single ‘The Gift’

Hilltop Hoods have shared a new single, ‘The Gift’. The song, released today (February 7th) not only marks their first new music in two years, but also the first taste of their as-yet-untitled ninth studio album. The track sees the Adelaide hip-hop trio collaborate with Darwin newcomer Marlon, who sings the song’s hook. In a press statement, Suffa MC from the group described the song’s subject matter as exploring “the relationship between family and music”.

“I grew up in a house filled with music,” he said. “My dad played guitar and was an avid record collector, my mum was a music teacher and my brothers were musicians. I know that this informed my love of music as a kid, and for me that’s the greatest gift that my family ever gave me.” An accompanying music video has also been shared for the song, directed by the band’s longtime collaborator Richard Coburn, with Suffa describing it as “maybe the most special” of the videos they have made together. “It just has so much heart,” he said.

Coburn, for his part, described the video as a series of “beautiful vignettes that tell the story of the influence of growing up in an environment of music”. “It’s a nostalgic look at how our parents love of music is like a gift that they pass down to their children,” he said.

Hilltop Hoods feat. Marlon – ‘The Gift’

Hilltop Hoods’ ninth album, said to be “nearing completion” and slated for a 2025 release, is the follow-up to 2018’s The Great Expanse. That album became their fifth consecutive record to top the ARIA Albums Chart, tying Silverchair‘s record for an Australian band. It featured the singles ‘Clark Griswold’ (featuring Adrian Eagle), ‘Exit Sign’ (featuring Ecca Vandal and Illy) and ‘Leave Me Lonely’ – all of which achieved multi-platinum certification, with the lattermost peaking at number 11.

Since that album, the group have released four stand-alone singles: The 2020 COVID charity single ‘I’m Good?’, the 2022 single ‘Show Business’ featuring one-hit wonder Eamon, ‘A Whole Day’s Night’ with their ‘1955’ collaborators Montaigne and Tom Thum, and 2023’s ‘Laced Up’. In April, the group will headline the final day of the 2025 Byron Bay Bluesfest on Sunday, April 20th.

Further Reading

Hilltop Hoods’ Suffa On ‘The Great Expanse’ Tour, The ‘Side of Stage’ Initiative & The Albums That Take Him Back To His Teens

Hilltop Hoods’ MC Suffa Talks New Album Guest Features & Why You Won’t Catch Him Hating On Mumble Rap

Hilltop Hoods Lead Bluesfest 2025’s All-Australian Second Announcement